Nikkei Federation Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program Call for High School StudentsNEW

The Nikkei Federation announces its ninth annual Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program, a leadership development and cultural education program for high school students. The program is scheduled to take place on selected Saturdays from October 22, 2011 through April 1, 2011 at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo.

The goal of the program is to provide leadership skills to high school youth and inspire them to cultivate an ongoing involvement with the Japanese American community. The program is designed to develop leadership skills and to inspire youth involvement in the Japanese community by presenting a series of active, engaging workshops on a variety of leadership topics. Participants will gain experience in community service and learn about the Japanese American experience as well as to learn how to work in groups.

"We understand that the future of our community lies on the backs our youth," said Glenn Nakatani, Chair of the Rising Stars Youth Program. "We've seen firsthand how the skills that are taught in this program have helped the participants in their academic, professional and community endeavors. And, our goal is to reach out to more youth from the community."

The workshops are led by professional trainers who are also community leaders, from a variety of backgrounds and industries. The six interactive workshops cover topics geared towards developing leadership skills and increasing understanding of the Japanese American culture and history. The workshops include: "Team Work," where the students will learn about different personality styles and how best to deal with personalities that are similar to and different from their own; "Assertiveness," a workshop that explores the advantages and disadvantages of assertive versus passive behavior in school and at work and where to draw the line between assertive and overly assertive behavior; "Powerful and Persuasive Presentation," a workshop teaching the practical elements of an effective presentation, including body language, eye contact, voice modulation, hand gestures as well as structuring the speech; "Financial Fitness," a workshop that will teach students basic and practical financial skills;  "Cultural Values," a workshop designed to recognize stereotype based biases that may affect the students in their education and careers and how to deal with them; and Networking," a workshop in which the students will learn the benefits of networking and will receive practical tips on how to approach and talk to people in a variety of settings. 

Students also plan and execute a group project, engage in special planning meetings as well as participate in cultural activities and social activities. The 11 session program concludes with a graduation reception. The group project and social activities take place at off site locations.  Optional parent activities are also scheduled.

Feedback from past participants has been overwhelmingly positive. The students have said the program has helped them in their academic careers and personal lives, and have given them a greater awareness and appreciation of the Japanese American community.

"The speakers we had taught us practical skills as well as a better understanding of our culture," said Nicole Elby, a graduate of the fifth Rising Stars program. "We learned about our cultural values and how to find a balance between being a doormat and being overbearing. I especially gained from the sessions about how to work in groups and the importance of networking. I've already implemented the networking skills which really helped me with a school project!"

Enrollment is limited to 25 maximum. Application deadline is September 10, 2011. Participants must be enrolled in high school. A program fee of $200 per student will be charged upon acceptance. For applications or for sponsorship opportunities visit the Nikkei Federation website at nikkeifederation.org, or contact Glenn Nakatani at P.O. Box 4235, Covina, CA  91723, telephone (626) 915-5338, fax (626) 915-2699, email risingstarsyouth@gmail.com.