Photo Credit: AALead
Asian American Advocacy blog post by admin

Helping Asian American Youth: A Four-Part Editorial Series on Washington D.C. Area Charities

Feature Story Three: Asian American Lead (AALEAD) Supports Low Income, Underserved Asian American Youth

There are approximately 20 million Asian Americans living in America, according to Pew Research Center.

While skimming current data, the Asian American population are portrayed as overwhelmingly financially and economically prosperous, but this depiction varies widely among Asian subgroups.

Asian Americans have remarkably different experiences. Some are upwardly mobile, while many others struggle with poverty. Approximately 13 percent of Asian Americans live below the federal poverty line, according to a 2011 report by Asian American Center for Advancing Justice.

Washington D.C.-based Asian American LEAD (AALEAD), is on a mission to serve these often overlooked sub-aggregate groups and support low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth.

AALEAD serves Asian youth in the DC metropolitan region by providing educational empowerment, identity development, and leadership opportunities through after school, summer and mentoring programs.

In addition, one-on-one mentoring, academic support resources and leadership development make-up some of the comprehensive youth services that are offered. AALEAD also offers resources and information to parents related to the needs of their youth. Watch the below video about AALEAD in Montgomery County.

Founded in 1998 by Sandy Dang, AALEAD was initially established to serve the large population of Vietnamese refugees, escaping the Vietnam War, that relocated to the District. Having experienced similar challenges herself as a Vietnamese refugee motivated her to establish the organization. Dang’s vision was to create and grow an institution that truly belonged to the community.

AALEAD has now expanded its scope and serves over 300 students in the District, Virginia and Maryland, who represent more than 14 different Asian ethnicities.

In the Washington, D.C. area, there are roughly 520,000 Asian Americans who call this region home.

How can you help AALEAD? There are three ways to volunteer: Youth Mentor, Community College Coach or Program Aide. AALEAD also accepts donations.

Volunteer