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Rooted in Community
Growing Futures: Support AAI's Youth Program

For over 25 years, Asian Arts Initiative has provided free, transformative arts education to youth in Philadelphia. Our programs have long served as a steady, creative outlet for students navigating the complexities of culture, identity, and community. In a world that too often overlooks their voices, we offer a safe space for young people to explore who they are—and who they want to become—through art. 

But in today’s uncertain funding environment, we face a critical challenge: sustaining our free youth programs, which serves over 150 students every year, ages 11–18. As funding becomes increasingly unpredictable, we’re working proactively to ensure the future of this essential program—and the continued growth and success of the young people who depend on it.

Our Youth Arts Workshop (middle school) and Youth Leadership Initiative (high school) have empowered hundreds of students in the School District of Philadelphia with mentorship, community, and the tools to navigate relationships, academics, identity, and postsecondary pathways. By connecting students with artists, educators, and peers from diverse backgrounds, these programs foster cross-cultural understanding, civic engagement, and a deep sense of belonging.

This year, we are launching a fundraising campaign solely dedicated to the Youth Programs, and we have already raised $47,000 thanks to supporters of our annual Benefit and sponsor partners! We are aiming to double this by August 2025. Your gift will help us to fund:

The Youth Leadership Initiative’s Spring Trip
Free Student Tuition
Fair Teaching Artist Wages
Arts and activity supplies, and many more!

Student Tuition

AAI offers free, year-round arts education to 150 Philly teens. Programs include art, tutoring, meals, and field trips—at no cost to families. Students explore identity, leadership, and justice through painting, digital art, cooking, and more. Your support covers true tuition costs and keeps creativity and opportunity within reach — sponsor a student today!
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Spring Trip

Each spring, Youth Leadership Initiative teens pitch, plan, and lead a field trip—from budgeting to fundraising. Students gain real-world skills in teamwork, research, and public speaking, while they enjoy a fun day shaped by their own voice and choice regardless of financial barriers. This year, they’re choosing between Dorney Park or the Jersey Shore! Support their dream trip by donating or buying student art at the AAI Benefit on May 9!
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Pay a Teacher

At Asian Arts Initiative, our youth programs support both young people and the artists who teach them. Each class is led by a working artist whose lived experience and cultural perspective enrich the learning environment. By contributing to Pay a Teacher, you’re funding fair wages for BIPOC artists, mentorship for Philly youth, and a creative community grounded in equity and care.
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Our Sponsors

We are grateful to receive support from PECO and Urban Outfitters. 

❤️ Make an impact today!

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{{ Non-profit name }} is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. Please keep your receipt as your official record. We'll email it to you upon successful completion of your donation.

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Join us in protecting youth spaces and uplifting BIPOC communities—sign up for the AAI newsletter or make a donation to help us continue offering meaningful programs. This year, AAI is recommitting to this mission, and we can't do it without supporters like you. Thank you!

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