Fwd: High School Youth Opportunity to Share: Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) 2026
Jianping Yang
Dear CAFA Families and Friends,
I would like to share a wonderful opportunity for high school students from North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT).
NCAAT’s annual Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) is a three-day summer leadership program for Asian American youth ages 14–18, taking place July 13–15, 2026 at UNC-Chapel Hill and Raleigh.
Students will have opportunities to learn about leadership, Asian American history and identity, civic engagement, and connect with community leaders and peers from across the state.
Application deadline: Sunday, June 7, 2026
Application link: ncaat.org/YLI2026
Please see the information below for more details.
Best regards,
Jianping
From: Jennifer Yu <jenn...@ncaatogether.org>
Date: Mon, May 18, 2026 at 7:01 AM
Subject: High School Youth Opportunity to Share: Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) 2026
To: Jennifer Yu <jenn...@ncaatogether.org>
Cc: Hayman Linn Lae Zaw <hay...@ncaatogether.org>, Sel Mpang <s...@ncaatogether.org>, Purvi Patel <pu...@ncaatogether.org>
Hello,
I hope this email finds you well! I wanted to share that the application for our Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) conference is currently open! Applications are due in three weeks on Sunday, June 7th by 11:59 PM.
If you could please share this opportunity with your high school youth networks, we’d really appreciate it! We’d love to have more youth from our community partner networks, youth groups, and other student clubs join in this opportunity. Would you be willing to share the below blurb with your networks? Please feel free to copy and paste the below blurb and share the attached flyer graphic:
Join North Carolina Asian Americans Together's (NCAAT) annual Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) happening from Monday, July 13 to Wednesday, July 15, 2026!
Applications for YLI are due 🗓 Sunday, June 7th, 2026 at 11:59 PM 🗓
Application link: ncaat.org/YLI2026
When: Monday, July 13, 2026 to Wednesday, July 15, 2026,
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM each day (check-in at 8:30 AM)
Where:
July 13-14: Sonja Hanes Stone Center, UNC-Chapel Hill
July 15: NCAAT Office at the Junior League of Raleigh
YLI is a three-day program for Asian American youths ages 14-18 that empowers participants to explore their own identities, learn about Asian American history and advocacy, and strengthen their leadership and civic engagement skills. Throughout the conference, students will have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops and discussions led by guest speakers, community organizers, and leaders and will explore Asian American identity, history, and topics not often covered in traditional K-12 curriculum. Our Keynote Speaker is Nida Allam, who is the first Muslim American woman elected to office in North Carolina and currently serves on the Durham County Board of Commissioners. She is a community organizer and activist whose advocacy focuses on issues such as education, affordable housing, healthcare, and civic participation.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided college campus tour provided by UNC-CH Office of Undergraduate Admissions, as well as a Networking Lunch, where they can connect with community leaders and learn about their life experiences and career paths. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all three days.
Reasons to attend YLI:
- Meet other Asian American high school-aged peers across the state and make new friends
- Learn about Asian American advocacy/topics and hold meaningful, thought-provoking discussions
- Connect with Asian American community leaders and organizers across the state
- Develop leadership and civic engagement skills
- Experience a college campus environment
- Receive volunteer hours for participation and build your resume
Eligibility: Asian American youth ages 14-18. Those not currently enrolled in high school are also encouraged to apply.
Note: Lodging and transportation is not provided. Breakfast and lunch will be provided all three days.
Thank you! Hope to see you there! If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact yo...@ncaatogether.org.
Thank you so much! Please let me know if you or any of your youth have any questions, and if you can share this again with your high school-aged youth base, I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you for all the amazing work you do with the community. Looking forward to hopefully more opportunities to collaborate together this year! If you’d like to chat more about anything, please don’t be afraid to reach out and schedule a call with me at ncaat.org/youthchat.
Best,
Jennifer
