Apply

Emerging Leaders Summit

Program Overview

Who you are shapes how you lead.

At ELS, students study Asian American history, reflect on their identity, and design a community project grounded in their own personal story. Students leave ELS with a fully developed project plan—refined through mentorship and feedback, and ready for immediate implementation.


Apply Now

Apply Now

Apply Now

2025 Program Logistics

Applications are open to all rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors in high school who identify as Asian American

Program Dates: August 9-10, 2025
Program Times: Saturday & Sunday, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET / 9:00 am – 2:00 pm PT

Program Format: Sessions will be held on Zoom. All participants are expected to attend synchronously. Breaks will be built into each day's schedule

2025 Application Timeline

Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 30 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Decision Notification: All decisions will be released by Monday, August 4.

Some applicants will be invited to a 30-minute interview as the next stage of the selection process. Interviews will take place over Zoom, and invitations will be sent to the email address provided in the application.

Program Objectives

What will Students Do at ELS?

Not just another program. ELS turns scholarship into personal insight, and personal insight into action

Study Asian American history.

You’ll explore how immigration, public policy, and civic resistance have shaped Asian American communities. You’ll see how the idea of “Asian America” came to be—and why it still matters today.

1

Study Asian American history.

You’ll explore how immigration, public policy, and civic resistance shaped Asian American communities. You’ll see how the idea of “Asian America” came to be—and why it still matters today.

1

Study Asian American history.

You’ll explore how immigration, public policy, and civic resistance shaped Asian American communities. You’ll see how the idea of “Asian America” came to be—and why it still matters today.

1

Reflect on your identity.

You’ll trace how history, society, family, and culture shape how you see yourself. You’ll examine the tensions of being Asian American—from exclusion in public life to conflict around cultural pressure and family expectations.

2

Reflect on your identity.

You’ll trace how history, society, family, and culture shape how you see yourself. You’ll examine the tensions of being Asian American—from exclusion in public life to conflict around cultural pressure and family expectations.

2

Reflect on your identity.

You’ll examine the forces that have shaped who you are and how you're seen today. You’ll unpack the core tensions of Asian American identity — questions of visibility, language, and belonging.

2

Build something that matters.

From there, you’ll design a community project to address a tension that’s been core to your story. By the end of ELS, you’ll have a clear path forward and a design proposal ready for launch in the real world.

3

Build something that matters.

From there, you’ll design a community project to address a tension that’s been core to your story. By the end of ELS, you’ll have a clear path forward and a plan ready for launch in the real world.

3

Build something that matters.

From there, you’ll design a community project to address a tension that’s been core to your story. By the end of ELS, you’ll have a clear path forward and a plan ready for launch in the real world.

3

Program Format

Key Program Activities

Three key program components — seminars, guided reflection, and project studio — where scholarship meets action.


Student‑led seminar discussions

Interactive, college-level discussions with intellectually curious peers, exploring Asian American history and its relevance to your life today.

Guided self‑reflection sessions

Structured reflection activities that guide you to uncover what matters to you and what you want to fight for — strengthening your sense of self.

ELS PROJECT STUDIO

In this final session of ELS, you’ll transform your personal story into a community project—an actionable plan that connects your experiences to a real need in your school, neighborhood, or broader community. Projects may take many forms, but each one reflects a civic purpose and a clear path forward. You won’t be doing it alone—mentors will help you pressure-test your idea, build a full plan, and leave with everything you need to carry it forward with confidence.

  • Immersion: You’ll participate in a three-hour workshop featuring one-on-one mentoring, guided individual work time, and feedback from peers.

  • Live Project Pitches: You’ll craft a concise, compelling pitch deck and present your initiative live.

  • Ready-to-Launch: You’ll leave with a polished, practical project plan linking your personal experiences to a meaningful community need—ensuring you’re fully equipped to put your idea into action post-ELS.

  • Ongoing Support: Select students will be invited to apply to our Fall Mentorship Track, where they will work one-on-one with a mentor to help turn the proposal into real action.

Why ELS?

What will Students Gain from ELS?

Real-world leadership

Launch a real-world civic initiative with step-by-step guidance from ELS staff & mentors committed to your success

Top-tier
peer network

Build meaningful community with driven, high-achieving Asian American students across the country


High impact mentorship

Receive personalized guidance from best-in-class Asian American mentors committed to your growth


College-level curriculum

Participate in rigorous seminars and reflection designed to mirror the intellectual depth of top college classrooms


Authentic
self-discovery

Unique guided exploration of who you are and how to confidently lead as your true self.