ASPIRE Youth Leadership Program

Asian Sisters Participating in Reaching Excellence (ASPIRE) is excited to be starting the fourth year of our Youth Leadership Program (YLP). A leadership development program specifically tailored to the needs of underserved Asian American high school girls, YLP provides participants with mentorship, leadership training, and direct leadership experience.

Through a competitive application process, ASPIRE will select up to 20 young women from various Boston area high schools to become 2008-2009 YLP Scholars. Throughout the school year, they will work with numerous mentors to gain practical leadership experience and will actively participate in ASPIRE and YLP programs. Participants will serve on Advisory Group committees and help develop other ASPIRE programs, such as the annual Asian American Women in Leadership Conference. They will also serve as ASPIRE Ambassadors, working to educate their peers and communities about ASPIRE's mission. These experiences will ultimately help participants in their college application process, personal growth, and career and goal development.

As we launch this year's Youth Leadership Program, we are asking educators (e.g., teachers, guidance counselors, club advisors, etc.) at Boston area high schools and community organizations to help spread the word to Asian American young women you know, and also to serve as liaisons between their schools/organizations and ASPIRE. If you have any questions about the program or referrals for YLP Scholars, or are willing to be a school or organization contact, please contact ASPIRE Executive Director Leslie Wang at leslie@girlsaspire.org.

Please let promising young Asian American women in your community know about YLP! Details about the program and a link to this year's application can also be found at www.girlsaspire.org/ylp

Please note that this year's application deadline is September 29, 2008 (postmark deadline).