Youth Leadership Academy
APALI’s popular Youth Leadership Academy, in partnership with De Anza College, is offered as an ASAM 10 class during summer quarter. During this six week class, students learn about Asian American history and identity, community and civic engagement, academic and non-traditional career pathways. YLA has over 800 alumni since 1999.
WHO IS THE PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR? This exciting program is presented as a De Anza College summer class for college students and entering high school juniors and seniors.
WHAT ARE PROGRAM OUTCOMES? Led by an instructor and a team of peer mentor interns, the APALI Youth Leadership Academy class allows students to explore a fresh identity-based perspective through an engaging learning experience.
- Activities/workshops that engage students to share identity and experiences, discuss current issues, and practice leadership skills.
- Peer Mentors facilitate small-group learning and support students.
- Alumni since 1999 to share academic and nontraditional career pathways.
- Community building by mentors, classmates, alumni beyond the summer class as an inclusive support network.
YLA 2023 Dates and Details
YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2023
Led by APALI founder and a Mentor Interns team, APALI’s 25th Summer Youth Leadership Academy is designed for students interested in exploring Asian American history, identity, community, civic engagement, and non-traditional careers.
YLA is offered in partnership with De Anza College as ASAM 10 Contemporary Asian American Communities (4 units) for summer quarter. This is an interactive online program with in-person civic project opportunities. Participants must be either college students or entering high school seniors or juniors this fall.
As a sought after program in its 25th year, interested students should apply early.
Youth Leadership Testimonials
“This class created a space for me to explore the different aspects of my identity and how they all interact to form the person I am. I feel more curious about my history, and more proud to be an Asian American.”
“This class exposed me to a wide variety of perspectives that were very insightful and also helpful.”
“This class exposed me to new career paths I didn’t know existed, as well as to a newfound passion for community engagement.”
