Feed a child. Grow a leader.
Young people across the country raising awareness and funds to feed children in India. A few hours a month, and we build the rest together.
Akshaya Patra runs the world's largest NGO-led school meal program. A warm lunch gives children a reason to come to school and the energy to learn once they are there.
What do Youth Ambassadors do?
Ambassadors take on real responsibility for our awareness and fundraising work. No task is too small or too big.
Volunteer at eventsHelp coordinate and take part in the chapter events happening near you.
Create your own fundraising eventsCome up with the idea and run it yourself. A birthday fundraiser, a community booth, a picnic, a camp, or a game day all count, and your Youth Coordinator helps you pull it off.
Spread awarenessPost flyers, then create and share social content for Akshaya Patra.
FundraiseLaunch a peer-to-peer campaign, your own online fundraising page that you share with friends and family.
Tell the storyWrite a blog post about your work as an ambassador and see it published on our website.
Build the movementRecruit other ambassadors, or start an Akshaya Patra club at your school or university.
Earn the APVSAComplete activities across the year to earn the Akshaya Patra Volunteer Service Award.
A few hours a month. A lot in return.
Ambassadors, known as Yappies, are young people ages 8 to 25 working through their local chapters. Here is what every one of them takes away.
Every ambassador earns
No levels or conditions attached to these.
- Community service hours for school
- A personalized Letter of Recommendation
- The Akshaya Patra Volunteer Service Award certificate
- Recognition on our website, socials, and newsletters
- Mentorship in business, arts, and science
- A chance to visit an Akshaya Patra kitchen and school in India
Roots and heritage
A living link to where their family comes from. They help feed India's children themselves.
A heart for giving
Generosity becomes a habit. They raise funds, plan events, and see the impact of their own effort firsthand.
Skills for life
Leadership, public speaking, fundraising, content creation, and teamwork. The skills colleges and employers want.
Doors that open
A Letter of Recommendation, service hours, and a recognized award that strengthen every college and job application.
That is the whole exchange: a few hours a month, and all of the above.
Apply now“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 engaged local families and, most importantly, supported the mission of feeding underprivileged children.”
Four steps, and none of them alone
Joining is free and takes a few minutes. Here is what happens after you send the form.
Apply online
Fill out the form below. A parent or guardian signs the consent form for anyone under 18.
Get connected
Once approved, we add you to your chapter and national WhatsApp groups.
Meet your coordinator
Your Youth Coordinator welcomes you and explains what is happening locally.
Start making an impact
Volunteer at events and launch your peer-to-peer campaign.
Who can apply, and what it costs
Anyone aged 8 to 25. Joining is free. A parent or guardian signs a consent form for anyone under 18, and a local Youth Coordinator supports your child the whole way.
Your Youth Coordinator
A volunteer on your local chapter team. They are your first point of contact for questions, events, and ideas, and the person who loops you into chapter calls.
The national team
Our corporate team runs the program nationally and hosts regular virtual youth meetings across all chapters.
Build your way to the APVSA
The Akshaya Patra Volunteer Service Award starts with two requirements every ambassador completes. Beyond that, you choose. Tick the activities you would take on and watch where you land.
Be available for your chapter's events
Show up for the community events your local chapter runs through the year.
Create and launch a peer-to-peer campaign
Set up your own online fundraising page and share it with friends and family.
Both are required for either award level. There is no minimum you have to raise through your campaign.
Fuel the mission
Fundraising · any one counts as your fundraiserSpread the word
AwarenessGrow the movement
Reach and recruitmentLead and create
Leadership and skillsactivities chosen
Pick 3 activities to reach Silver.
- Both requirements completed
- 3 activities chosen → Silver
- 6 activities chosen → Gold
- At least one fundraiser included
Nothing is submitted. Download the PDF any time, with or without ticking anything.
Gold Medalist
Both requirements plus any 6 of the 15 activities, including at least one fundraiser.
- Personalized Letter of Recommendation
- Featured spotlight across our channels
- Priority for an India visit
Silver Medalist
Both requirements plus any 3 of the 15 activities.
- Letter of Recommendation
- Community service hours
- Recognition on our channels
The APVSA is awarded by Akshaya Patra USA in recognition of volunteer service. Your Youth Coordinator tracks your activities through the year and submits you for the award.
Your first year of activities starts the day you join.
Apply nowFind your Youth Coordinator
Your coordinator is the volunteer who gets you started, answers questions, and loops you into chapter events.
No chapter matches that search. Try a different city, or email us and we will point you to your nearest chapter.
Become a Youth Ambassador
Joining is free and takes just a few minutes. A parent or guardian completes the consent section for anyone under 18.
Questions before you apply? Email youth@apusa.org or contact your local Youth Coordinator above.
Youth Ambassador FAQs
What ambassadors and parents ask us most.
What is the age requirement?
Is there a cost to join?
What does an ambassador have to commit to?
What is the APVSA?
Is there an onboarding process?
Can activity hours count toward school service hours?
Can Youth Ambassadors request a recommendation letter?
Is fundraising mandatory?
How do I create my fundraising page?
Will Youth Ambassadors get guidance on fundraising?
How much time is expected each month?
Can an ambassador start an Akshaya Patra club at their school?
Can Youth Ambassadors visit kitchens in India?
Who do I contact with questions?
Already an ambassador?
Your peer-to-peer campaign is one of the two requirements. Set up your page and start sharing it with friends and family.
Become a voice for millions of children.
A few hours a month. A willing heart. The rest, we build together. Join a nationwide team of young people giving the gift of a meal.
