Applying for MCC's Youth Advisory Board: Advice from current members
Here at Making Caring Common, we see and hear stories about students from all across the country who are doing incredible work to create more caring and empathetic relationships in their schools and communities. Maybe you are one of those students! We wondered … what would it be like if those students were able to join together, across time zones, to collaborate and create change together?
We hope that through our Youth Advisory Board, high school students can not only connect with other like-minded peers to discuss issues that are important to them, but also receive guidance and support from the Making Caring Common team to help make their visions a reality. Together, we hope to make schools more caring communities for all students!
For students who are already leading efforts within their schools and communities and are interested in doing more, we invite you to apply for the Youth Advisory Board of Making Caring Common, a program of the Harvard Graduate School of Education! The Making Caring Common’s YAB is an opportunity for 25-30 high schoolers from around the country to work together to:
Advise Making Caring Common projects/research and provide a youth perspective.
Build programs together around building empathy in young people.
Develop their leadership skills to continue inspiring their peers and community members to action!
We invite you to apply for the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Board! This page provides information about the YAB and access to the application.
Advice from Current Members
If you’re weighing whether or not to apply or considering what to include in your application responses, our current YAB members have some advice for you!
Why do you think young people should apply for the YAB?
“It is an opportunity to cause change in the world big or small, personal or distant, and in a way that spans what would normally be barriers because you have the backing of a whole Harvard-based team.” - Destry S.
“People should apply to YAB to maximize their impact in their communities.” - Josue P.
“Anyone interested in making the world a better place, interpersonally, should apply to YAB. They can truly feel a part of decision-making and strategy that are essential to encouraging kindness, inspiring action, and motivating other young people to live their lives with the world in mind.” - Ryan L.
“Being on the Youth Advisory Board has been a meaningful experience where youth voices are truly valued. It’s an incredible opportunity to collaborate with passionate peers worldwide, work on impactful projects, and grow as a leader while contributing to something greater than yourself.” - Sreeja S.
There are two main reasons why young people should apply for the YAB. First, it teaches social responsibility and how to make a meaningful impact in your community, addressing issues like gender-based violence, political polarization, and public hostility toward immigrants. Many teens don't want to sit idle as they see the many problems in our country, however, we don’t always have a roadmap on how to make a real, meaningful impact. Joining the MCC YAB provides the tools to use your voice and take initiative. Secondly, applying for the Harvard YAB promotes personal growth by helping you develop leadership and communication skills. Whether your focus is on mental health, climate change, or racial equity, this experience will empower you to create real change. - Riya J
“The YAB is a chance to truly delve into a topic of your choice within the sphere of social justice and compassion. People who have a specific focus in mind or are simply interested in the field in general are guaranteed to learn a lot and have a great time!” - Madelyn Q.
What advice do you have for someone working on their YAB application right now?
“Don't tell half-truths about who you are because you think it is what the Making Caring Common team wants to hear. Tell them about who you are and your true passions because the power of the YAB comes from diverse perspectives that work together to achieve goals larger than the sum of their parts.” - Destry S.
“For someone who is working on their YAB application as of now, it is important that you reflect on your passions and what is important to you, so you can come up with an initiative that best represents you.” - Josue P
“If you're working on your YAB application right now, just remember that what you are really doing is offering your unique perspective and voice to the team. I guarantee that what you know about yourself and the world is valuable and all you have to do is share that knowledge in your application.” - Ryan L.
“Share what genuinely interests you and how you've explored it in your community or school. Let your experiences highlight the unique perspective you’d bring to the board. Your passion is what will make you stand out. Good luck!” - Sreeja S.
Congratulations on applying for the Youth Advisory Board (YAB)! By stepping beyond your schoolwork, you are showing a deep commitment to your community and a desire to make a difference. My advice is to speak your truth confidently and share your opinions on issues that matter to you. Participating in the YAB will expose you to diverse viewpoints and inspire you to launch impactful projects. You'll also develop valuable communication and collaboration skills by exchanging ideas with fellow members. Our voices are important, and too often, youth are not included in discussions about social issues. The MCC YAB aims to change that by giving teens a seat at the table. Put your heart and soul into the YAB application. It is well worth your time! - Riya J.
“Let your sincerity shine through. It’s not always about how much you’ve done or accomplished, but rather your vision for what you hope to see in the world. Good luck!” - Madelyn Q.
We hope that you will apply for the Youth Advisory Board to work alongside all of us at Making Caring Common to make schools more caring and respectful places.
