Youth Civic Impact Fellowship Reflection

Serving as one of the inaugural Fellows in the Youth Civic Impact Fellowship (YCIF) with the Institute for Citizens & Scholars has been one of the most transformative experiences of my (Siyaa Poddar's) journey with Water the Roots. The program brought together ten youth leaders from across the country, offering mentorship, resources, and a $3,000 grant to support civic projects aimed at creating local change. Through expert coaching, peer learning, and dedicated support, we refined our leadership skills while working on the issues closest to our communities.

I was incredibly fortunate to be paired with Pragya Upreti as my mentor. Her insight, encouragement, and guidance helped me push through early challenges and clarify the long-term vision for Water the Roots. At the start, it was difficult to establish a high school-led initiative in a larger community, and I doubted Water the Roots' ability to grow. But with Pragya’s support, I learned about the importance of relying on my community and partnered with my co-founder, Chloe Kim, were we built a program that now serves multiple schools and continues to grow.

The YCIF stipend fully funds Water the Roots, allowing us to purchase materials, expand programming, and bring sustainability-based education into classrooms that wouldn’t otherwise have access. Beyond funding, this Fellowship gave me the tools to engage my community, rely on existing support systems, and grow as a civic leader. The other Fellows also inspired me every step of the way, always offering advice and suggestions regarding what has worked for them when building their independent programs.

Thank you to the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, my mentor Pragya Upreti, and everyone involved in the Youth Civic Impact Fellowship for believing in me, supporting Water the Roots, and empowering young people to lead with purpose. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and the lasting impact it has had on Water the Roots!

Learn more about the Institue for Citizens & Scholars here!

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