DHYAC cultivates youth leaders who use data to listen, question, and advocate for stronger, more equitable communities across Connecticut.

What We Do

Youth Data & AI Literacy

• Weekly sessions in public libraries and community spaces
• Learn to interpret civic data, use AI tools responsibly, and question systems

Participatory Action Research

• High school students design and run their own research projects
• Topics include education equity, housing, digital access, environmental health, and mental health

Community Storytelling & Advocacy

• Turn complex data into presentations, visualizations, social media content, and testimony
• Share findings with peers, families, educators, policymakers, and local organizations

Career Pathways & Mentorship

• Panels with data scientists, public officials, healthcare and education practitioners
• Youth see how data and AI connect to real jobs and community impact

Youth Voice in Statewide Data Systems

• Advising DataHaven’s statewide surveys
• Representing youth voice in statewide conversations about well-being

How to Get Involved

For Youth:

• Apply to join a future DHYAC cohort: The application form is here: https://forms.gle/Lyy8FJ2VeYysnz7Y8 
• Attend a community showcase
• Request a workshop at your school or library

For Partners / Funders:

• Invite DHYAC youth to present at your event
• Collaborate on youth-focused data projects
• Support youth stipends and showcase events

Contact us

Please email youthactioncouncil@ctdatahaven.org to reach the group. You may also visit the main Contact page on this website to be in touch with DataHaven in general.

Meet the Council

The 2026-2027 Council is in formation. 

Read about the 2025-2026 Council in this article, or in other news coverage. Members included:

• Brandon Gentles
• Charles Sudmyer
• Connor Bradford
• Drew Thomas
• Ethan Liu
• Gopika Kaimal
• Hendry Lombert
• Ishaan Bherwani
• Janet Fan
• Linda Chen
• Lulu Hu
• Natalie Joo
• Noah Sanderson
• Rania Das
• Rebecca Spiewak
• Saanika Tipnis
• Tanisha Sahu
• Tina Zeng