AARC Home | Events | Exhibits | Rentals | Senior Program | Youth Program
Through fun and interactive activities using Asian American literature, visual and performance arts, and multimedia, kids and teens have the unique opportunity to participate in an array of cultural workshops, gain leadership skills, and connect with others in the community.
Teen Mentorship Program • Spring 2025 • Recap
This spring semester was the second year of our Teen Mentorship Program (TMP) at the AARC! Throughout the semester, teen mentees and working professional mentors met bi-weekly to learn from one another, connect on shared lived experiences, and learn about Asian American History. The TMP cohort enjoyed the program’s intergenerational aspect and being able to share stories and guidance about life journeys. The semester ended with the cohort showcasing their capstone project, an intergenerational fashion magazine and intergenerational quilt that represented the community’s journey of mental health and wellbeing, at our annual CelebrASIA Austin festival. Interested in being a mentee or mentor for Spring 2026? Sign up for our newsletter to learn when application open again this fall!
- FAQ for Mentees
-
What is the Teen Mentorship Program?
It is a one-of-kind opportunity for youth to connect with an adult professional to explore Asian American cultural identity, career paths, and community engagement.
What do mentees receive from the program?
- Each youth participant will be paired with an adult professional, who can provide one-on-one mentorship.
- Discussions on Asian American identity, history, and culture.
- Opportunities to learn more about public service with the city of Austin, career development, project planning, and community outreach.
- Opportunity to present a final capstone project at the AARC’s annual CelebrASIA signature event to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
- Receive a certificate of completion and a written letter of recommendation to use for future college and employment applications.
- Can use the program towards volunteer/Community Service Hours.
Who is eligible to apply to be a mentee?
High school juniors and seniors, age 16 –18 years old (by start of program) and resides in Austin or surrounding towns.
What is the application process?
Applications can be submitted from October 1 to October 31. In the application, provide a short essay about your interest in being part of the mentorship program and your experience engaging with the Asian American community. Top applicants will be selected for a virtual interview. Selected applicants will be informed by early December.
Does someone have to identify as Asian American to apply?
As a City of Austin program, anyone who meets the age and residence criteria can apply. However, the program’s content is designed to center Asian American experiences.
What is required of mentees if they are accepted to the program?
- Mentees are expected to meet in-person at the AARC, weekly on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. from late January to May 3. While attendance is mandatory, we understand mentees may have other scheduling obligations. We encourage you to still apply and reach out to us for additional questions.
- Mentees are expected to participate in a group, capstone project that will culminate in an in-person presentation at the AARC in May for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Attendance at the event is mandatory.
- FAQ for Mentors
-
What is the Teen Mentorship Program?
It is a one-of-kind opportunity for youth to connect with an adult professional to explore Asian American cultural identity, career paths, and community engagement.
What do mentors receive from the program?
- Provide one-on-one mentorship.
- Discussions on identity, history, and our relationship with it.
- Help your mentee gain a clearer understanding of career interests and post-high school paths by providing support and guidance
- Encourage your mentee to engage with community in different ways, such as volunteering, collaboration, etc. by sharing your experience and expertise
- Facilitate your mentee’s growth in their Asian American identity and as an Austin Asian American community member through conversation and reflection
- Guide the mentee cohort in coming up with ideas for their final capstone project and coaching/troubleshooting with them as needed. Mentors will not take an active role in the project.
Who is eligible to apply to be a mentor?
Adult professional who expresses understanding of Asian American history, culture, and identity and resides in Austin or surrounding towns.
What is the application process?
Applications can be submitted from October 1 to October 31. In the application, provide a short essay about your interest in being part of the mentorship program and your experience engaging with the Asian American community. Top applicants will be selected for a virtual interview. Selected applicants will be informed by early December.
Does someone have to identify as Asian American to apply?
As a City of Austin program, anyone who meets the age and residence criteria can apply. However, the program’s content is designed to center Asian American experiences.
What is required of Mentors if they are accepted to the program?
- Mentors are expected to meet in-person at the AARC, bi-weekly on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. from late January to May 3. While attendance is expected, we understand mentors may have other scheduling obligations. We encourage you to still apply and reach out to us for additional questions.
- Mentors will be required to complete and pass a Criminal Background Check, as mandated by the City of Austin.
Other Resources
Austin's Co-Creators focused on Asian American Austinite Isamu Taniguchi’s life and the garden he built at the City of Austin’s Zilker Botanical Gardens. They co-created a one page informational poster with an interactive zine project on the other side to help guide students on how they can connect their stories of home and family to local and national Asian American History. Educators and students can use the resource either as a historical informational poster highlighting one of the lesser known community leaders in Austin history or use the other side of the poster’s interactive zine project to help guide students in reflective, critical thinking prompts that help form these connections.
Learn more about the project at the Co-Create Initiative.
Download the in-color version [PDF]
Download the black & white version [PDF]
Page last updated: June 18, 2025