The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) is specifically tailored to the needs of Asian American high school girls. Recognizing that Asian American girls have specific cultural and developmental needs, the YLP curriculum focuses on building identity, encouraging self-confidence, and developing leadership skills. The YLP also emphasizes the importance of teambuilding, and in the process, girls in the program serve as positive role models for each other, creating a supportive network of peers.

Girls involved with this program gain leadership training in areas such as communication skills, organizational ability, strategic thinking and civic engagement.

What are the results of ASPIRE's Youth Leadership Program?
In a recent YLP survey, scholars reported that they gained a brighter outlook on career, emotional and mental state of mind. They also felt more capable in setting and achieving long-term goals. YLP girls also reported an increased ability to stand up for their beliefs and becoming role models for other Asian Americans. ASPIRE’s YLP provides:

• Leadership Development for Asian American girls
• Professional Career Shadowing
• S.A.T./College Prep
• Public Speaking Workshops
• Health/Wellness Workshops
• Business Leadership Skills
• Science Workshops
• Arts/Performance Activities
• Mentorship/Friendship Development

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

2010 - 2011 Academic Term

For the 2010-2011 academic year, ASPIRE will select outstanding YLP Scholars through a selective application process. YLP Scholars have an invaluable opportunity to gain and develop strong leadership abilities. Check out below the benefits of being a YLP scholar:

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

2) Hands-on Leadership Experience – Each YLP will have the opportunity to develop and lead creative projects, activities and events around issues they identify as important to being Asian, young, and female. YLP Scholars will assist in the success of ASPIRE’s other programs and initiatives through various leadership roles. Each YLP Scholar will be given small projects, goals and deadlines to meet and will put skills gleaned from leadership training into practice

3) Academic & Career Support and Exploration-There are many opportunities to learn about colleges, scholarships and careers during the YLP year. Workshops on these topics as well as a career shadowing program will be available

4) Mentorship –YLP will receive one on one mentorship from the YLP director, interns, and board members as needed. YLP staff is available for support with issues regarding school, family, home, friends and career. YLP staff will serve as an advocate for each YLP. YLP staff has access to a variety of resources that they will make available to each YLP.

5) Strong Asian Sisterhood- ASPIRE is a network made up of hundreds of strong and successful Asian American Females. Each YLP Scholar will have access to the networks and resources of all members for their YLP year and beyond.

If you are chosen as a YLP scholar, you will serve as “ASPIRE Ambassadors” to promote and raise awareness of ASPIRE programs in their schools and communities. 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 (once a month), attend some career exploration sites, attend some social events, and report progress to YLP Director throughout the year. YLP scholars, in order to make the most of their year as a YLP scholar, must commit a minimum of 6-10 hours/month to YLP activities.

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

Eligibility

• High school juniors & seniors attending a greater Boston high school (who expect to graduate in
2011/2012)

• Applicants must be Asian American and female

• Must demonstrate strong leadership capabilities and/or leadership potential

• Preference will be given to students from underserved backgrounds

Application Guidelines

YLP is a comprehensive leadership program. All applications must be complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A complete application includes the following items:

• Completed application form (click to download PDF)

• High school transcript

• Short essay responses

• Two letters of recommendation (may be completed by teacher, guidance counselor, community leader, etc.; recommendation letters may not be completed by peers or relatives)

• (Optional) Resume (one page in length; additional pages will not be read)

• Final round interview (if you are selected for final round interview, you will be notified)

Application Process

Completed applications for the 2009-2010 school year must be emailed or postmarked by 11:59pm,
September 24th, 2010 to:

ASPIRE Youth Leadership Program
866 Washington Street Unit 2 Dorchester, MA 02124

Applications can also be emailed to Heang Ly at Heang@girlsaspire.org, subject: YLP application.

All applicants will notified by email when their application has been received. We will not return phone inquiries about receipt of application. Final round candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview by mid-October. YLP Scholars will be selected by the end of October. Please direct any questions to ylp@girlsaspire.org