Teen Programs
Young Leaders Institute
The Young Leaders Institute (YLI) is a week-long summer 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 nearly 400 students.
Summer 2022 returns to in-person sessions at Asia Society Texas Center, focused on timely, relevant issues for students to explore. 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.
Applications for the 2022 Young Leaders Institute are accepted on a rolling basis, with students encouraged to apply early to secure their placement. There is limited capacity for each session and the deadline to apply is Monday, March 28, 2022. Click on each session below to learn more and to apply.
Session 1: Energy and Sustainability
Monday, June 20 – Friday, June 24, 2022・8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Daily
Explore the complex and interconnected issues of energy and sustainability, including the roles played by transitioning industries, new technology, and world governments, amid worsening climate disasters across the globe and a heightened push for environmental justice and equity.
Session 2: International Security and Defense
Monday, July 11 – Friday, July 15, 2022・8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Daily
Examine the challenging dynamics of international military strategy and national defense in the Asia Pacific region, including navigating the sovereignty issues of the South China Sea, U.S. relationships with East and Southeast Asian allies, and the nuclear threat of North Korea.
Session 3: Global Education
Monday, July 25 – Friday, July 29, 2022・8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Daily
Learn more about the U.N. sustainable development goal around ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education around the globe, and what that means in Asia Pacific countries, in the U.S., and for girls — along with the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Young Leaders Institute FAQs
Apply for YLI Now!
Now accepting applications on a rolling basis! Interested students are encouraged to submit an online application by midnight on Monday, March 28, 2022. Spots are limited, so students are encouraged to apply early to increase their chances of admission.
For additional questions, please contact Mei Qi, Business and Policy Programs Manager, at TXYLI@asiasociety.org.
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.
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! Learn more »
After-School Club
Our virtual after-school club for students ages 13–18 provides an introduction to Indian culture, covering the basics of the Hindi language and featuring hands-on activities exploring different topics such as geography, music, film, literature, and environmental issues. Learn more »
Education and Outreach programs at Asia Society Texas Center are presented by Wells Fargo. Generous funding also provided by Margie and Joe Blommaert, Cathay Bank Foundation, Chevron, the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation, and H-E-B. Additional support is provided by Friends of Asia Society Texas Center, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in exhibitions and public programming to Houston.
Presenting Sponsor
Additional Support
