During the summer of 1995, we offered our first summer youth program, called "Get an EducASIAN." We offered the two and a half week program in July and again in August. The goals of the program were to introduce students to Asian American history and issues, Asian American role models and some of the resources available in the community.
The students learned that the International District is not just a place to eat, but is also a place filled with history and heritage. Moreover, they were able to meet and interact with community people such as King County Executive Gary Locke, local news celebrity Mona Lee, and Seattle Public School Board member Al Sugiyama.
Altogether, 28 students participated in our program, and $2,500 money was awarded. Many of the students are keeping in touch and volunteering their time with us.
This will be an annual program. We will try and keep in touch with all of our students. As they grow into leaders, we hope they will come back and share their experiences with future participants.
Over the years, the young people's art and essay contest has become an annual fixture in the pages of the Northwest Asian Weekly.
This is, however, more than just a contest. It is also a chance for young people to speak out--through words and pictures--their views on important topics. It is a chance for young people to reflect on ideas that make this nation unlike any other in terms of the diversity of people, thoughts and ideals.
"Hopefully," says Assunta Ng (publisher of the Asian Weekly and creator of the Foundation), "young people will continue to think about these things, expand on their ideas and continue to express themselves."
Contestants are judged in two age categories: 10-13 and 14-17. Last year, we received over 150 submissions, published 20 original works from the participants in the Asian Weekly, and awarded $700 in prize money. We hope that by seeing their works published, these young people will be encouraged to speak out more often!
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Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation
Tel: (206) 587-2456
Fax: (206) 223-0626
E-Mail: scpnwan@nwlink.com
This page was designed as a public service by Jason Truesdell.
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