< English/中文
Voice Amplifier
Immigrant Youth Leadership Academy
Are you an Asian immigrant student ready to break stereotypes and amplify your voice?
In the eyes of many, Asian students are often seen as homogenous, particularly in their academic achievements. A former Dean of Admissions at an Ivy League University once commented about encountering "yet another Asian kid who wants to major in Computer Science," underscoring this common stereotype.
Similarly, the tech industry wrestles with the 'Bamboo Ceiling' phenomenon, an invisible barrier hindering many Asian professionals from ascending to senior leadership roles. These individuals often feel compelled to conform, to maintain a low profile, and to refrain from voicing unique or dissenting opinions.
-
Class conducted via Zoom
-
Small Class Size
-
2 Teachers with 8 Students
-
Only 8 spots per class!
-
Stay tuned for our fall schedule
Our Vision
Contrary to these limiting stereotypes, Asian immigrant students possess distinctive strengths and untapped potential. They demonstrate remarkable resilience, adaptability, and diligence—traits inherited from their families' brave migration journeys. These students are not only multilingual but also multicultural, able to navigate diverse environments with dexterity and grace. They embody a world-centric view that can inspire innovation, fuel creativity, and foster understanding.
Sadly, these unique strengths often remain unappreciated or unrecognized. Immigrant children, while navigating between cultures and languages, often feel voiceless, striving to assimilate while preserving their unique identities.
Our program, the Voice Amplifier, aims to empower these young minds. We aspire to help them find their voices, share their stories, and become leaders in their communities, not despite their immigrant backgrounds, but because of them.
The Voice Amplifier is more than a conventional leadership and communication program. Yes, it provides a platform for developing public speaking and leadership skills, but our journey extends beyond that. This program guides students towards self-discovery, assisting them in uncovering their passions and life's purpose. We're about unleashing their potential and showing them that they can make a difference.
New Roots, New Shoots:
The Unfolding Stories of Immigrant Youths
新根新苗:崭露头角的移民家庭青少年故事集
Every voice amplified, every story told, deserves to be heard. That's why at the culmination of the program, the most compelling and impactful of the students' writings will be selected to be compiled into a book that will be published, sharing their unique stories with the world.
What Students Will Get Out of the Program
A Self-Exploration Narrative
Each student will produce a piece of writing that explores their leadership skills, personal journey, and self-discovery. This narrative will be edited and guided by the instructor to ensure it authentically captures the student's unique voice. (Please note, for students who need extra help with writing, one-on-one coaching can be provided at an additional cost.)
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the program, each student will receive a certificate, acknowledging their hard work and the skills they have acquired.
Personalized Leadership Skills Assessment Report
Each student will receive a report that assesses their current skills in the three key areas of leadership, communication, and self-discovery & personal development. This report will also include recommendations on how to further develop these skills in the future.
Recommendation Letter
Dr. Shirley Vazquez will write a recommendation letter, upon request, which highlights the student's leadership skills and growth during the program.
Potential Publication Opportunity
Students will have the chance to contribute to a special publishing project - New Roots, New Shoots: The Unfolding Stories of Immigrant Youths. This book will be a compilation of the most compelling and impactful writings produced by students during the program. Not only will students be sharing their unique stories, but they will also have the unparalleled experience of becoming published authors.
Future Volunteering Opportunities
Graduates of the program will be invited to volunteer in future cohorts of the program, providing them with an opportunity to further develop their skills while serving their communities.
Dr. Shirley Vazquez
Instructor and Chief Editor
Dr. Hui Shi Jiang
Curriculum & Assessment Advisor
Maddy Huang
Instructional Facilitator
Skills Covered in the Voice Amplifier Program
The following three categories of skills are covered in this program and will be taught through various methods such as interactive lessons, group activities, and personal projects. Each student will be evaluated on these skills through their participation in activities, their engagement in group discussions, and the quality of their assignments and presentations.
Leadership Skills
1.1 Decision Making: The ability to make informed, effective, and timely decisions.
1.2 Vision and Strategy: The capacity to establish a clear vision, set goals, and develop strategies for achieving those goals.
1.3 Team Building: The ability to assemble and maintain effective teams, and resolve conflicts.
1.4 Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances and respond effectively to new situations.
1.5 Emotional Intelligence: The capacity to understand and manage personal emotions and those of the team.
Communication Skills
2.1 Listening: The ability to effectively receive and understand messages during communication.
2.2 Clarity: The ability to convey messages in a clear and understandable manner.
2.3 Non-Verbal Communication: The ability to use body language, gestures, and facial expressions to convey information.
2.4 Empathy: The ability to understand others' feelings, perspectives, and points of view.
2.5 Assertiveness: The ability to express oneself and one's rights without violating the rights of others.
Self-Discovery & Personal Development Skills
3.1 Self-Reflection & Understanding Personal History: The capacity to look inward and analyze one's thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and motivations. The ability to understand and articulate one's life journey, including past experiences, cultural background, and the impact these have had on one's identity.
3.2 Strengths and Weaknesses: The ability to identify personal strengths and weaknesses, and understand how they influence one's actions and decisions.
3.3 Goals and Aspirations: The ability to articulate personal goals, dreams, and aspirations, and understand how these align with one's values and identity.
3.4 Values and Beliefs: The capacity to identify and articulate personal values and beliefs, and understand how these shape one's behavior and decision-making.
3.5 Coping Mechanisms and Resilience: The ability to identify and employ healthy coping mechanisms in response to stress or adversity.