Impact Fellows Program
Program Recap

On August 1, 2009, AAI celebrated the graduation of its third class of Impact Fellows. The Impact Fellows Program (IFP) is an intensive, seven-week internship program that combines leadership and workplace training to equip young adults to make an impact on the Asian Pacific American (APA) community.

The 2009 IFP class was made up of 14 young adults, between the ages 17-22. The group included individuals of Chinese, Filipino, South Asian, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese descent, ranging from first generation to fourth generation immigrants. While ages and ethnicities varied, diversity was also reflected in the fellows’ unique backgrounds and eclectic interests; IFP boasted an entrepreneur, aspiring actor, hip hop artist, youth worker, student activist, community volunteers, athletes, and aspiring doctor.

Fellows were encouraged to develop their interests, and through training, were given the tools to become leaders in their various communities and circles. Workshops were provided by AAI and Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics, and followed two general tracks: personal development and APA issues. Fellows learned about leadership, communication, networking, negotiating, career development and team building. A panel of community leaders also shared their thoughts on their experiences in the workplace. A focus was placed on polishing public speaking skills and making presentations; Fellows practiced giving speeches and collaborating on projects that were presented as a group.

Program participants also explored APA identity and history; they reflected on how their personal and family stories fit into this paradigm, and through guest speakers, were introduced to issues currently affecting the APA community. Participants learned about Comprehensive Immigration Reform, education reform, stereotyping of Asian Americans, and the importance of civic participation. Finally, Fellows were given the opportunity to put their knowledge to practice through a legislative visit. Fellows worked in teams to present cases in support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform to staff members of U.S. representatives.

Fellows were also assigned to community based organizations for four-week internships. They learned about regional issues and assisted in projects at AAI, Chicago Comission on Human Relations, Chinese Mutual Aid Association, Illinois Department of Human Services, Indo-American Center, Korean American Community Services, and Muslim Women Resource Center.

"The Chinese Mutual Aid Association had the pleasure of working with two fellows [this past year]. Both of these individual routinely went above and beyond their expectations. They both have a gift for working with youth and prides themselves at helping the youth of CMAA grow.... This program was great last year, we look forward to again this year."

Alvin Yu, CMAA


For more information:.

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• Click for Fellow's recaps
• Click for IFP Fact Sheet
• Click for Applilcation Materials