Youth Leadership Summit
APPLY NOW - Submit your application before the Monday, February 17 deadline!
Program Dates: Thursday April 24 – Saturday April 26
The Youth Leadership Summit is a three-day development program for undergraduate college students from a variety of disciplines who are dedicated to addressing issues impacting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. The Spring April 2025 summit will bring up to 20 student leaders to Washington, DC for three days of advocacy training and leadership development workshops focused on racial equity. The Summit provides a unique opportunity for young advocates from across the country to network and learn together.
The deadline to apply for the Youth Leadership Summit is end-of-day on Monday, February 17!
The Youth Leadership Summit will take in Washington, DC from Thursday April 24 – Saturday April 26. Arrangements will be made for selected students to arrive in Washington, DC by Wednesday April 23. Advancing Justice – AAJC will cover travel and hotel costs for students that take part in the YLS program. If you have any questions, please reach out to Joy De Guzman - Sutardji at jsutardji@advancingjustice-aajc.org.
Rising Young AAPI Leaders Convene to Advance Civil Rights
Since 2014, Advancing Justice — AAJC has convened prominent college students for its multi-day leadership development program that focuses on advocacy, communications, and civic engagement around policy issues impacting our communities from college campuses to Capitol Hill.
We are proud to host students from around the country with ancestry in Tibet, Korea, China, Pakistan, Vietnam, India, and the Philippines.
Through interactive workshops, hands-on trainings, and discussions with leaders on Capitol Hill, participants build advocacy and communication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of how they can impact policy decisions.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of convening exemplary young advocates from diverse communities and who span all regions of the country.
Read about our Spring 2024 class and alumni projects.
The Summit was such an eye-opening and inspiring experience that I am extremely grateful to have participated in. From attending and engaging in legislative meetings with senate offices to interactive workshops and presentations on AAJC’s current projects, I developed a strong understanding of how having AAPI representation, strong alliances with BIPOC partners and political power is vital to make policy change positive and lasting.
-Mika Chan, Seattle University
Being able to interface directly with staffers on the Hill for issues I cared about was incredibly rewarding and is an experience I’ll take away for my future advocacy in the realm of health equity. Attending this year’s Summit has been truly fulfilling during this life-changing pandemic: the skills and knowledge I’ve gained here will undoubtedly serve as the foundation for my future advocacy serving the Asian/American community and beyond.
-Nelson Lin, Brown University
How To Apply
- Applicants must be current students enrolled in a 2 or 4-year college/university, from any major or discipline.
- Especially encouraged to apply are students with leadership positions in AANHPI campus/community-based organizations or organizations focusing on racial justice, civil rights, immigration, voting, anti-hate, technology, telecommunications, and media diversity.
- Applicants should be active members in their community and demonstrate this in their essay and resume content.
- Applicants must apply via the form and submit their resume to jsutardji@advancingjustice-aajc.org.
- All Applicants must submit two references.
- Finalists may be contacted for a short interview.
The Youth Leadership Summit is made possible through the generous support of State Farm and FedEx.