Andrew Brennen

In 2012, as a junior in high school, Andrew Brennen co-founded the Kentucky Student Voice Team. He helped launch and lead several projects to amplify and elevate students as partners in improving Kentucky schools. These initiatives included: a successful statewide, student-led public affairs campaign that led to the restoration of $14 million for low-income student scholarships; the drafting and promotion of House Bill 236 to add students to superintendent screening committees; an investigation into the tripwires that prevent high school students from making smooth transitions to college; and a “student voice audit” of a local junior high school to engage students in improving school climate. Today, the Kentucky Student Voice Team consists of over 150 young people from across The Commonwealth and serves as a national model for how young people can hold educational institutions accountable.

Brennen interned and later consulted, for the Obama Foundation's Program Team helping to design and implement strategies to strengthen our nation’s civic infrastructure. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Student Voice, The Next 50 PAC, and Seek Common Ground. Brennen graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s degree in political science and received a Master’s in Education Policy & Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.