2025-2026 YRC Fellows
2026 Youth Research Council
The Youth Research Council (YRC) conducts research for positive impact in Northern Virginia communities, schools, school districts, government, and local and regional organizations. The YRC advises university faculty and students on how to conduct research that centers the expertise and experiences of youth. Our work takes an explicitly anti-racist, inclusive stance. Be part of the change you seek! The Youth Research Council is a partnership of the GMU Center for Social Science Research, GMU Early Identification Program, and Johns Hopkins University School of Education Everyone Graduates Center, University of the District of Columbia, and Georgetown University School of Medicine.
2026 YRC Selection Process Updates
Thank you to everyone who submitted an application for the 2026 Youth Research Council. The application review process is underway. Outcomes from the application process will be communicated in December 2025.
The YRC will convene in January 2026 and meet through May 2026.
2026 YRC Leadership
At the YRC, leadership is shared. We believe those closest to the work should shape it. Each year, returning Fellows can choose to serve on our Leadership Board, ensuring that youth voices lead every step of our research and impact.
YRC Leadership Board:
- Ahmad Sargand, Justice High School, Fairfax County
- Aryan Rathour, McLean High School, Fairfax County
- Berlyn Gonzales, Manassas Park High School, Manassas Park City
- Damanika Ravi, Fairfax High School, Fairfax County
- Duchmaa Ariunbold, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Fairfax County
- Kayla Nkwe, Brentsville District High School, Prince William County
- Victoria Ingram, Osbourn High School, Manassas City
Undergraduate Research Mentors:
- Anya Dutta, American University
- Sara Martah, Harvard University
- Widad Khalid, Virginia Tech