Asian American Resource Center Youth and Teen Programs

Are you a High School junior or senior looking to gain leadership skills, engage in networking opportunities with local Asian American community leaders, or simply want to give back to our community? Are you an adult professional in Austin wanting to pass on your perspective and expertise to the younger generation?

Apply for the AARC’s mentorship program for teens! As part of this cohort, mentee participants will engage with likeminded peers and connect with local professionals, with opportunities for growing in cultural identity, career path, community engagement, and intergenerational perspective. The cohort will then implement their skills and connections to complete a capstone project that will be showcased during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May!

Mentee applicants must be a current Junior or Senior in High School. Limited spaces available. Selected participants must be able to attend weekly Saturday meetings and actively participate in the capstone planning, implementation, and day of event. This is an unpaid, volunteer-based opportunity. Transportation is not provided.

Mentor roles are volunteer-based and unpaid. Limited spaces available. If accepted, a background check will be required. Selected mentors must be able to dedicate 20-30 hours over the course of the program to attending meetings and the final capstone event in May.

Apply Now - MENTEES    Apply Now - MENTORS

FAQ for Mentees 

What is the Teen Mentorship Program?

It is a one-of-kind opportunity for youth to connect with an adult professional to explore Asian American cultural identity, career paths, and community engagement. 

What do mentees receive from the program?

• Each youth participant will be paired with an adult professional, who can provide one-on-one mentorship.

• Discussions on Asian American identity, history, and culture.

• Opportunities to learn more about public service with the city of Austin, career development, project planning, and community outreach.

• Opportunity to present a final capstone project at the AARC’s annual CelebrASIA signature event to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

• Receive a certificate of completion and a written letter of recommendation to use for future college and employment applications.

• Can use the program towards volunteer/Community Service Hours. 

Who is eligible to apply to be a mentee?

High school juniors and seniors, age 16 –18 years old (by start of program) and resides in Austin or surrounding towns.  

What is the application process? 

Applications can be submitted from October 1 to October 31. In the application, provide a short essay about your interest in being part of the mentorship program and your experience engaging with the Asian American community. Top applicants will be selected for a virtual interview. Selected applicants will be informed by early December. 

Does someone have to identify as Asian American to apply?

As a City of Austin program, anyone who meets the age and residence criteria can apply. However, the program’s content is designed to center Asian American experiences. 

What is required of mentees if they are accepted to the program?

• Mentees are expected to meet in-person at the AARC, weekly on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. from late January to May 3. While attendance is mandatory, we understand mentees may have other scheduling obligations. We encourage you to still apply and reach out to us for additional questions.

• Mentees are expected to participate in a group, capstone project that will culminate in an in-person presentation at the AARC in May for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Attendance at the event is mandatory. 

FAQ for Mentors

What is the Teen Mentorship Program?

It is a one-of-kind opportunity for youth to connect with an adult professional to explore Asian American cultural identity, career paths, and community engagement.

What do mentors receive from the program?

• Provide one-on-one mentorship.

• Discussions on identity, history, and our relationship with it.

• Help your mentee gain a clearer understanding of career interests and post-high school paths by providing support and guidance

• Encourage your mentee to engage with community in different ways, such as volunteering, collaboration, etc. by sharing your experience and expertise

• Facilitate your mentee’s growth in their Asian American identity and as an Austin Asian American community member through conversation and reflection

• Guide the mentee cohort in coming up with ideas for their final capstone project and coaching/troubleshooting with them as needed. Mentors will not take an active role in the project.

Who is eligible to apply to be a mentor?

Adult professional who expresses understanding of Asian American history, culture, and identity and resides in Austin or surrounding towns.

What is the application process? 

Applications can be submitted from October 1 to October 31. In the application, provide a short essay about your interest in being part of the mentorship program and your experience engaging with the Asian American community. Top applicants will be selected for a virtual interview. Selected applicants will be informed by early December.

Does someone have to identify as Asian American to apply?

As a City of Austin program, anyone who meets the age and residence criteria can apply. However, the program’s content is designed to center Asian American experiences.

What is required of Mentors if they are accepted to the program?

• Mentors are expected to meet in-person at the AARC, bi-weekly on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. from late January to May 3. While attendance is expected, we understand mentors may have other scheduling obligations. We encourage you to still apply and reach out to us for additional questions.

• Mentors will be required to complete and pass a Criminal Background Check, as mandated by the City of Austin.

Youth Voices Rising • Fall 2024

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