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VirginiaYouth Organizing

Apply for the VA Summer Youth Empowerment Program!

By April 6, 2016June 13th, 2016No Comments

SUMMER YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (SYEP)
JULY 5 TO AUGUST 11, 2016

SYEP Informational One Pager
SYEP Flyer

–> CLICK HERE TO APPLY! <–

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Summer Youth Empowerment Program (SYEP) is a six-week experience for local high school students in Northern Virginia who are interested in Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) issues and are ready to make a social impact.  Youth will work with NAKASEC organizers and mentors to undergo intensive leadership development and community engagement training to design and present a Community Advocacy Project.  Workshops and activities also integrate preparing youth to think beyond high school. SYEP is focused on the personal development of young people and provides opportunities for students to engage in social justice issues, such as immigration, identity, AAPI issues, gender, and civic participation.  SYEP will meet three days each week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are designated for discussions, guest speaker events, and workshops, and Thursdays are designated as “Activity Days” for field trips to D.C. and other hands-on activities.

SYEP is unique in that we focus on and provide opportunities for students to engage in social justice issues not commonly explored or addressed in schools with an AAPI lens.  Although this camp primarily focuses on issues regarding the AAPI community, we are by no means AAPI-exclusive.  Students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds are invited to apply.

Optional DC Program
From June 26 to July 2, NAKASEC, KRC, and KRCC will host a national youth program to gather high school and college students in Washington, D.C. during the week the Supreme Court is expected to rule on United States v. Texas, a case regarding President Obama’s deferred action programs.  Trainings and action activities focused on DACA/DAPA and civic engagement will be organized to build a national network of youth.  Lodging and meals will be provided.  Applicants must schedule an interview for consideration of participation in this one-week program.  For more information, please contact SaeHee Chun at schun@nakasec.org or (703) 256-2208.

GOALS

  • To expand understanding of leadership and teamwork to become active agents of social change
  • To explore intersectionalities and raise self-esteem in youth choose to identify
  • To educate on community issues and civic participation, then connecting it back to their relevance to the individual
  • To develop an interest and understanding of the role of youth in social justice efforts

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

  • Critical thinking in terms of social justice and community issues
  • Teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal skills attained from organizing a Community Advocacy Project
  • Youth involvement in community organizing
  • Stronger communication skills: listening, speaking, writing, and creative expression

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

  • Currently in, entering, or recently graduated from high school
  • Interest in making a difference and learning about social justice
  • Mandatory attendance at the orientation on June 24 and the project presentation day on August 10
  • Must be able to attend at least five of the six weeks
  • Preference to low-income or immigrant youth

SYEP participant fee upon acceptance is $50.

For questions or concerns, please contact SaeHee Chun at schun@nakasec.org.

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