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 of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) heritage 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.
2025 Key Dates
Program Dates: June 15-20, 2025
Application Deadline: March 28, 2025 at 11:59PM ET
Eligibility Requirements
Participants for the 2025 Youth Leadership Academy must be currently enrolled high school students for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Fees and Financial Aid
Cost: $1,692 + price of flight to Washington, DC, to participate.
This cost includes any entrance fees, hotel accommodations, all meals, and programming. Scholarships are available to students whose families demonstrate financial need. Please complete Section 4 - Scholarship Information to be considered for a scholarship.
Testimonials
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“Monumental. The word itself is an understatement when describing the experiences, opportunities, friendships, and memories I have made through my participation in the 2024 APAICS Youth Leadership Academy. Coming from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, this program has been truly transformative and influential for me. My experience with APAICS has provided me with an unforgettable opportunity to witness firsthand the inner workings of our government. I have learned that, regardless of what the media may portray, there are people in D.C who look just like me and are working tirelessly to forge a brighter future for our country. Needless to say, APAICS has truly changed my life. It has altered my perception of our government, public policy, and democracy. The program is much more than a field trip in our nation’s capital, it is a stimulus of encouragement and guidance for the future leaders of our country. ”
Jhaylin Cruz
APAICS YLA 2024 Participant
Questions?
Please contact apaics@closeup.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.
2024 Youth Leadership Academy Sponsors
