About
Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program is a six-month leadership development and cultural education program for high school students. The Program is designed to develop leadership skills and cultural awareness that can be used by the students in school, in their careers, and in service to their communities.
Participants will learn:
Participants will have an opportunity to apply their skills by completing a group project—the annual Rising Stars Miniature Golf Tournament at Camelot Golfland in Anaheim. They will also participate in such cultural activities as a Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt and a tour of the Go For Broke National Education Center and a Walking Tour of Little Tokyo. |
Location Union Church of Los Angeles Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles Date Saturdays 8:30AM - 4PM October 11, 2025 - April 11, 2026 (Rising Stars 22) Schedule for Rising Stars 22 - October 11: “Team Dynamics” workshop - October 25: Beach Outing - November 15: “Assertiveness” workshop - December 13: "Speak to Inspire" workshop - January 10: "Cultural Awareness" workshop - January 24: “Japanese American Heritage” workshop - February 7: "Networking" workshop - February 21: Group Project & College Life 101 - March 7: Final Group Project Event - March 21: Review Session & Social Outing - April 11: Culmination Structure The program consists of six interactive workshops conducted by professional trainers with extensive corporate and community leadership development experience. Students also plan and execute a group project, as well as participate in cultural activities and social activities. |
Alumni
Jin Hart, Rising Stars 21
Kara Tanaka, Rising Stars 10
Reflecting on my professional and academic journey, I am so grateful for the skills and opportunities that the Rising Stars program has provided for me. I joined Rising Stars knowing that I would learn important leadership skills such as public speaking, financial planning, and cultural values; however, Rising Stars was so much more than just a series of leadership skills workshops. It was a safe environment where I could practice these leadership skills knowing that the other participants and organizers were by my side.
One particular workshop that stands out to me was the public speaking workshop. We were given a couple minutes to prepare a short speech and were then asked to present in front of a group of people and a camera. Later, we watched the videos and the presenter gave us individualized feedback on how we could improve our public speaking. It was a challenging thing to do--especially since I was shy at that age--but I wasn’t nervous or embarrassed. I knew that everyone in the Rising Stars program was there to support me. Additionally, Rising Stars helped me in my college application process. One of the workshops was a College Life panel where college Rising Stars alumni from a variety of schools throughout California spoke and answered questions about their experiences. Even after the panel and the program, I knew that I had mentors I could reach out to with questions about getting into college and succeeding in college. I continue to use the skills that Rising Stars taught me to this day. When I lead board meetings for college clubs, I consider how other people will respond to my leadership style and adapt to better accomplish the group’s goals. When I make presentations in class, I think about how I can use body language to supplement my message. At socials with partners and other professionals at accounting firms, I draw upon the interpersonal skills I bolstered during the networking workshop. Rising Stars is an extraordinary program, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in it. |
Application
Applications for Rising Stars 22 (2025-2026) are now being accepted...click here to apply
A maximum of 24 students will be selected to participate in the program.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Cost
$300 (Paid after acceptance into program)
Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided.
A maximum of 24 students will be selected to participate in the program.
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Ability to complete the full program.
- Interest in further involvement with Japanese American community organizations.
- Willingness to cultivate an ongoing relationship with the Japanese American community.
Cost
$300 (Paid after acceptance into program)
Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided.