Northwest Asian weekly - Summer Youth Leadership Program

What is the Summer Youth Leadership Program?

The Summer Youth Leadership Program is an all expenses-paid program designed for high school youths and college freshmen that aims to develop leadership and communication skills within young Asian Americans. Participants have a chance to meet Asian American role models and leaders, discover Asian community resources, and build friendships with Asian youths from other parts of the Puget Sound area. From the speakers, they will learn about the history and culture of the Asian American community and other communities of color as well as discover the qualities that are desirable in a leader.

The program includes great field trips to Microsoft, KCPQ and social service agencies in the International District, and free ethnic lunches every day. In addition students also have the opportunity to earn $200 to $500 in scholarships.

Who are the organizers?

The main organizer of the Summer Youth Leadership Program is the NW Asian Weekly Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Northwest Asian Weekly and Seattle Chinese Post. The coordinator and assistant coordinator are recruited yearly from a pool of undergraduate and graduate students by the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation Board members, most of whom are former participants of the program.

Who can apply for the program?

Any high school student and college freshman is welcome to apply. To download an application, click here.

Why the Summer Youth Leadership Program?

It is the best program for Asian American youth in the Puget Sound Area that is FREE.

What do former graduates say?

"I got to meet new ethnicities and learn about the model minority. It inspired me to take part in leadership and be proud of my race."
- Cynthia, 2005 graduate

"I enjoyed meeting new friends. Everyone in the program was always very cheerful and optimistic, and that has affected me because I wanted to be around that atmosphere every single day."
- Fiona, 2005 graduate

"Like almost everybody else, my parents forced me to go. At first I thought it was really lame, but after I met so many new friends, got FREE FOOD, and even received a scholarship while I was at it, I think that this has been one of the best summers ever."
- Ken, 2005 graduate

"I enjoyed meeting Ron Sims. I am also very appreciative of the arrangement of the program, particularly on the food arrangements."
- John, 2005 graduate