Summer Leadership Academy (SLA)

Paid Opportunity - Apply to Summer Leadership Academy!

ACDC’s Summer Leadership Academy (SLA) is a paid seven-week-long youth leadership program that runs from July through August. Participants connect with other high schoolers passionate as you learn about community organizing, spatial justice, and Asian American identity and history. Throughout the program, the cohort plans and executes Films at the Gate, ACDC’s annual Chinatown film festival attracting 600+ attendees each year.

Please carefully read job descriptions of the two roles. For any questions, please reach out to Youth Programs Manager Emma at emma.ishida[at]asiancdc.org.

Youth Intern Role Description (2026)
Youth Lead Role Description (2026)

Interested in applying? Our application will be made available in March 2027.

Note: This program centers Asian American experiences but is open to young people of all identities who express commitment to these topics of social justice, and are open to talking about race and identity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still have additional questions? Please contact Youth Programs Manager Emma Ishida at Emma.ishida[at]asiancdc.org.

  • Summer Leadership Academy, or SLA, is a seven-week paid youth leadership program! The SLA engages the cohort with an innovative, community-centered curriculum, equipping youth with skills in community-building, creative placekeeping and professional development while introducing youth leaders to an ecosystem of ACDC staff, activists, partners, artists, and professionals. 

  • As a final project, the SLA Cohort apply their developed skills and reflections from SLA’s curriculum towards leading Films at the Gate—ACDC’s annual, youth-led kung fu film festival. With support from ACDC staff, youth receive mentorships towards event planning, fundraising, design, and more.  

    This year, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of FATG! Check us out @filmsatthegate to see what it’s like.

  • High school students in the graduating classes of 2026 to 2029 are invited to apply!

    Participants must be available to attend all program sessions across the seven week long program cycle and the weekend of Films at the Gate (Friday, August 14th to Sunday, August 16th).   

    Youth Interns must be City of Boston residents. Youth Interns must also have previously completed an A-VOYCE program (A-VOYCE SYC, SaturPLAY Project Lead, FATG Youth Lead). 

  • Yes. We have a packed schedule, and coming to each workshop is crucial! But if you need to miss a workshop, let us know in advance, and we e will catch you up on what you missed. 

  • This is a FREE program! In fact, you will get paid—our Youth Leads are paid a volunteer stipend of $250 for the summer, and our Youth Interns are paid $15/hour. We also offer free lunch on workshop days! 

  • Youth Leads can receive volunteer hours upon request!

  • You will be on one of four committees: Community Engagement, Design, Entertainment, and Placekeeping. Each committee focuses on a different part of Films at the Gate. You will learn critical event planning and project management skills like leading a group of peers, managing a budget, designing creative projects, and coordinating with peers, staff, and performers. Check out the role descriptions above to learn more!

  • We recruit volunteers for FATG weekend! Keep a lookout for our youth volunteer recruitment in July on our social media and website.

    There are many other ways to get involved: A-VOYCE School Year, SaturPLAY, and general volunteering opportunities. Submit to our Interest Form here!

Application Process: Applications are open from March to April 2027.

Group Interviews: From March to April 2027. Sign up for an interview through the application!

Final decision are sent out by mid-April.

Schedule: SLA meets on Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 11am-3pm.

Youth Interns also come in on Mondays, 11am-3pm.

The summer culminates in Films at the Gate, from August 13th to August 15th from 5:30pm-10pm.

Photo from SLA Showcase in 2023. Photo by Mel Taing.

About Films at the Gate (FATG)

As a final project, the SLA Cohort apply their developed skills and reflections from SLA’s curriculum towards leading Films At The Gate—ACDC’s annual, youth-led kung fu film festival. With support from ACDC staff, youth receive mentorships towards event planning, fundraising, design, and more. Check us out @filmsatthegate to see what it’s like! 

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