National Junior Board
Nurturing the Next Generation of Arts Leaders
About the Program
The Arts India US National Junior Board is a selective, year-long leadership opportunity for students who are deeply engaged in Indian classical music or dance and want to contribute to this realm beyond their individual practice. Designed for current 8th–11th graders, this program mirrors the experience of serving on a real nonprofit board—offering exposure to governance, strategy, fundraising, and field-level thinking within a national arts organization.
Junior Board members serve as advisors to Arts India US, helping the organization reflect on its programs, outreach, and long-term direction, while learning firsthand how cultural institutions operate and sustain themselves. This is not a class or a club. It is a rare opportunity to participate in national-level leadership while helping shape the future of Indian classical arts in the United States. Chosen Board Members may be invited to renew their position until they graduate from high school.
Applications Due April 15, 2026
Why a Junior Board?
Indian classical artists often spend thousands of hours developing discipline, mastery, and depth. Yet few opportunities exist for young artists to step back and think systemically—about audiences, institutions, access, relevance, and sustainability.
The National Junior Board exists to fill that gap.
In doing so, students become torchbearers for the future of Indian classical arts in America—artists who understand not only how to practice tradition, but how to steward it forward.
Junior Board members are invited to:
Think
at a macro level about the Indian classical arts ecosystem
Contribute
insight and perspective to a national organization
Learn
how arts organizations make decisions, raise funds, and build impact
Develop
leadership experience that goes well beyond performance
What the Experience Looks Like
Junior Board members serve a one-year term, with an invitation to renew their term until they graduate high school, and participate in:
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Four full Junior Board meetings (quarterly, 90 minutes each over Zoom)
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These meetings simulate real board sessions, including organizational updates, strategic discussion, and advisory input.
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Four committee meetings (one per quarter, 60 minutes each over Zoom)
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Members serve on one committee for the year, allowing for deeper engagement in a focused area.
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All meetings are held on Zoom and are led by Arts India US staff in the first year, ensuring a structured, professional experience.
Committees may include:
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Programs & Artist Support
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Outreach & Engagement
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Development (Fundraising)
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Future Directions for the Field
Responsibility & Leadership
Just like a real board, Junior Board members take on responsibility.
Each member commits to a minimum annual fundraising contribution of $500 (raised or personally contributed), gaining early experience in arts philanthropy and stewardship. Fundraising is supported through shared tools, guidance, and peer learning—no cold calling or high-pressure tactics.
Students who demonstrate exceptional initiative within their committees may earn leadership roles, such as:
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Junior Board Chair or Vice Chair
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Committee Chair
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Regional Director (Fundraising)
These roles are earned, not assigned, and reflect genuine contribution and leadership.
What This Opportunity Offers
Serving on the Arts India US National Junior Board offers students something increasingly rare:
credible national leadership tied to a real institution.
Students leave with:
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Board-level leadership experience
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Exposure to nonprofit governance and fundraising
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A clear narrative of impact beyond personal achievement
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Language to articulate their role thoughtfully in college applications and interviews
As a gesture of appreciation, Arts India US will also offer a college-focused consult to each Junior Board member when they reach their senior year. This may take the form of:
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Guidance on positioning arts leadership and board service, or
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Targeted feedback on an essay or activities framing related to their work
(This is not comprehensive college counseling, but a meaningful, personalized consult grounded in Arts India US’s expertise in translating artistic rigor and leadership.)
Who Should Apply?
The National Junior Board is designed for students who:
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Are current 8th–11th graders
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Have sustained training in Indian classical music or dance and/or have tangibly shown interest/involvement in Indian classical arts in some way
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Are curious about leadership, institutions, and impact
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Want to contribute to advancing these art forms at a national level
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Are ready to take responsibility—not just participate
We welcome applicants across traditions, geographies, and backgrounds.
Selection & Commitment
The National Junior Board is application-based and selective. The Cohort size of 30 members is intentionally limited to preserve the quality of discussion and experience.
This is a meaningful commitment, but one designed to be manageable alongside school and artistic training. Students who are selected should expect a professional, respectful, and intellectually engaging experience.
If selected, students will be invited to help shape not only Arts India US—but the future of Indian classical arts in America.