2007 SCHOLARS

2006 SCHOLARS

Program Background

The ASPIRE Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is a year-long leadership program specifically tailored to the cultural and developmental needs of Asian American (AA) high school girls in the greater Boston area.

For the 2008-2009 academic year, ASPIRE will select outstanding YLP Scholars through a competitive application process (click here to apply). YLP Scholars have an invaluable opportunity to gain and develop strong leadership skills through the following programming:

1) Leadership Training – Customized training to develop leadership in areas such as communication skills, organizational ability, strategic thinking and civic engagement

2) Hands-on Leadership Experience – Leadership experience by serving as an intern on a committee of ASPIRE’s Advisory Group (currently comprised of 20 adult volunteer women organizing ASPIRE programming). YLP Scholars will assist in developing and managing ASPIRE programs (e.g., mentorship program, leadership career panels, etc.). Each YLP Scholar will be given projects, goals and deadlines to meet and will put skills gleaned from leadership training into practice

3) Mentorship – Each YLP Scholar will be paired with multiple mentors to facilitate leadership and career path development. Mentors will come from ASPIRE (over 150 adult volunteers) and our collaborating partners – American Association of University Women, Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, Asian American Journalists Association, The Commonwealth Institute, Asia Society, and Simmons Institute for Leadership & Change

Furthermore, YLP Scholars will serve as “ASPIRE Ambassadors” to promote and raise awareness of ASPIRE programs in their schools and communities. Through leadership training, serving as an Advisory Group intern, and the mentorship of AA women, ASPIRE will help YLP Scholars build a toolbox of leadership skills and experiences to ultimately help in the college application process while building a solid foundation for future career development. YLP Scholars will be required to attend all leadership training programs (minimum of four during school year), report progress to YLP Coordinator, and commit a minimum of 5-10 hours/month to YLP activities.

All expenses (e.g., travel, meals, etc.) incurred during ASPIRE’s Youth Leadership Program are covered by ASPIRE.

Click here to apply

2005-2006 YLP Scholars and Program Director Erica Lee pose with Senator Hillary Clinton