Young Leaders Institute | Teen Council

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 more than 470 students.

During the Institute, participants will work in teams throughout the week researching, debating, and presenting solutions for challenges facing our world. With mentorship and guidance from Asia Society Texas 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.

Registrations for the 2025 Young Leaders Institute are accepted on a rolling basis, with students encouraged to register early to secure their placement. There is limited capacity for each session, and the deadline to register is Friday, May 31, 2025.

Session 1: South Korea's Global Impact
Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 27, 2025・8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Daily
Explore South Korea's influence on the global stage, with special focus on economic and industrial development and U.S. relations. Dive into South Korea's multifaceted contributions to technology, innovation, and the global rise of Korean soft power, including K-pop and Korean television and films.

Session 2: Issues in International Security
Monday, July 14 – Friday, July 18, 2025・8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Daily
Examine the intricate intersection of U.S. foreign policy and global security with respect to Asia. Gain an understanding of the current security landscape, regional territorial disputes, and the roles that international institutions play in promoting peace and security, including challenges and opportunities presented by conflict and how diplomatic solutions can shape the rights and safety of diverse populations.

Session 3: The Future of Energy
Monday, July 28 – Friday, August 1, 2025・8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Daily
Learn how renewables and energy transition initiatives are shaping the global economic, environmental, and energy outlook. Gain insights on how policymakers, industries, nonprofit, and international organizations are creating innovative solutions for a greener and more sustainable future.

Register for YLI Now!

Registration is open now! Interested students are encouraged to register by midnight on Friday, May 31, 2025. Session capacity is limited, so students are encouraged to register early to ensure their spot.

Register Now

Need-based scholarships are available. Students interested in a scholarship will be expected to submit information to demonstrate financial need such as a parent or guardian's W2 or proof of free or reduced lunch. There is a limited number of scholarships, which are awarded on a rolling basis. To inquire about scholarship availability, please email Matthew Fuller, Director of Business and Policy, at [email protected].

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 »

Education and Outreach programs at Asia Society Texas are presented by AARP. Major support comes from Nancy C. Allen, Chinhui Juhn and Eddie Allen, The Brown Foundation, Inc, and Houston Endowment Inc. Generous funding also provided by Asia Chemical Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), the Susan Vaughan Foundation, and Johanna Brassert and Bill Stewart. Free Thursday exhibition admission presented by Regions Bank. Additional support is provided by Cathay Bank Foundation, the George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation, and the Friends of Asia Society, a dedicated group of individuals and organizations committed to bringing exceptional programming and exhibitions to Asia Society Texas.

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