Shanti Bhavan Student Alliance (SBSA)

At Shanti Bhavan, we believe change can start at any age. That’s why we’re so inspired by high school and college students around the world who are raising their voices, using their creativity, and putting their energy toward helping children in India go to school.

The Shanti Bhavan Student Association (SBSA) is a global network of student-led clubs. Together, they raise awareness, build communities of support, and fundraise to ensure every Shanti Bhavan child gets the chance at a brighter future.

What SBSA Clubs Do

SBSA clubs take on all kinds of projects — some big, some small, all meaningful.

Raise awareness: Host school events, share on social media, and spread the word.

Fundraise creatively: From bake sales to tutoring businesses, students have raised thousands for Shanti Bhavan.

Build community: Connect with peers who believe in fairness, compassion, and opportunity.

Why Join SBSA?

Community: Be part of a movement of students across the U.S. and around the world.

Impact: Every effort you make helps a child go to school.

Leadership: Build confidence, lead initiatives, and develop skills you’ll use in college and beyond.

Service hours: Your work with SBSA can count toward community service requirements.

Global connections: Network with peers, mentors, and changemakers worldwide.

We’re Everywhere

SBSA clubs exist across the US, Canada, and even beyond — and we’re growing every year.

Don’t see your school on the map? Maybe you’ll be the one to start a new chapter.

Want to Start Your Own Club?

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 14 years old at the time of applying.
  • Commitment: Willing to commit a minimum of 5 hours per month for SBSA activities and meetings.
  • Training: Must be willing to attend an orientation and training session upon acceptance.
  • Members: Secure a minimum of three officers for outreach, finances, and marketing, plus an advisor aged 21+.

Application Process

  • Initial Contact: Email us expressing your interest in joining the club.
  • Introduction: Our Leadership Fellow will coordinate a call to discuss the club’s mission, activities, and your potential role.
  • Contract Review: Sign the SBSA agreement, then attend an interview with the Leadership Fellow to review your application’s details.
  • Approval: After review, receive official approval and join the SBSA community.

Ready to Lead? Club Leadership Applications Are Open.

If you would like to learn more about SBSA and starting your own club, please reach out to Priyanka, Leadership Fellow at Shanti Bhavan, at [email protected].

Meet our 2025 - 2026 SBSA Leadership Representatives

The SBSA Leadership Representatives are vital in fostering collaboration and engagement among SBSA clubs. They organize inclusive meetings for all clubs, providing a platform for club members to share updates, learn new fundraising techniques, and build relationships with fellow young people united in a common cause.

Eiaa Dev

I am a junior from Millburn, New Jersey, who is passionate about creating meaningful change through leadership and collaboration. My love for STEM has driven me to explore ways to make education more accessible and impactful for students everywhere. Through SBSA, I hope to combine my interests in innovation and community service to empower students in India and create lasting opportunities. I am incredibly grateful to work alongside such dedicated and inspiring individuals who share the goal of making a difference both locally and globally. 

Naila Srinivasan

Hi! My name is Naila and I am a junior at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, MD. I joined SBSA to give back to a community that is important to me. A fun fact about me is that I love to travel and I run track and cross country for my school. I love to travel and would love to study abroad one day. I am extremely passionate about education equality throughout the world, and that is one of the reasons why I chose to start fundraising for Shanti Bhavan.

Shreyash Thotamshetty

I am a junior at West Windsor–Plainsboro High School North who enjoys playing soccer and traveling. I joined SBSA because I believe education is one of the most powerful tools for creating opportunity, and I wanted to use my skills to support underprivileged students in India. 

SBSA FAQs

The SBSA aims to raise awareness and funds for Shanti Bhavan, while also empowering students with leadership and service skills through community-based initiatives.

The club meetings’ frequency is decided based on the members’ availability and ongoing projects. Typically, meetings occur once a month, but this can vary.

SBSA organizes a range of events, including awareness campaigns, fundraisers, community service projects, and interactive discussions aligned with Shanti Bhavan’s mission.

Once you’ve contacted Shanti Bhavan and had the scheduled call, the review process typically takes up to two weeks, but this may vary depending on the volume of applications.

Hi! My name is Priyanka and I’m your Leadership Fellow! I recently graduated from Cornell University with a focus on neurobiology and health equity, and I am currently attending medical school. I work to lead all high school and college SBSA clubs globally. If you would like to learn more about starting a club, please reach out to me at [email protected]!