Asian Fortune Your source for all things Asian American
By Devika Koppikar
As one of the most diverse DC-area schools, 24 percent of Annandale High School’s students identify as Asian. Nevertheless, the large Asian population does not necessary equate to the “model minority,” myth as 46 percent of the school’s population (including all groups) are classified as economically disadvantaged, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
For that reason, Asian American Lead (AALEAD), a non-profit that promotes the well-being of underserved Asian American youth, has launched a mentorship program at Annandale High School in Fairfax County, Va.
“We expanded programming into Virginia because there is a need there to serve our population of low-income and underserved youth,” said Sharon Choi, Development and Communications (AALEAD).
AALEAD was founded in 1998 by Sandy Dang to provide education, leadership, and community building to disadvantaged Asian American youth, according to its mission statement. Its programs include after school programs, one-on-one mentoring, academic support resources, and life skill development for students. The organization also assists parents with school related issues affecting their children. Currently, AALEAD serves more than 300 students in the District of Columbia, Montgomery County, Maryland and now Fairfax County, Va.
“AALEAD programming is focused on our three organizational outcome areas: Educational Empowerment, Identity, and Leadership,” said Choi.
According to AALEAD’s FY 2013 Annual Report, 15.9 percent of Asians in the DC region live below the poverty line with 7,000 Asian American youth in Montgomery County alone qualifying for free and/or reduced meals. Poverty poses significant barriers for these Asian American youth to becoming self-reliant since their parents have a limited education in their home countries and often lack sufficient English language proficiency.
“Many parents are unable to offer much academic support, or are unable to interpret their report cards, help with homework, or communicate with teachers,” the annual report cited. “Youth are at high risk of dropping out of school and exhibiting other delinquent and self-destructive behaviors.”
To address these needs, AALEAD’s programming provides a safe space for youth through homework support, enrichment activities focusing on reading, writing, math, arts and crafts, and service learning opportunities.
“These programs intervene at an early stage to critically impact our youths’ academic and social development.”
For more information on AALEAD, visit, http://www.aalead.org.
