SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST FOR 2026 UPDATES.
SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST FOR 2026 UPDATES.
SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST FOR 2026 UPDATES.
Emerging Leaders Summit
FAQ for Students
What will I gain from ELS?
You'll launch a meaningful civic-action initiative, gain clarity about your identity and goals, build relationships with exceptional peers nationwide, and receive mentorship from accomplished Asian American leaders.
You’ll leave ELS a more purposeful leader — more aware of who you are, what you care about, and how you want to lead.
Please visit the Program Overview page for additional information
How will this help with my future goals?
ELS…
Gives you concrete leadership credentials
Strengthens your college applications with proven initiative and intellectual depth
Provides essential skills for academic and professional success
Connects you with inspiring mentors and peers who become lifelong resources.
How do I know if this program is right for me?
If you’ve been thinking about what it means to belong, how your identity has taken shape, or how to make a meaningful impact in your community, you’re in the right place. This program is for students who approach those questions with curiosity, care, and a willingness to think alongside others.
What will I do at ELS?
Each day, you'll engage in rigorous, discussion-based seminars that deeply explore key themes in Asian American history, alongside structured reflection sessions specifically designed to clarify your personal story, values, and ambitions.
On Day 2, you'll participate in the intensive Civic-Action Project Studio, receiving personalized mentorship and dedicated work time to craft a thoughtful and practical community initiative—grounded in your own Asian American story and ready to launch by program end.
Will I get mentorship?
Yes—mentorship is central to ELS. You’ll receive personalized one-on-one guidance throughout the program. All students retain access to curated resources and can reach out to mentors or program staff even after the program ends.
What’s the daily schedule like?
Each day of ELS is structured with interactive seminars, guided reflection, and civic action project development throughout the morning and afternoon.
Breaks are included each day to ensure you're refreshed and fully engaged.
What are the program dates and times?
The 2026 ELS dates will be announced in late Spring 2026.
The 2025 ELS was hosted August 9–10, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday), 12 p.m.–5 p.m. ET / 9 a.m.–2 p.m. PT each day.
Live attendance is required.
Who can apply?
Any rising sophomore, junior, or senior who identifies as Asian American and lives in the United States can apply. We welcome students who are thoughtful, curious, and ready to translate ideas into meaningful action.
Is there a cost to attend?
ELS is completely free for students. There is no cost to apply or to attend the program.
Do I need prior Asian American studies or advocacy experience?
No prior experience is required—just openness, curiosity, and a genuine desire to explore your identity and contribute positively to your community.
Is the program selective?
We believe that meaningful exploration of identity and community is best fostered in intimate settings where students can engage deeply with one another and the ideas at hand.
To support this kind of learning, ELS admits a limited number of students. Admission is selective.
Is there any pre-work required for the program?
Yes—you’ll be asked to complete a short set of required readings ahead of the program. Readings are meant to bring everyone up to speed regardless of background, ensuring you're fully prepared to engage deeply in seminar discussions from day one.
What will I gain from ELS?
You'll launch a meaningful civic-action initiative, gain clarity about your identity and goals, build relationships with exceptional peers nationwide, and receive mentorship from accomplished Asian American leaders.
You’ll leave ELS a more purposeful leader — more aware of who you are, what you care about, and how you want to lead.
Please visit the Program Overview page for additional information
How will this help with my future goals?
ELS…
Gives you concrete leadership credentials
Strengthens your college applications with proven initiative and intellectual depth
Provides essential skills for academic and professional success
Connects you with inspiring mentors and peers who become lifelong resources.
How do I know if this program is right for me?
If you’ve been thinking about what it means to belong, how your identity has taken shape, or how to make a meaningful impact in your community, you’re in the right place. This program is for students who approach those questions with curiosity, care, and a willingness to think alongside others.
What will I do at ELS?
Each day, you'll engage in rigorous, discussion-based seminars that deeply explore key themes in Asian American history, alongside structured reflection sessions specifically designed to clarify your personal story, values, and ambitions.
On Day 2, you'll participate in the intensive Civic-Action Project Studio, receiving personalized mentorship and dedicated work time to craft a thoughtful and practical community initiative—grounded in your own Asian American story and ready to launch by program end.
Will I get mentorship?
