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Asian American Youth Leaders Spring 2026 Program
Asian American Youth Leaders Spring 2026 Program
Beyond the frame
Beyond the frame
Dates: Saturdays, January 24 - March 21, 2026
Times: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Participants: Middle School and High School Students (6th - 12th grade)
Cost: Free!
Students will receive a certificate from AAYL upon completion of the program.
This program explores how Asian Americans are represented across film, television, social media, journalism, and digital platforms, and how these portrayals shape public perception and community identity. Through the lens of cultural hallmarks, customs, holidays, and culinary traditions, participants will analyze how media reflects, distorts, or reclaims cultural narratives. A community-based creative art project will allow participants to transform their reflections into original works—such as visual art, digital media, illustrated recipes, or short films—that respond to or reimagine media representation. The program culminates in a public showcase, amplifying youth voices while engaging families and the broader community in dialogue around identity, visibility, and storytelling.
Learning objectives
Learning objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to…
Analyze and critique representations of Asian Americans in film, television, social media, and journalism using media literacy frameworks.
Identify and explain key cultural hallmarks, customs, holidays, and culinary traditions as they appear (or are omitted) in mainstream and community media.
Evaluate stereotypes and narratives to distinguish between harmful portrayals and authentic representation.
Document and interpret a cultural tradition, holiday, or recipe through both analytical and creative lenses.
Create an original community-based art or media project that responds to themes of identity, representation, and cultural storytelling.
Communicate personal and collective narratives through written, visual, or digital media formats.
Engage in public dialogue by presenting creative work in a community showcase or digital exhibition.
Instructors
Instructors
JC Fermin
Ph.D. English Language and Literature/Letters
Lucia (Lucy) Do
UCI Student - School of Education
Thao-Vy Nguyen
Guest Art Instructor
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