Youth Leadership Academy
Overview
The APAICS Youth Leadership Academy program, in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, is a week-long leadership development and enrichment program geared towards high school students. The purpose of the program is to provide students with the unique opportunity to learn more about government and public policy issues impacting the AA & NH/PI community and how they can be more involved in the political process.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C. and participate in a mock Congress to learn firsthand what roles they can play in the American political system. Students will also have the chance to meet with AA & NH/PI leaders working in the White House and in Congress.
About the Close Up Foundation
The mission of the non-profit, non-partisan Close Up Foundation is to inform, inspire and empower young people to understand and embrace the rights and responsibilities of active citizenship. Since 1971, Close Up has served more than 900,000 students and teachers from across the country. Close Up serves middle and high school students and teachers through civic education programs, professional development for educators, and classroom resources.
2026 Key Dates
Program Dates: June 21-26, 2026
Application Deadline: March 27, 2026 at 11:59PM ET
Eligibility Requirements
Participants for the 2026 Youth Leadership Academy must be currently enrolled high school students for the 2026-2027 academic year. Those who graduate from high school before the YLA program dates are not eligible.
Fees and Financial Aid
Cost: $1,717.00 + price of flight/train to/from Washington, D.C., to participate.
This cost includes entrance fees, hotel accommodations, all meals, ground transportation while in D.C., and programming. Scholarships are available to participants whose families demonstrate financial need. Please complete the Scholarship Information section in the application to be considered for a scholarship.
Testimonials
“If I had to describe the APAICS Youth Leadership Academy, I’d say life-changing. I’ve met so many other students with the same passions and shared experiences. I developed lifelong friendships from all corners of the United States. The Youth Leadership Academy was very insightful and made my experience in Washington D.C. very special. I learned so much through their partnership with the Close Up Foundation and truly became inspired by hearing from the speakers who share similar backgrounds to me as an Asian American and Pacific Islander. Coming from the territory of Guam almost 8,000 miles away, the Youth Leadership Academy made me feel included and accommodated for me and those from my neighbors to the Northern Mariana Islands despite traveling a great distance.”
Jordan Calimlim
APAICS YLA 2025 Participant
Questions?
Please contact programs@apaics.org with any inquiries.
Please do not contact the office in regard to your application status. Only qualified candidates will be directly contacted by program supervisors. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants.
2026 Youth Leadership Academy Partners
