Youth Leadership
The Youth Leadership program provides the youth with opportunities to acquire the necessary skills to reach their utmost potential as confident and compassionate leaders of tomorrow. The year-round program provides mentorship, empowerment, a focus on social and emotional well being as well as a fun, trusted, and safe space for the youth to connect. We encourage our youth to make long-lasting connections to the community and make a difference in others' lives through mentorship, leadership and support services. Youth involved in the program also receive community service credit for schools, internships, and college applications.
Contact UsYouth Leadership Delegation
Our youth delegation consists of four different leadership opportunities for varied age groups.
Youth Board (9th-11th graders) Youth Advocacy Year-round (9th-12th graders) Youth Council (8th-11th graders) Youth Outreach (6th-7th graders)Each group helps foster leadership skills and encourages community outreach and service while providing a platform and space for youth to put communication and critical thinking skills in practice. Learn more about each program at the links above.
MEET THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR/NAVIGATOR/ADVISORSCamp Bharat
For over 35 years, Camp Bharat has provided a space for children of Indian heritage or those interested in the culture a chance to connect, share experiences, play, develop cultural awareness, and form lifelong friendships.
CAMP 2026 DATES: Tuesday, August 11th - Saturday, August 15th 2026CAMP 2026 REGISTRATION FOR YLP STUDENTS: May 2, 2026 from 9:00am-12:00pm online CAMP 2026 OPEN REGISTRATION: May 16, 2026 from 9:00am-12:00pm online
Registration Information: https://iacswa.org/event/iacs-camp-bharat-2026-registration/ . Due to limited space at camp, registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and is for Washington State Residents only. Ages: Camp is for 9–16 year-olds (exception only for program kids who are 17 year-old) Camp Bharat dates and location: August 11th-15th, 2026 (5 days-4 nights) Camp Location: Fort Worden, Port Townsend. . For Camp Bharat questions, contact: cbylp@iaww.org For Additional Camp 2026 Information: :: https://iacswa.org/event/camp-bharat-2026-august-11-tue-august-15-sat/
Youth Board (YB)
Youth Board is a platform where thirty-two youths from the community (9th-11th graders) collaborate to create a team of leaders who train over the year via various service projects.Registration and Selection
Youth Board is selections based and requires a great amount of time commitment with strict attendance policy. The program offers ongoing leadership opportunities to all its members. YB REGISTRATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS FOR THE 2026-27 PROGRAM YEAR:- Wednesday August 26th at 9:00am and registration will end on Sunday August 30th, 11:59pm. Applications including essays will be due by
-Sunday September 13th, 11:59pm. Interviews will take place October 3rd & 4th. Questions: ylpcoordinator@iaww.org
Registration Information: https://iacswa.org/yb-registrations-2026-2027/
MEET THE YOUTH BOARD LEADERSYouth Advocacy (YA)
Youth Advocacy provides a platform for passionate youth interested in using their voices to address issues that are important and matter to them. YA members have options to apply for a year-round program where they will receive mentoring and participate in leadership opportunities through projects, workshops, presentations, and panels. Requirements for students include attendance to monthly meetings (scheduled on Saturday or Sunday), to organize and attend weekly small group discussion sessions, webinar, workshops as well as community education and information sessions. Over the last 2 years, YAs selected their focus areas to be Racial Equity, Women's Rights, Mental Health, HR Policy, and Climate Change.Registration and Selection:
The selections for the YA year-round program are limited to high schoolers and take place in September.
For the 2026-27 Program Year,
Registration for applications will open at :
9:00am on Tuesday, August 25th and close on Saturday August 29th at 11:59pm.
Essays/Applications will be due by : Monday, September 4th at 11:59pm.
Interviews will take place in person on : September 19th and 20th 2026
Registration Information: https://iacswa.org/event/youth-advocacy-registration//
MEET THE YOUTH ADVOCACY LEADERS
Youth Council (YC)
Youth Council is where a group of 8th through 10th graders come together to explore leadership, mentoring and service opportunities. The program offers leadership roles and YCs also have leadership responsibilities at Camp Bharat (run by YB). YC members receive volunteer service credit for school and college applications.Registration and Selection
Youth Council program registration will take place on Saturday, Oct 10th and is on a first-come; first-serve basis due to limited spotsYouth Outreach (YO)
YO was formed in the 2019/2020 program year to provide a safe and trusted space for 6th and 7th graders to navigate the middle-school years. YOs have the opportunity to gain volunteer hours through workshops and community service projects. These efforts and projects help to provide overall leadership skills for the youth to carry forward as positive influences within their communities.YOs have Leads and Advisors throughout the year who connect with them and provide mentorship.Registration and Selection
YO Registration will take place Sept 26th at 9 am. First-come; first-serve due to limited spotsRegistration Information: https://iacswa.org/yo-registration-2026-27/
My confidence and leadership skills have increased through the program and being surrounded by so many hard-working individuals inspired my desire for a greater work ethic.
