Craig Ishii helps RS17 students understand Team Dynamics—how to work together in groups

RS17 students take a picture of eating natto for the Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt

Kurt Ikeda takes RS17 students through an exercise to help them understand Japanese American cultural values

Schedule

The RS17 Program was held on one or two Saturdays per month from October 2019 through March 2020 at the  Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Little Tokyo as follows:

- October 26:  “Team Dynamics” workshop 
- November 9:  Beach Outing
- November 23:  “Speak to Persuade” workshop
- December 7:  “Assertiveness/Ethics” workshop
- January 11:  “JA Heritage” workshop
- January 25:  “Cultural Awareness” workshop
- February 8:  “Networking” workshop
- February 22:  Group Project & College Life 101 
- March 7:  Final Group Project Event 
- March 14:  Review Session & Social Outing
- March 28:  Culmination
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Sessions generally run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Program

The Risings Stars Youth Leadership Program presents a series of fun and interactive workshops that provide leadership training and cultural education, led by professional trainers. Topics include:

Team Dynamics—understanding who we are and how to work in groups with those different from us
Speak to Persuade—how to do powerful and persuasive public speaking
Cultural Values—how Japanese values influence us and how we lead
Assertiveness/Ethics—how to be assertive, not passive or aggressive, in various real-life situations, and how to be ethical
Networking—how to introduce ourselves to new people, talk with them, and develop a network
Japanese American Heritage—understanding the history, culture, and legacy of Japanese Americans and how students can be involved in the Japanese American community.

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 

RS17 students at Huntington Beach for the annual Beach Outing

RS17 students (sitting on the floor and standing) take a group picture with college reps (seated in chairs) at College Life 101

How To Apply

The application period for our 2021-2022 program will open in
July 2021.

Applicants for the program must be enrolled in high school during the 2021-2022 school year. Enrollment will be limited to a maximum of 25 students.

What Past Participants Are Saying About Rising Stars

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"Before Rising Stars, I thought I knew anything and everything there was to know about leadership. But after attending workshops...I can honestly and humbly say ‘What was I thinking?' I realized that I had plenty to learn...."
- Kendall, Rising Stars 2 graduate


"The speakers we had taught us practical skills as well as a better understanding of our culture. I especially gained from the sessions about how to work in groups and the importance of networking. I’ve already implemented the networking skills which really helped me with a school project!”
- Nicole, Rising Stars 5 graduate ​

Mitch Maki, President and CEO of the Go For Broke National Education Center, talks with RS17 students about Japanese American history and redress during the Japanese American Heritage Workshop

RS17 students practice their networking skills with actor, Derek Mio (on the left), at the Networking Luncheon