SYLP 2025 Cohort with founder, Assunta Ng, and planning committee members at the graduation dinner held at Joyale Seafood Restaurant.
The Summer Youth Leadership Program (SYLP) will return this summer following a successful relaunch in 2025, with applications now open for Asian American high school students interested in leadership development, community engagement and identity exploration.
The three-week program, which resumed last year after a multi-year pause, offers students opportunities to participate in workshops, cultural activities and discussions with community leaders focused on Asian American identity, representation, civic engagement and career development.
Students with news anchor and reporter, Christine Pae, at the KING 5 News Station
Organizers said the class of 2025 participated in field trips and mentorship opportunities throughout the program, including a visit to the KING 5 News station, where students met anchor and reporter Christine Pae, and a tour of the University of Washington campus. Students also engaged with local leaders such as Betti Fujikado, Scott Oki, Kathy Hsieh, Janet Phan and Paul Rucker.
Participants took part in cultural and community-based activities such as a traditional Filipino Sayaw dance workshop and volunteer service supporting local elders in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District (CID).
One student who participated in last year’s program said SYLP helped build confidence and provided a stronger understanding of Seattle’s Asian American communities and history.
“After hearing all of the guest speakers talk about their experiences with following their passions, navigating through stereotypes as Asians, as well as the history that lies in Chinatown, I found myself becoming inspired to go out of my comfort zone and speak up more for myself,” the student said. “I try to become a leader that other people can look up to.”
Hearing from former UW Alumni Association Board of Trustee, Janet Phan, and UW Vice President of Alumni and Stakeholder Engagement, Paul Rucker, during a field trip to UW campus
Applications are currently open to students who have completed grades 9 through 12. Organizers are also seeking community sponsorships and donations to support future cohorts and expand the program.
SYLP provides daily lunch through restaurants in or near the CID as part of its effort to support local businesses and connect students with the neighborhood.
Applications for SYLP 2026 are available at seattlesylp.org.
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