Youth Ambassador Program
Youth Ambassador Program
Hi there! We are the Youth Ambassadors of Akshaya Patra. We are a group of dynamic, creative, and thoughtful young people, determined to make a difference in this world through our awareness and fundraising initiatives.
By joining our team, you will be giving back to our heritage and culture in such an impactful way with the gift of a meal. Become the voice of those children of India here in the US by spotlighting our cause in our local communities. Click below to join!
***Eligibility for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is currently on a pause as decided by AmeriCorps, effective May 2025. YAs will also have the opportunity to receive the AP Volunteer Service Award (APVSA) which recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to raise funds, foster creativity, engage with diverse audiences, and broaden networks to further AP’s mission.***
To enroll in the 2026 YA program, click below and fill out the form. All current 2025 ambassadors need to re-enroll as well: closes Jan 31st, 2026.
What Do Youth Ambassadors Do?
- Plan and organize awareness and fundraising events.
- Conceptualize, create, film, and edit content for our Akshaya Patra social channels
- Write an essay or blog connected with your work as a YA or about Akshaya Patra. We will select and publish a new essay on our website each month
- Run an online fundraising campaign for your birthday where friends and family can donate.
- Participate in YA activities organized by Akshaya Patra.
- Get nominated for the Presidential Volunteer Award.
Benefits of the Youth Ambassadors Program
References and recommendations for colleges, internships & job opportunities
Community service hours for school and extracurricular programs.
Recognition on our website, social media and newsletters.
Develop leadership, creative, and professional skills.
Mentorship possibilities in areas of business, arts, science, and social and cultural self improvement.
Speak About and represent Akshaya Patra at public events.
Visit to an Akshaya Patra kitchen & school in India.
Building creative skills and learn about video production by joining our social media content team.
Eligibility For Youth Ambassadors
Anyone between the ages of 8 – 25 are eligible to apply for the Youth Ambassador program. A parent or guardian is required to sign a consent form for anyone 18 years or under.
Voice of Our Youth Ambassadors
Empowering Tomorrow’s Change Makers
Ruta Sirdeshmukh & Mihir Bapat
Youth Ambassadors of Akshaya Patra San Diego
This summer, we had the privilege of helping lead a community-driven Summer Camp Project aimed at making a real difference. It was truly a meaningful experience that connected youth leaders, engaged local families, and most importantly, supported the mission of feeding underprivileged children.
Click to read the full Summer Camp 2025 story
Youth Coordinators
Austin
- Ruchi Gagrani – ruchi@gagrani.com
- Bharath Pissay – bharathpissay@yahoo.com
Bakersfield
- Archana Singh – archanasingh2720@gmail.com
Bay Area
- Manjusha Joshi – mssathye@gmail.com
Boston
- Venkat Kolluri – vkolluri@cidewalk.com
- Neena Grover – neenagrover@comcast.net
Buffalo
- Sonali Chadha – sonali4334@gmail.com
Chicago
- Anubha Panchal – bastula@yahoo.com
Colorado
- Nirav Shah – niravnshah999@gmail.com
Dallas-Fort Worth
- Sapna Lall – sapnalall@yahoo.com
- Rajiv Vellore – rajiv.vellore@gmail.com
Georgia
- Sridhar Penumetcha – spenume@us.ibm.com
Houston
- Ashokkumar Shah – ashok3103@gmail.com
- Ekta Sagar – ekta20@gmail.com
- Ashish Mehta – realtorashish832@gmail.com
Kansas
- Shanthy Vinjimoor – shanthy.tv@gmail.com
- Deepali Mahabaleshwarkar – tejas_simran@hotmail.com
Las Vegas
- Garima Bhardwaj – garima_tiwari@yahoo.com
Los Angeles
- Ami Veeravalli – ami.veeravalli@gmail.com
- Mehul Kumar – mehul@pacegl.com
- Meera Mody – meeramody3@gmail.com
Maryland
- Rajiv Jain – jain.rajiv@icloud.com
Miami-South Florida
- Kavitha Kanuri – kanurikavitha@gmail.com
Michigan
- Sampath Prahlad – sampath.prahlad@gmail.com
Minnesota
- Mona Laghuvaram – mona_803@hotmail.com
Nashville
- Surendra Ramanna – sramanna@trcww.com
New Jersey
- Mohan Kumar – hcmohan@gmail.com
- Naveen Sarda – naveensarda@gmail.com
Oklahoma
- Veeranjaneyulu Reddy Birasam – bvreddy@gmail.com
Orlando
- Anjan Mehta – anjan78@gmail.com
- Ameeta Mehta – ameeta82@gmail.com
Phoenix
- Smita Papadkar – papadkarsmita@gmail.com
Portland
- Chandrika Nimmagadda – chandrika.nimmagadda@gmail.com
- Padma Sethuraman – padmaji@gmail.com
San Diego
- Anitha Yella – malluanitha@gmail.com
- Sonali Chandorkar – sonalichandorkar@yahoo.com
Seattle
- Sharmil Mehta – mehta.sharmil6@gmail.com
West Florida
- Dilip Mehta – mehta34684@gmail.com
- Snehal Parikh – snehparikh@aol.com
FAQ's
Why does Akshaya Patra need volunteers?
