AALEAD's mission is to empower AAPI youth in underserved communities through culturally responsive programming and advocacy. AALEAD's vision is that of a United States in which all youth are supported, empowered, and celebrated within equitable, abundant, and thriving communities.
About Our Work: AALEAD recognizes the complex challenges to academic and social success that low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth face in their homes, schools, and communities. Its educational empowerment, identity development, and leadership opportunities - offered in after-school, summer, and mentoring programs in Washington DC, Montgomery County (Maryland), and Fairfax County (Virginia) - serve as safe spaces for youth to develop the skills they need to be confident, engaged, and successful.
Youth 8-18 have the opportunity to be matched, one-on-one, with a supportive mentor who encourages responsible behavior, strong life skills, academic success, and positive self-identity. Culturally and linguistically appropriate services for these youth are all too rare - but AALEAD makes them possible.
History: AALEAD was founded in 1998 by Ms. Sandy Dang to initially serve the large Vietnamese refugee population in the District. Ms. Dang witnessed the same needs and types of challenges she faced as a recent refugee to the United States just a few years back. Her vision was to create and grow a community organization that belonged to the community. The rest is history! In May 2023, AALEAD celebrated its 25th year of service as a leading youth-serving organization in the DMV's AAPI community.
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