Summer Leadership Academy (SLA)

2024 UPDATE: We have decided pause Summer Leadership Academy this year and will not be accepting applications for Summer 2024. In the meantime, we hope that you will consider exploring our other summer youth opportunities like Films at the Gate and SaturPLAY before SLA returns in 2025.

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Photo by Harrison Tran

Are you a high schooler in the Greater Boston Area interested in Asian American history and identity, social justice, and storytelling? And looking to build meaningful relationships within the Asian American community in Boston? Look no further and join ACDC’s youth program!

ACDC’s A-VOYCE Summer Leadership Academy (SLA) is a six-week stipend leadership program serving high school-aged youth that runs from July through August! Participants meet weekly Monday through Wednesday in Boston Chinatown. SLA programming structure is a combination of collaborative learning and project-based work.

Video by Harrison Tran, 2022 SLA Youth & Communications Intern

Each year SLA centers around a unique and insightful theme.

 
 

2021’s “The Art of PersuAsian:”
Understanding of Asian identities and experiences and learn about Asian American History through a lens of creative storytelling and anti-oppression frameworks.

Check out 2021’s showcase here!

 

2022’s “Windows and Mirrors:”
Comparing how Asian identities are different and how they are similar.

Check out 2022’s showcase here!

 
“This program deserves more recognition in terms of providing a space of comfort and vulnerability when discussing grim moments of history.”
— Chelsea Tang, SBU 26'

Youth spent time expanding their understanding and knowledge of Asian communities and experiences, and worked on short-term, weekly projects.

SLA participants learn about:

  • Asian American struggles in history

  • General history of Boston Chinatown and a brief history of Chinatowns worldwide

  • Their own identities and reflect on it

  • Recognizing oppression and discrimination in daily life and how to combat it

  • Exploring how systemic racism affects the Asian and other BIPOC communities

  • Creative storytelling and critical thinking

  • Empathy and collaboration skills

Photo by Harrison Tran