A teenage brother and sister are representing their communities in prestigious world summits in the United States.

Former Berkeley student Javon Stovell will be among a select group at a People to People Leadership Summit in Washington, DC from July 9 to 18. His sister Jessica, a student, is already taking part in a similar project at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore.

Organisers say the events bring together outstanding student leaders from around the world to focus on leadership, team building, community service, college admissions and professional aspirations.

Students work on an action plan to make a difference in their communities, aiming to fulfil President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s vision for world citizenship when he founded People to People in 1956.

A statement from People to People says Javon and Jessica were both nominated based on their outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential.

Earlier in the summer, Javon, 17, fought off competition from 45 juniors to be named Corps Commander at Oak Ridge Military Academy in North Carolina.