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Register Now for Asia Society's 2021 Summer Youth Programs!

Summer 2020 at Asia Society Texas Center features five weeks of ExploreAsia summer camps and three weeks of the Young Leaders Institute (YLI) for high school students.

ExploreAsia Culture Camp for Kids | Young Leaders Institute | Health and Safety Protocols


ExploreAsia: Culture Camps for Kids

2021 ExploreAsia

In Asia Society's ninth year of ExploreAsia Culture Camp for Kids, students embark on hands-on programs delving into Asian traditions, arts, and culture. New for 2021, camps will take place either online or in-person, with five different camp sessions offered Monday–Friday.

Register Now


ExploreAsia Animated Stories

Animated Stories: A Stop-Motion Animation and Writing Virtual Camp
Monday, June 14 – Friday, June 18, 2021
Inspired by stories from Asia, work with a professional Writers in the Schools (WITS) writer to create your own stories and poems, then bring them to life on-screen via stop-motion animation!
Recommended for students ages 9–12. This camp is virtual.


ExploreAsia Art and Social Justice

For Teens: Art and Social Justice
Monday, June 21 – Friday, June 25, 2021
Teen voices are powerful forces for social change. Develop artistic tools to be in conversation with what you see in the world, learn about various cultures and social justice issues, and create art reflecting your beliefs.
Recommended for students ages 13–17. This camp is in-person.


ExploreAsia Manga POP

Manga POP!
Monday, July 5 – Friday, July 9, 2021
Create your own comics inspired by the Japanese manga style! Beginner to Advanced students will learn to bring comics to life on both paper and the web.
Recommended for students ages 9–14. This camp is in-person. Students will form small groups based on age.


ExploreAsia Playful Playwrights

Playful Playwrights
Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16, 2021
In this session in partnership with Writers in the Schools (WITS), explore Asian mythology, develop dramatic storytelling skills, and generate your own 5-minute play!
Recommended for students ages 9–12. This camp is in-person.


ExploreAsia Fantastic Beasts

Animals and Fantastic Beasts of Asia
Monday, July 19 – Friday, July 23, 2021
Go on a safari across Asia! Learn about the unique animals and mythical creatures that come from Asia, and explore a different region each day to learn about habitats, legends, and more.
Recommended for students ages 6–9. This camp is in-person.


Jump to Health and Safety Protocols »


Young Leaders Institute

YLI 2019 promo

The Young Leaders Institute (YLI) is a week-long program for high school students that promotes global competence, elevates leadership skills, and connects students from across diverse backgrounds and experiences. Since launching in 2016, YLI has provided new perspectives and strengthened skills for more than 300 students.

Summer 2021 highlights timely, relevant issues to engage students across three sessions: U.S.–China Relations, Public Health, and Social Justice and Civic Engagement. The first two sessions will take place virtually, while the third session will be offered in-person only at Asia Society Texas Center.

During the Institute, participants will work in teams throughout the week researching, debating, and presenting solutions for the challenges facing our world. With mentorship and guidance from Asia Society staff, students will be provided opportunities to develop more in-depth knowledge about global issues; to hone communication, collaboration, and presentation skills for the future; and to engage respectfully and thoughtfully with experts, staff, and peers to transform their understanding of leadership.

Now accepting applications on a rolling basis! Spots are limited; students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of admission. The online application must be submitted by midnight on Monday, March 29, 2021.

It is free to apply! Upon acceptance into the Institute, a nonrefundable participation fee (per session) will be due: $60 for members, $75 for nonmembers. Scholarships are available for students with demonstrated need. Please see our FAQs and, for additional questions, contact Mei Qi at TXYLI@asiasociety.org.

Apply Now


2021 YLI U.S.–China Relations Stamp Only

Session 1: U.S.–China Relations
Monday, June 21 – Friday, June 25, 2021 | Virtual: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
Explore the nuanced and evolving relationship between the world's two largest economies with an eye toward the future, including issues of trade, regional security, technology, and human rights.


2021 YLI Public Health Stamp Only

Session 2: Public Health
Monday, July 12 – Friday, July 16, 2021 | Virtual: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
Learn about the complex nature of public health, including the roles played by scientists and healthcare workers along with government officials, community leaders, media, and the public itself.


2021 YLI Social Justice Stamp Only

Session 3: Social Justice and Civic Engagement
Monday, July 26 – Friday, July 30, 2021 | In-person only at Asia Society Texas Center: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
Deepen your understanding of social and systemic inequities in Houston and across the country, while exploring the importance of civic engagement and active participation in finding solutions.


YLI FAQs

For additional information, please email Mei Qi at TXYLI@asiasociety.org.

