Youth Leadership

Youth are the future! We amplify AANHPI youth voices, empowering youth of all ages to drive equitable social change through mentorship, community-driven organizing, hands-on workshops, campus engagement, and more. Our key programs include our Youth Leadership Internship, AANHPI Youth Leaders Fellowship, and Youth Climate and Connection Camp.

Youth Leadership Internship Program

From outreach and education to supporting key campaigns and programs, our youth interns work across departments to gain hands-on experience in organizing, climate justice, youth leadership, membership, and more. Our Youth Interns strive to build community power alongside their peers and make a positive difference in our communities.

Through this paid semester-long program, interns participate in monthly cohort meetings, contribute to department meetings, lead voter registration efforts, and develop invaluable professional and interpersonal skills.

Hear what Our Youth Interns Say about their experience:

“The impact the internship had on me was so immense, it has ripples. Not only was I enriched by gaining skills in project organization, event planning, communication, public speaking, and presenting, but I was able to make a real difference in Arizona.”

JohannaYouth Outreach and Advocacy Intern

“This internship was my introduction and first experience in organizing, so I've learned volumes about the fundamentals of advocacy, community engagement, and how to practically implement events and communication campaigns.”

SruthiCommunications and Environmental Health Intern

“I learned so much, but what comes to mind are interpersonal skills and can-do attitude. I was able to focus on my professional development through 1x1s, where I was able to focus directly on how to improve myself and learn how to build out my goals myself.”

AryaSocial Media and Communications Intern

“From going to voting rights conferences in Maryland to connecting with the AANHPI community in Arizona, my internship showed me the true power of community building.”

VyPublic Policy Research Intern

2026 Intern-Led Events!

AANHPI Youth Leaders Fellowship

Each summer, our newest cohort of youth fellows embark on a 10-week journey together, diving deep into the world of planning, organizing, and advocacy. Fellows receive a stipend upon completing their fellowship.

From engaging in weekly workshops (including Story of Self, AANHPI history, digital organizing, and a tour of the Arizona State Capitol) to completing their Community Action Projects, fellows develop key skills to lead change in their communities.

2026 Community Action Projects!

Community Action Projects are the cornerstone of our AANHPI Youth Leaders Fellowship, providing youth with the hands-on opportunity to explore and organize around an advocacy topic they are passionate about. Fellows are placed into groups based on their advocacy interest, given a budget, and are tasked with planning, organizing, and leading a Community Action Project from start to finish.

Below is a recap of our 2026 Community Action Projects, with topics centering LGBTQA+ History and Rights, Immigration and Know Your Rights, Climate Heat Relief, Mutual Aid and Houselessness, and AANHPI History and Pride.

Students for Equity Groups

We sponsor and mentor Students for Equity Groups (SFE) on high school and college campuses. AZ AANHPI for Equity provides support for student organizing, planning and supplies for social advocacy on campus.

We currently work with AVA at Arizona State University and AVA at Arizona College Prep Academy.

Youth Climate and Connection Camp

Our annual camp is a collaboration between our Climate Justice and Youth Leadership programs, where elementary and middle-school students gather for a weekend to discover how connecting to our natural world is healing and vital for human existence. Together we facilitate hands-on art activities, campfire and nature storytelling, morning meditation sessions, team building activities such as archery and rope climbing, and lead youth through our Intro to Climate 101 workshop.

Youth Leadership