History

Formerly known as Policy Insights and Voices of Tomorrow, the Center was originally independent from YIP and was founded by Arthur Hu, Saniya Yamin, and Caleb Kurlantzick. PIVOT came to life in February 2025, when three teenagers from three different states came together to discuss their frustrations with the inability to act on them as young people. Although separated by state lines, they shared the same unsettling feeling—decisions were being made about their futures, and they had no opportunity to weigh in.

They realized that now more than ever, it is vital to get young people involved in policy-making as our leaders age. Every young person has a unique experience, distinct perspectives, and specific problems that they are passionate about addressing. PIVOT works to provide youth with a platform to share their ideas, a space to discuss with peers and community leaders, and a direct connection to legislators. In a world filled with polarization that demonizes opposing opinions, PIVOT is rooted in real-world experiences, providing every youth, regardless of their background, a platform to speak up for themselves without further polarizing our political landscape.

Within eight months, PIVOT built a fellowship, expanded to 300 staff from 28 countries, and created articles and briefs read by 100k+ youth across the world. Furthermore, PIVOT’s founders won first prize in the Bill of Rights Institute’s MyImpact Challenge, a national civic engagement contest with over 400 applicants; hosted a selective international civic summit with members from 28 countries; and collaborated with other civic organizations to drive real change.