Application Requirements

Who can apply to the Young Leaders Institute?
High school students from anywhere in the U.S. are encouraged to apply for the Young Leaders Institute virtual sessions as long as they can meet the time commitments required. YLI 2021: Social Justice and Civic Engagement will take place at the Asia Society Texas Center building and only accept students who can attend in-person. While there are no age limitations, students must be in high school in Fall 2021.

Is there a GPA requirement?
There is no GPA requirement. Applications will be evaluated holistically, with emphasis on strong essay answers.

Do I need to have completed specific coursework?
No specific coursework or prior interest in foreign policy, international relations, or international business is necessary. The Young Leaders Institute welcomes students from all backgrounds and interests.

What will students need to participate in the Institute?
For virtual sessions, students will need to have reliable access to the Internet and a webcam to receive the full benefits of the Young Leaders Institute. Additionally, students will need to commit to the full session  time, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Central daily. For the in-person session, students will need to have reliable transportation to and from the Asia Society Texas Center building in Houston's Museum District, where the Institute will be held 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. daily.

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Application Process

How do I apply?
Interested students must submit an online application, which includes two short essays. Letters of recommendation, additional writing samples, or admission interviews are not required for application or acceptance to the Institute.

When is the deadline for applications?
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until midnight on Monday, March 29, 2021. Spots are limited, so students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of admission.

Can I apply to more than one session?
Yes. Students may apply to one, two, or all three sessions of the Young Leaders Institute simply by selecting the sessions they are interested in on the application form. Note that YLI 2021: Social Justice and Civic Engagement is in-person and will take place onsite at Asia Society Texas Center in Houston's Museum District.

Can I submit my application after the posted deadline?
If the Institute is full at the March 29 deadline, applications will be closed and no further applications will be accepted. In the event that spots remain open in the Institute, a deadline extension will be determined and publicly updated on the Asia Society website.

How do I check the status of my application? When will I hear if I have been accepted?
Following the submission of the online application form, students will be contacted individually only if additional information is required. Acceptances will be sent out on a rolling basis. If students have specific questions regarding their application, they may email TXYLI@asiasociety.org.

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Cost and Scholarship Information

What does the Young Leaders Institute cost?
It is free to apply! Upon acceptance into the Institute, a nonrefundable participation fee (per session) will be due to guarantee placement: $60 for Asia Society members, $75 for nonmembers. Scholarships are available for students with demonstrated need.

What forms of payment are accepted?
Payment can be made via credit card or over the phone with Asia Society's Guest Services team: 713.496.9901. Additional details will be sent with the acceptance email.

Are there scholarships available?
Need-based scholarships are available. Students who indicate interest in a scholarship on their application form will receive additional instructions with their acceptance email on how to provide the required information to demonstrate need.

What if I cannot attend a YLI session after being accepted?
Please inform us as soon as possible if you can no longer attend a YLI session that you have been accepted into, by emailing TXYLI@asiasociety.org. Participation fees, once paid, are nonrefundable.

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Safety Procedures and Protocols for ExploreAsia and Young Leaders Institute

  • Capacity has been reduced for each in-person session. ExploreAsia camps will not exceed 50 percent capacity. One virtual ExploreAsia camp option is available for families interested in virtual programming, and two virtual YLI sessions are available for students who wish to apply.
  • Students will be screened each morning with temperature checks.
  • Camp space will be arranged with social distancing guidelines and procedures in place.
  • All Asia Society staff and volunteers will wear masks and be screened daily in accordance with Asia Society Texas Center's health and safety policy.
  • All students will be required to wear a mask.
  • Access to camp spaces will be limited to students and Asia Society staff and volunteers. All drop-off and pick-up for students will take place curbside at the building's front entrance to maintain the integrity of our camp spaces. Those dropping off or picking up will be required to wear masks.
  • Camp games and activities will occur in camp-specific places. Students will visit the exhibition gallery when the building is closed to other visitors.
  • Camp spaces will undergo a thorough daily cleaning, with supplies sanitized as they are used.
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Policies are informed by current recommendations from local, state, and federal health officials, agencies, and authorities, including Harris County recommendations and CDC guidelines. As such, these policies may shift or change.

ExploreAsia Cancelation Policy

Due to the high demand for camp spaces and the limited number of spots available, all sales are considered final. Patrons who provide a written notice of cancelation to JKapral@asiasociety.org on or before May 1 will receive a 50 percent refund of their camp registration fees. No refunds will be issued after this date, including for participants who miss all or partial programs due to illness. Asia Society Texas Center reserves the right to cancel any program due to minimum enrollment, inclement weather, or unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be issued. Cancelations are official upon receipt of confirmation from Asia Society staff.

Young Leaders Institute Cancelation Policy

In the event that an in-person Institute cannot be held, the program will transition to virtual-only and all students and parents/guardians will be notified at least two weeks prior to the first day of the session. Participation fees, once paid, are nonrefundable.


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.


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