NextGen Learning and Leadership Program
Three Valleys Community Foundation (3VCF) and Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance (TVNPA) collaborate to provide the next generation of nonprofit leaders with mentorship, hands-on experience, and professional networking.
NextGen Learning and Leadership Program
Three Valleys Community Foundation (3VCF) and the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance (TVNPA) recently launched the inaugural NextGen Learning and Leadership Program, an immersive philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and mentorship program designed to empower the next generation of community changemakers.
The program builds on the Young Philanthropist Award launched by 3VCF in 2025 and presented at the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fellowship Breakfast and Awards. More than 49 nominations were received for the inaugural Young Philanthropist award, demonstrating not only the significant contributions from students in our community, but their desire to learn more about philanthropy and nonprofit operations.
Recognizing that opportunity, 3VCF and the Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance joined forces to create and implement the NextGen Learning and Leadership Program. The inaugural class consists of 24 local high school students from throughout region. The six-month cohort will provide the practical knowledge, hands-on experiences, and professional relationships needed to make a lasting impact. A highlight of the program is the 1-1 matching of each student mentee with an experienced nonprofit mentor – allowing for shadowing opportunities and direct assistance.
Whether participants hope to launch a nonprofit, grow existing community initiatives, or simply become more effective civic leaders and volunteers, the program is designed explore nonprofit operations, fundraising, board governance, financial stewardship, strategic partnerships, and leadership development. Grants to help students take their own nonprofit to the next level will also be available.
The 2026 NextGen Learning and Leadership Cohort will conclude with a graduation and recognition ceremony during the annual 3VCF Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Breakfast in January 2027. The 2027 Young Philanthropist Award winner and finalists will also be announced at the breakfast. Nominations for the Young Philanthropist Award will open in November 2026.
Meet the Mentees
The 2026 cohort includes students selected from three groups: nominees for the 2026 3VCF Young Philanthropist Award, Tri-Valley teens who have founded or co-founded their own nonprofit organizations and/or volunteer regularly, and students serving on local Mayor’s Youth Advisory Councils or Youth Commissions.
The students represent 13 high schools across the region, including Livermore, Granada, Amador Valley, Foothill, Dublin, Emerald, San Ramon Valley, Dougherty Valley, Monte Vista, California, The Quarry Lane School, Latitude High School, and Crystal Springs Uplands School.
2026 Student Mentees:
Aashi Sharma
Aayush Bhasin
Alice Li
Arshia Jain
Caroline Malone
Cody Atkins
Dylan Chandran
Gabrielle Reggans
Jayden Bawa
Kashvi Jain
Krishiv Agrawal
Kruti Kunamneni
Milana Klets
Milo Takemoto
Nyasa Gupta
Olivia Baruch
Pareena Gupta
Sahasra Talasila
Shanaya Puri
Sheeksha Venkat
Soha Guller
Tanmayi Parepalli
Vikram Vemuri
Zayan Kajani
Meet the Mentors
Our thanks to these nonprofit leaders and organizations who have graciously volunteered to mentor the 2026 student cohort over a six-month period.
2026 Nonprofit Mentors:
APAPA Tri-Valley
Axis Community Health
CityServe of the Tri-Valley
MAC Associates
Go Green Initiative
Goodness Village
Innovation Tri-Valley
Justice at Last
Livermore Lab Foundation
Livermore Valley Arts
Las Positas College Foundation
Mom Relaunch Foundation
Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation
Open Heart Kitchen
Pedrozzi Foundation
Quest Science Center
Set to Thrive
Susan Hayes Consulting
Three Valleys Community Foundation
Tri-Valley Conservancy
Tri-Valley Haven
Tri-Valley REACH
Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance
Valley Humane Society
“The Tri-Valley is full of young people who are already leading change in their communities. The NextGen Cohort gives them the mentorship, tools, and relationships to turn that early passion into lasting impact. We are proud to invest in the next generation of philanthropists and community leaders.”
“Great nonprofit leaders are not born knowing how to raise money, build partnerships, or run an organization. Through hands-on workshops and one-on-one mentorship, we are giving these students a real look at how the sector works and connecting them with people who can help them grow.”
Help us support the next generation of philanthropy and nonprofit leaders by making a donation to 3VCF’s NextGen Fund:
NextGen swag is also available! Visit the 3VCF store!
