Arlington Youth Philanthropy Initiative (AYPI)

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Local Impact.
For Students.

By Students.

Through the Arlington Youth Philanthropy Initiative (AYPI), local high school students step into leadership roles as grantmakers, fundraisers, and community builders. Guided by mentors and fueled by their own vision, the Youth Board awards grants to peer-led projects that create meaningful impact in Arlington. At the heart of their work is The Fund for Youth Philanthropy, which sustains and grows this one-of-a-kind, youth-driven effort.

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“Through AYPI, I understood the importance of students becoming involved with philanthropy and growing to be impatient optimists.”

Amina Luvsanchultem, Former AYPI Chair

That phrase captures what AYPI makes possible: Arlington high school students stepping into leadership without waiting for “someday.”

As grantmakers and fundraisers, they’ve backed projects like The Brief Dive, a student-created podcast on teen mental health; the WL Victory Garden, which donates fresh produce to local food banks; SEEK, bringing STEM access to kids; and Art for Patient Development, where students design art programs for children with chronic illness.

Even projects not yet funded receive feedback to make them stronger, so every student leaves better equipped to lead and fuel real impact right here in Arlington.

Are you an Arlington high schooler? AYPI is currently accepting Committee and Board Member applications for the 2025-2026 school year! Click here to learn more and apply by Sept. 25, and contact AYPI at any time using the buttons below.

E-mail AYPI

Follow AYPI on Instagram

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A Deeper Dive into AYPI’s Recent Impact

2021: AYPI in Motion

Spirit of Community Awards Video

Shown during Arlington Community Foundation’s annual Spirit of Community event, this video highlights a few of AYPI’s 2021 projects including a college application workshop for students, and interviews with other students about issues of race that AYPI plans to make into a podcast.

Watch on YouTube

2022: Year-in-Review

By Amina Luvsanchultem

AYPI’s 2021–22 Youth Board rallied through the pandemic to fund four peer-led projects—including a mental-health podcast, community garden, IDD-support fashion show, and bike-light initiative—while also launching a Youth Summit, refining strategy, and mentoring future proposals.

Read Amina’s 2022 Review

2024: Year-in-Review

By Sara Ahmad

AYPI’s 2023–24 Youth Board funded three peer-led projects—Art for Patient Development, SEEK, and Charity Basket Club. They raised over $1,000 via a Holiday Bazaar, presented to the WL PTA, enhanced social outreach, and advanced strategic planning.

Read Sara’s 2024 Review

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How To Get Involved with AYPI: