JACL Youth
JACL recognizes the importance of developing future leaders for the organization and the Asian Pacific Islander community. To meet that goal, the JACL actively sponsors programs and activities specifically geared toward youth and student empowerment.
The JACL has created a variety of programs, scholarships, internships and groups which benefit this next generation of leaders The National Youth/Student Council (NY/SC) is the official body of the JACL to serve as the youth voice of the organization and to facilitate programming for the younger generation.. The JACL administers a number of chapter and national scholarships as well as internships for those students interested in working with the organization on a regional or national level.
The largest youth program that the JACL sponsors is the biennial National Youth/Student Conference, which brings together students from across the nation to share and educate themselves on issues vital to the API community.
Internships and Fellowships
The JACL offers a number of internships and fellowships nationwide. National JACL fellowships allow participants to work and receive hands-on experience in the areas of hate crimes prevention, journalism, and public policy.
Scholarships
The JACL began its National Scholarship and Awards Program in 1946. Recognizing that education is a key to greater opportunities for its members, the JACL offers over 30 awards, with an annual total of over $60,000 in scholarships to qualified students nationwide. The National Scholarship and Awards Program offers scholarships to entering freshman, undergraduate, graduate, law, and creative & performing arts students. The National Scholarship and Awards Program also offers a student aid award. All scholarships are one-time awards
National Youth/Student Council
The National Youth/Student Council (NY/SC) is the means by which local youth and student members are represented at the national level of the organization. The NY/SC consists of an elected national chair and national representative, as well as youth/student representatives from each of JACL’s seven districts. The NY/SC chair and representative are voting members of the JACL National Board; the district youth/student representatives are voting members of their respective district councils. District youth/student representatives serve as the primary link between the NY/SC and youth in local JACL chapters and on college campuses.
Youth Council Roster
The National Youth/Student Council consists of a national youth chairperson, a national youth representative, and representatives from JACL’s seven districts.
Youth Council District Programs
Currently, the National Youth/Student Council is engaged in a district-by-district assessment of the youth within their respective territories in order to gain a better understanding of the demographics, culture and community of each. This will ensure effective and relevant program planning for the future.
District Youth Websites
Select districts have a youth webpages to visit:(link to: district youth webapges)
National Youth Conference
Every two years, the National Youth/Student Council organizes and convenes a national youth/student conference. Through workshops and special events, the conference provides an opportunity to enhance leadership skills and addresses a wide variety of issues such as civil rights, advocacy, cultural awareness, identity and diversity. The conference is also an opportunity for youth/students from across the country to meet other young leaders and to exchange ideas and network.
2007 National Youth/Student Conference – Santa Clara University
The 2007 National Youth/Student Conference was held June 29 to July 1, 2007 at Santa Clara University in San Jose, California. The conference included engaging workshops about leadership, Asian American identity, political empowerment, and Japanese American culture.
Events at the conference included the Vision Awards banquet and dance, a mentorship luncheon and presentations by various keynote speakers, including talented filmmaker Tad Nakamura and noted civil rights attorney Dale Minami.
The conference provided a great opportunity for participants to establish lasting friendships and to discuss issues that are pertinent to JACL youth members.
2009 National Youth/Student Conference
Currently, the National Youth/Student Council is developing the “bid” process, whereby JACL chapters across the nation express interest in hosting the 2009 conference.
2008 JACL National Convention, Youth Program
The 2008 JACL National Convention is no longer just for our parents’ generation! With the national focus of the JACL moving more and more towards youth programming and youth advocacy, the 2008 convention will encompass many youth-oriented events and workshops. Youth participants can expect a wide range of activities and sessions that deal directly with youth-related issues. Young participants will be welcomed by their peers from around the country as the National JACL descends on Salt Lake City.
Youth participants will participate in welcome mixers and social exchanges to meet and build lasting friendships with other JACL youth as well as JACL members of all ages! There will be daily outings and activities that will utilize the beautiful mountain setting of Salt Lake City, and, of course, social activities are planned for the evenings.
The youth program will include youth workshops that focus on those issues and topics that youth find meaningful. The workshops are intended to motivate and educate youth in those areas that matter most to young persons today.
The most updated information for the 2008 National JACL Convention can be found at http://www.utjacl.org/convention2008