Yes—mentorship is central to ELS. You’ll receive personalized one-on-one guidance throughout the program. All students retain access to curated resources and can reach out to mentors or program staff even after the program ends.
What’s the daily schedule like?
Each day of ELS is structured with interactive seminars, guided reflection, and civic action project development throughout the morning and afternoon.
Breaks are included each day to ensure you're refreshed and fully engaged.
What are the program dates and times?
The 2026 ELS dates will be announced in late Spring 2026.
The 2025 ELS was hosted August 9–10, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday), 12 p.m.–5 p.m. ET / 9 a.m.–2 p.m. PT each day.
Live attendance is required.
Who can apply?
Any rising sophomore, junior, or senior who identifies as Asian American and lives in the United States can apply. We welcome students who are thoughtful, curious, and ready to translate ideas into meaningful action.
Is there a cost to attend?
ELS is completely free for students. There is no cost to apply or to attend the program.
Do I need prior Asian American studies or advocacy experience?
No prior experience is required—just openness, curiosity, and a genuine desire to explore your identity and contribute positively to your community.
Is the program selective?
We believe that meaningful exploration of identity and community is best fostered in intimate settings where students can engage deeply with one another and the ideas at hand.
To support this kind of learning, ELS admits a limited number of students. Admission is selective.
Is there any pre-work required for the program?
Yes—you’ll be asked to complete a short set of required readings ahead of the program. Readings are meant to bring everyone up to speed regardless of background, ensuring you're fully prepared to engage deeply in seminar discussions from day one.
What will I gain from ELS?
You’ll leave ELS with…
Meaningful, real-world leadership experience through designing a community initiative
Deeper self-awareness and clarity about your identity and ambitions
Strong relationships with an exceptional network of peers and mentors
Valuable academic experience that prepares you to succeed in college-level environments and beyond.
Please visit the Program Overview page for additional information
How will this help with my future goals?
ELS…
Gives you concrete leadership credentials
Strengthens your college applications with proven initiative and intellectual depth
Provides essential skills for academic and professional success
Connects you with inspiring mentors and peers who become lifelong resources.
How do I know if this program is right for me?
If you’ve been thinking about what it means to belong, how your identity has taken shape, or how to make a meaningful impact in your community, you’re in the right place. This program is for students who approach those questions with curiosity, care, and a willingness to think alongside others.
What will I do at ELS?
Each day, you'll engage in rigorous, discussion-based seminars that deeply explore key themes in Asian American history, alongside structured reflection sessions specifically designed to clarify your personal story, values, and ambitions.
On Day 2, you'll participate in the intensive Civic-Action Project Studio, receiving personalized mentorship and dedicated work time to craft a thoughtful and practical community initiative—grounded in your own Asian American story and ready to launch by program end.
Will I get mentorship?
Yes—mentorship is central to ELS. You’ll receive personalized one-on-one guidance throughout the program. All students retain access to curated resources and can reach out to mentors or program staff even after the program ends.
What’s the daily schedule like?
Each day of ELS is structured with interactive seminars, guided reflection, and civic action project development throughout the morning and afternoon.
Breaks are included each day to ensure you're refreshed and fully engaged.
What are the program dates and times?
The 2026 ELS dates will be announced in late Spring 2026.
The 2025 ELS was hosted August 9–10, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday), 12 p.m.–5 p.m. ET / 9 a.m.–2 p.m. PT each day.
Live attendance is required.
Who can apply?
Any rising sophomore, junior, or senior who identifies as Asian American and lives in the United States can apply. We welcome students who are thoughtful, curious, and ready to translate ideas into meaningful action.
Is there a cost to attend?
ELS is completely free for students. There is no cost to apply or to attend the program.
Do I need prior Asian American studies or advocacy experience?
No prior experience is required—just openness, curiosity, and a genuine desire to explore your identity and contribute positively to your community.
Is the program selective?
We believe that meaningful exploration of identity and community is best fostered in intimate settings where students can engage deeply with one another and the ideas at hand.
To support this kind of learning, ELS admits a limited number of students. Admission is selective.
Is there any pre-work required for the program?
Yes—you’ll be asked to complete a short set of required readings ahead of the program. Readings are meant to bring everyone up to speed regardless of background, ensuring you're fully prepared to engage deeply in seminar discussions from day one.