SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST FOR 2026 UPDATES.

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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

2025 Highlights

The inaugural Emerging Leaders Summit took place on August 9–10, 2025.

ELS brought together AAPI high school students from across the country via Zoom to explore what “Asian American” means to them.

Over two days, participants examined how history, culture, and personal experience shape Asian American identity, culminating in projects that connected self-understanding to community impact.

From Our Students

Student Testimonials

Hear directly from our 2025 cohort about what the ELS experience meant to them.

"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."

"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."

"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."

"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."
"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"
"If you’re ready to do something big, apply. If you’re nervous about attempting to do something big, apply. If you’re not sure you can do something big, apply. If you’re trying to start with something small, apply. If you’re thinking about applying, apply."
"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"
"It was incredibly inspiring to learn from such thoughtful and introspective peers. Being part of this cohort introduced me to a new community of AAPI students from across the country that I never would have met otherwise."
"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"
"This program was even more thoughtful than I could have ever imagined. The subtle yet inextricable ties that Day 1 identity material had with the Day 2 initiative brainstorming were mind-blowing."
"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"
"The scariest part of making any change is taking that first step, and ELS helped me turn an idea into action. If you don’t know how to begin, Jennifer and Ryan can help you take that first leap toward whatever change you want to make."
"Bridge between a thought and real change"
"ELS sat me down at my desk and gave me five hours to turn a dreamy thought into a real initiative ready that same day. With powerful feedback and constant mentor support, ELS became the bridge between a thought and real change."
"Thought provoking materials and discussions"
"ELS ignited an inquisitive spirit within me through its thought-provoking materials and discussions. If I had read the short stories or watched the videos alone, I definitely would not have come away with as thorough of a transformation as I did out of ELS."

Applicant Reach

2025 ELS Applicant Reach

Our applicants come from a wide range of backgrounds, schools, and communities, bringing together a range of AAPI perspectives and experiences that deepen our shared understanding of what Asian America means today.

18

U.S. states represented in the applicant pool

38

High schools across the country, with more than half from public schools

14

Unique languages spoken at home

10

National origins reflected in our applicant's backgrounds

18

U.S. states represented in the applicant pool

38

High schools across the country, with more than half from public schools

14

Unique languages spoken at home

10

National origins reflected in our applicant's backgrounds

Student Projects

Project Proposals

Through ELS, students develop projects that bridge self-reflection and civic action, turning what they’ve learned about identity into tangible plans for change. Featured here are examples from the 2025 cohort, whose projects span cultural events, creative initiatives, and peer networks that bring their ideas to life.

Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.

Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.

Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.
Asian American Culture Day and peer network that celebrates belonging and helps immigrant and refugee students feel seen, connected, and at home.
Student-led art exhibitions that showcase Asian American creativity and care for the planet by linking culture, community, and sustainability.
Storytelling collective that amplifies mixed-race Asian voices as students share identity, poetry, and photos that speak from the heart.
Intergenerational program that connects Asian elders and youth through shared stories, language, and culture honoring the wisdom of community.
Bilingual health initiative that expands access to care through student advocacy, guides, and medical supply work supporting Nepal and beyond.
Creative education program that inspires young Asian American students to care for the earth through summer camps and school sustainability projects.
Awareness collective that celebrates Asian identity through short films, podcasts, and stories highlighting experiences beyond stereotypes.

SUMMER 2025 APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED. JOIN OUR INTEREST LIST FOR 2026 UPDATES.

Emerging Leaders Summit

2025 Highlights

The inaugural Emerging Leaders Summit took place on August 9–10, 2025.

Student Testimonials

"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"

"Bridge between a thought and real change"

"Thought provoking materials and discussions"

"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"

"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"

"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"

"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"

"Bridge between a thought and real change"

"Thought provoking materials and discussions"

"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"

"New community of AAPI peers from across the country"

"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"

"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"

"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"

"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"

"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"

"Bridge between a thought and real change"

"Thought provoking materials and discussions"

"If you’re thinking about applying, apply"

"New community of AAPI peers nationwide"

"More thoughtful than I could have ever imagined"

"ELS helped me turn an idea into action"

"Bridge between a thought and real change"

"Thought provoking materials and discussions"

2025 ELS Applicant Reach

18

38

14

10

18

38

14

10

Project Proposals