Apply for the Asia Society Teen Council!

The Asia Society Teen Council is a cohort of teens engaging in year-round programming designed to uplift and amplify student voices representing the diversity of Houston. Throughout the program, teens will learn about diverse cultures, develop cross-cultural communication skills, and build global competency.

The Asia Society Teen Council provides a safe and inclusive space for students to discuss different facets of culture and identity. Teen Council members are:

• Reflective of their own culture
• Curious to learn about many cultures
• Committed to becoming an agent of change

Join a group of up to 20 high school teens to design programs and resources that make Asia Society a more welcoming, accessible, and relevant space for Houston-area youth! Previous Teen Council projects include Passage, a zine featuring local Asian and Asian American artists, vendors, and restaurants. Together with other teens, develop leadership skills, take on new projects, and learn more about yourself and others.

For the 2020–2021 school year, all meetings will be virtual on Zoom. Applications are open until November 20.

Apply Now

If you have questions, contact Jennifer Kapral, Director of Education and Outreach, at [email protected].

Testimonials

"My time within the Asia Society's Teen Council was one of the most enjoyable experiences. It was so interesting to learn about the diversity of experiences within the group members, and learning how to articulate my own identity through creative modes. During quarantine, they were an exciting group of people to speak with every week and made the dreary days inside a bit more fun. Additionally, there is no doubt that the zine has been an amazing learning experience. Getting to interview local vendors and getting to know more about what happens in Houston reenergizes my love for the city and its dynamic community." — Misbah, Teen Council member

"I'm incredibly proud of the Teen Council members and how we all worked together and individually to create a safe space for important conversations about identity and culture, and to create this zine. It's been a wonderful experience to learn and work with such a dedicated group of people and I would love to see it flourish into a long-term program that provides support and opportunities (such as reaching out to local businesses and creating the zine) to a wider audience." — Cora, Teen Council member

"Participating on the Teen Council has been a huge learning experience for me. Not only am I able to share my own stories and have these amazing conversations on identity, I get to orchestrate it as well. With every meeting, I am learning something new and always trying out a new icebreaker or a different meeting style. This project has become like a child to me, and I treasure it greatly and cannot wait to see all of the amazing work we as a group come to create." — Van, Teen Council member and facilitator

Creating a Safe Space

The Teen Council strives to be a safe, inclusive space for all members. Through interactive discussions and continuous dialogue, teens will communicate their perspectives, learn about other perspectives, and build empathy between each other. These interactions are a core part of the work of Teen Council.

We welcome applications from teens of all backgrounds. We strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ people, non-binary gender people, persons with disabilities, members of religious minorities, and any other underrepresented groups. Asia Society ensures that all staff and volunteers working with teens are trained in safety protocols and follow conduct guidelines.

Major support for Education & Outreach programs at Asia Society Texas Center comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, and Mary Lawrence Porter, as well as The Brown Foundation, Inc., and The Houston Endowment. Additional funding also provided by the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation, as well as through contributions from the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas Center.

About Asia Society Texas Center

With 13 locations throughout the world, Asia Society is the leading educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and West. Asia Society Texas Center executes the global mission with a local focus, enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach.