Honoring PUSD’s Student Think Tank and Student Assembly & Council
“To me, the PUSD Student Think Tank has meant the opportunity to learn deeply about, and to give back to, the schools that I care so much about. Meeting other students from across the district has broadened my perspective of the PUSD experience and shaped the way that I approach problem-solving as a whole. Most importantly, the Think Tank has taught me the true meaning of teamwork.”
— Paulina M., Pasadena High School senior and Student Think Tank member
Recently, nearly 30 students from Pasadena Unified School District’s High School Student Leadership team gathered for a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the Student Think Tank (STT). The event recognized the accomplishments of 14 graduating seniors—two of whom have been part of the STT since their freshman year—and reflected on five powerful years of student-led leadership and advocacy.
Formed in January 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, the STT was launched with support from the Pasadena Educational Foundation. With just 13 students from four high schools and no extracurricular activities available at the time, the group began meeting virtually on Monday afternoons under the guidance of facilitator Sehba Sarwar. When campuses reopened, the student commitment never wavered—they continued their research and conversations during late-night Zoom meetings, gathering in person across school sites when possible. Their weekly rhythm has continued ever since.
From the beginning, the STT centered their work around the issues most important to them. They created committees focused on Equity, Mental Health, and Curriculum. In the second year, the group honed its efforts on Equity and Mental Health—with one committee developing an online student publication that is now being printed in honor of STT’s five-year anniversary.
A major milestone came in spring 2022, when STT members presented to the Board of Education and requested formal student representation. They spent 18 months researching a structure that would best suit PUSD. In fall 2023, an STT team promoted the Assembly, created ballots, and administered the elections. In March 2024, nine students from four high schools were sworn in to the newly formed Student Assembly and Council (SAC)—a democratic structure created and managed by STT. The SAC elections were held again this spring, bringing the number of elected student representatives to 13.
The May 23 gathering served as both a celebration and a sendoff. In a touching tradition, younger students offered personal reflections and gifts to each senior, honoring the leadership and legacy of those moving on.
With support from PEF, the Student Think Tank — and now the Student Assembly and Council —has become an essential part of PUSD’s leadership fabric. From speaking at district events to shaping mental health resources and advocating for student representation, these students continue to champion student voice across campuses and beyond. PEF is proud to support their work and remains committed to uplifting and amplifying student leadership throughout the district.
