We formally launched under the Silicon Valley Fellows name in 2025 — but the movement began earlier. In 2023, our founder noticed a lack of opportunities in her local school system for students to explore creativity in meaningful ways.

That concern sparked a student-led Mission that led to the creation of Bluebird Poems (www.bluebirdpoems.com) — a grassroots program that has since helped over 50 elementary students build confidence, creativity, and communication through poetry.

"The narrative around poetry in schools is fundamentally flawed. We want to change that. We will bring a sense of community among those who are struggling with mental health and yearning to unleash their poet’s voice”

That first mission planted the seed for what would grow into Silicon Valley Fellows.

No, we are not a 501(c)(3), nor do we intend to become one. Silicon Valley Fellows is a grassroots, youth-powered initiative designed to remain agile, mission-focused, and community-driven. Rather than building a formal non-profit structure — which often brings administrative complexity and fundraising obligations — we’ve chosen to stay lean and focused on impact.

Our goal is to act as a bridge between public institutions, non-profits, and civic-minded youth by providing a systematic, meaningful way for students to engage with real-world issues. We don’t raise money, and we believe our model is a test of organic commitment, creativity, and resilience — sustained by purpose, not paperwork.

That said, we welcome in-kind support, partnerships, and collaboration with organizations that share our vision of youth-led civic innovation.

At Silicon Valley Fellows, you're more than a participant. You are a part of something bigger.

We use the word “Fellow” because it signals and reminds us of a greater purpose, growth, and contribution. Fellows explore real civic challenges, work in teams, and build ideas designed for impact … not just theory.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need curiosity, courage, and the mindset to lead before you’re asked.

Fellow = Learner + Builder + Changemaker.

There’s no fee to join—and no payment offered. This is a grassroots, volunteer-driven movement powered by students who care about the world around them. The only investment required is your time, energy, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

This is a participatory, action-oriented experience. SVF is not a passive club or lecture series. Every Mission leads to a tangible outcome: a policy brief, a creative campaign, or a community insight report. You’ll be expected to contribute, collaborate, and help shape real solutions.

Silicon Valley Fellows is open to middle and high school students who are curious, committed, and ready to make a difference. You don’t need prior experience — just a willingness to listen, learn, and lead. Some Missions may involve local context, but students from any school or district can apply.

Not at all. What matters most is your curiosity, commitment, and desire to make an impact. Missions balance aspiration with practicality, and while some may involve research or data, we’ll provide grounding sessions and guidance along the way. If you're willing to learn and contribute, you're ready.

Missions typically run for 6–8 weeks, with flexible schedules shaped by the team. Expect to spend 2–4 hours per week, including meetings, interviews, research, or creative work. We’ll provide structure, coaching and guidance but the energy comes from you.

All Fellows receive a grounding session at the start, access to a coach or mentor, and a clear milestone or deliverable at the end—such as presenting findings to a public body, publishing a brief, or sharing insights at a community forum. You won’t be doing this alone.

Silicon Valley Fellows has the support of many elected and appointed civic leaders, but this is an independent, student-led initiative. We are proudly grassroots—reflecting the civic spirit of California’s history.

We foster thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue grounded in civic responsibility, intellectual curiosity, and democratic values. Our goal is to bring clarity and nuanced perspectives to the table, not amplify divisive or negative rhetoric.

There are no formal credits or transcripts issued at this time. What you’ll gain is more powerful: real-world experience, published work, public speaking opportunities, and a chance to make your voice count in shaping public conversations.

Yes! We’d love that. Silicon Valley Fellows is designed as a flexible, student-powered model that can be adapted locally while maintaining its core values: civic curiosity, collaborative missions, and constructive public impact. If you’re a student, educator, or community leader interested in launching a local chapter or mission, reach out to us. We’ll help you get started with the orientation, toolkit, and support needed to bring the spirit of SVF to your community.

Yes. Every mission culminates in a public output — whether it’s a policy brief, insight report, creative exhibit, or presentation to civic leaders. Fellows are credited for their contributions, and outstanding work may be featured on our website, social media, or submitted to public agencies.

You’ll become part of the Silicon Valley Fellows Collective, with opportunities to mentor future Missions, contribute to new Missions, or help expand the movement.

Fellows may go on to propose their own Key Questions, speak at events, or co-lead the launch of new civic initiatives.

We do not accept or promote:

- Inflammatory language and personal attacks

- Emotionally charged accusations that distort or oversimplify

- Conspiratorial framing not grounded in verifiable evidence

- Ideologically polarizing commentary or sweeping generalizations

Any approach that hinders understanding and distracts from developing solutions will not be welcome.

We ask that all participants focus on first principles, taking a human-centered approach that goes beyond labels, boundaries and biases. Focus on policy impacts, practical implementation, and sustainable outcomes. Recognize that the differences in our perspectives are what make us stronger, avoid “us vs. them” framing that deepen possible fault lines.

Yes — with integrity and purpose. We welcome diverse views, but they must be expressed constructively and respectfully. Focus on moving towards win-win solutions, not ‘scoring points’. We recognize that language by definition comes with emotion, so do bring your authentic self that is driven to inform, uplift and inspire action! Our mission is to help youth find their leadership voice and create impact, not build more echo chambers or battlegrounds.