About Young Leaders in Cybersecurity & AI
Empowering teens worldwide with cybersecurity and AI knowledge through hands-on training, interactive workshops, and leadership opportunities. We help young people navigate the digital world safely and ethically while preparing them for careers in technology.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower teens around the world with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate the digital age safely, responsibly, and ethically. YLCA equips young people with hands-on cybersecurity training, AI literacy, and real-world tools to recognize threats, protect themselves and others, and make informed decisions about technology. Through interactive workshops, engaging content, and leadership development opportunities, we help students build the foundation to become strong digital citizens who understand both the risks and opportunities of an interconnected world.
Beyond education, our mission is to cultivate a global network of youth leaders who take action in their schools and communities. Through our Ambassador Program, mentorship from industry professionals, and support from partners such as Elevance Systems' CSR initiative, YLCA provides teens with meaningful opportunities to teach, lead, and create positive change. We are committed to making cybersecurity and AI education accessible to all youth—regardless of background or location—and to empowering students to become advocates for digital safety, champions of responsible AI, and innovators shaping a safer and more inclusive digital future.
Founder
Arth Bhardwaj is a high-school junior at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California, and the founder of Young Leaders in Cybersecurity & AI (YLCA). He leads his school's Cybersecurity & AI Club and works as a student researcher with the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (UIUC).
Arth is the author of "CYBERSECURITY FOR TEENS: Protecting Yourself in the Digital World" (India) and has delivered hands-on workshops across the United States, India, and beyond on phishing, passwords, digital footprints, and AI ethics.
Beyond YLCA, he drives youth-led social impact projects under the Nova Foundation and collaborates with industry mentors from Elevance Systems and Microsoft. Through research, programs, and outreach, Arth's goal is to help teens become more cyber-aware, confident with AI, and prepared to lead in a rapidly changing digital world.
Meet Our Ambassadors
Inspiring youth leaders bringing cybersecurity and AI education to communities worldwide.
Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, New Delhi
10th-grade STEM enthusiast and mathematics Olympiad awardee. Leading YLCA's first independent government school workshops in Delhi, bringing cybersecurity and AI awareness to underserved communities.
Saint Francis High School, Mountain View, California, USA
11th-grade student from the Bay Area passionate about cybersecurity and digital safety. Helping spread awareness and empower students to stay safe online.
JBCN International School, Mumbai
Global lead for YLCA's hackathons and capstone programs, creating hands-on pathways for students with real-world projects and competitions. Regional Outreach Lead for West & South India.
Challenger School, Sunnyvale, California
Leads YLCA's student communications through blogs and newsletters. Supports ambassadors with outlines, ensures quality and tone, and shares impact stories.
Welham Boys' School, Dehradun
State and district-level tennis champion bringing cybersecurity awareness to the sports community. Educating student-athletes on digital safety and protecting them from online scams.
Auckland House School For Boys, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
9th-grade student passionate about creating a safe and secure environment in terms of cybercrime and cybersecurity. Aspires to learn and implement techniques in today's world of advancement and technology.
Auckland House School For Boys, Shimla
9th-grade student from Shimla with a strong interest in cybersecurity and AI safety. Motivated to spread awareness about cyber threats and help students use the internet safely and responsibly.
Auckland House School For Boys, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Class 10 student with a focused interest in artificial intelligence and ethical innovation. Leading initiatives to build a safer, more informed, and future-ready digital community for students.
Connect
Auckland House School For Boys, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
12th-grade student interested in how technology shapes our world. Exploring cybersecurity and AI to understand digital systems, online safety, and emerging tech trends through collaboration.
Delhi Public School, Dwarka Expressway, Gurugram, Haryana
11th-grade student with a keen interest in AI and cyber security. Striving to bring about awareness to create a safer, kinder, and more forgiving online space for everyone.
Connect
Delhi Public School Karnal, Haryana
10th-grade AI enthusiast with a strong interest in learning and leadership. Committed to empowering students with digital awareness and creating a safer, more responsible online space.
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Delhi Public School Karnal, Haryana
10th-grade curious learner who loves learning and leading. Striving to promote smart and ethical ways of using technology and helping others stay safe on online platforms.
JBCN International School Oshiwara, Mumbai
11th-grade tech enthusiast and AI/embedded microcontroller hobbyist. Leading school's Tech club and aspiring to create an inclusive environment for aspiring technologists.
JBCN International School Oshiwara, Mumbai, Maharashtra
11th-grade student innovator working at the intersection of AI and real-world problem solving. Designing initiatives that use technology to improve safety, strengthen awareness, and drive social impact.
Connect
JBCN International School Oshiwara, Mumbai, Maharashtra
11th-grade DP student who enjoys coding and problem-solving. Passionate about spreading awareness on cybersecurity and AI to protect vulnerable internet users.
Kothari International School, Noida
Enthusiastic 9th-grade innovator spreading awareness about the dangers and ethics of technology. Helping fellow students use technology ethically and protect themselves from cybercrime.
Epic Academy School, Lathrop, California, USA
Middle school student and state-level volleyball player. Bringing cybersecurity and digital safety awareness to her school and team while balancing academics and athletics.
Sacred Heart Convent International School, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
11th-grade student passionate about AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. Spreading awareness about safe internet use, cyber risks, and helping build a safer, more conscious digital space for everyone.
Sacred Heart Convent International School, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
Grade 9 student with a strong interest in AI, digital awareness, and communication. Promoting safer, more responsible, and empathetic online spaces for young users as a YLCA Ambassador.
Leadership Roles Now Open (2 roles)
Join YLCA's leadership team and help shape the future of youth cybersecurity and AI education.
Responsibilities:
- •Coordinate ambassador activities and timelines
- •Maintain trackers and organize documents
- •Support workshop/event planning
Deadline: January 3, 2026
Required: role, time zone, availability, motivation, experience
Work with existing developer (no coding required)
Responsibilities:
- •Publish updates on ylca.tech
- •Create social media content
- •Collect and curate ambassador stories
Deadline: January 3, 2026
Required: role, time zone, availability, motivation, experience
Advisors and Mentors
Partners & Sponsors
Elevance Systems
Elevance Systems is a healthcare-focused IT managed services consulting firm in Cupertino, CA, with service offices across North America and in India. We specialize in providing best-in-class, transformative business process management services. Our goal is to maximize client profits while lowering costs and increasing staff productivity and satisfaction.
Learn more about Elevance Systems→