As a non-profit organization, we rely on volunteers to help raise awareness and support for Akshaya Patra. By keeping our operational costs low, we can focus on our mission of feeding millions of children in India. Volunteers play a crucial role in expanding our reach and impact.
What is the age requirement for volunteers?
Our Youth Ambassadors range in age from 8 to 25 years old.
Is there an onboarding process for Youth Ambassadors?
Yes. We are developing a structured onboarding system to help Youth Ambassadors understand Akshaya Patra’s mission and their role. Currently, once you sign up on our website, you will be connected with a Youth Coordinator in your area who will guide you, answer questions, and help you integrate into local activities and events.
Can Youth Ambassadors earn volunteer hours through Akshaya Patra?
Yes. Any time spent organizing events and participating in activities can be counted toward school volunteering hours.
Does Akshaya Patra provide a certificate for volunteers?
Yes. Youth Coordinators can request a certificate on behalf of volunteers by contacting swati@apusa.org or yappies@apusa.org.
Do Youth Ambassadors receive a certificate after a specific number of volunteer hours?
Yes. After one year of active volunteering with Akshaya Patra, Youth Ambassadors receive a certificate in recognition of their service.
Will Youth Ambassadors receive guidance on raising awareness and fundraising?
Yes. We offer monthly activities that Youth Ambassadors can participate in, along with guidance from Youth Coordinators for any awareness or fundraising initiatives they wish to pursue.
Can Youth Ambassadors request a recommendation letter for college applications?
Yes. Ambassadors who have actively participated in fundraising and awareness projects may request a Letter of Recommendation through their Youth Coordinator.
Is fundraising mandatory to be part of Akshaya Patra’s Youth Ambassador program?
No. While fundraising is encouraged, Youth Ambassadors can also contribute by spreading awareness about Akshaya Patra’s mission.
Can Youth Ambassadors volunteer at Akshaya Patra kitchens and schools in India?
Yes. If you are traveling to India, inform us in advance so we can connect you with our team. Akshaya Patra has 75 kitchens across 16 states in India, and we can facilitate volunteering opportunities at these locations.
How much time commitment is expected from a Youth Ambassador each month?
The time commitment is flexible, depending on your availability. However, to be actively involved, we recommend dedicating at least 4-5 hours per month for meetings and event planning.
Can a Youth Ambassador create a personal fundraising page?
Yes. You can create your personal fundraising page using the following link: Fundraising Page
Can a Youth Ambassador start an Akshaya Patra chapter at their school?
Yes! Students in grades 6-12 need a parent supervisor to start a chapter. College students are encouraged to establish a chapter at their university. We are developing a structured program for college ambassadors and welcome collaboration to enhance this initiative.
Does Akshaya Patra nominate Youth Ambassadors for the President's Volunteer Service Award?
Yes! You have to submit your details by the end of the year to be considered for the nomination.
