The AASuccess Winter Education Camp is more than just a tutoring initiative—it’s a leadership journey that empowers young students to take meaningful action in their community. Spearheaded by Hillary Nguyen and Mason Le, the project addresses the educational disparities faced by underprivileged 4th and 5th graders in Northern Virginia. By offering a free academic enrichment camp, our students are not only providing learning support, but also stepping up as mentors and changemakers.
Recognizing the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student performance and school funding, this project directly supports recovery by boosting core skills in math and English. It also promotes empathy, responsibility, and civic engagement among our AASuccess student leaders, who take ownership of planning, fundraising, curriculum development, and outreach.
This camp is a hands-on example of AASuccess’s mission in action: using student-driven, project-based learning to create real-world impact while developing leadership from within.
- Timeline: November 2024 – May 2025
- Lead: Mason Le and Hilary Nguyen
- How: The project includes various key steps to ensure high quality and engaging materials, as well as efficient coordinating with local schools and organizations. As outlined by Mason and Hilary, these include:
- Review 4th and 5th grade curriculum and identify key topics
- Finalize four subject areas for instruction
- Gather teaching resources and launch online registration
- Confirm student participants and volunteer tutors
- Finalize scheduling of three 90-minute sessions
- Identify a list of local target schools to recruit underserved students
- Secure a potential sponsor to support fundraising for materials and meals
- Ongoing efforts to finalize lesson plans, reach out to schools, and recruit additional volunteers
- Result:
Together, Mason and Hilary successfully organized a three-day Education Camp for 4th and 5th graders on April 24, May 3, and May 4, 2025, with members of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. The program served 6–7 students in need, and post-camp feedback indicated that participants reported improved understanding and comprehension in both Math and English.
“During his time with us, Mason worked one-on-one and in small groups with approximately six Club members, supporting them in math. He demonstrated a high level of patience, punctuality, and professionalism. Mason was attentive to the fact that students were working at different math levels and adapted his support accordingly. His communication skills were excellent, and he quickly built positive rapport with the youth, who responded well to his guidance and presence. We are grateful for Mason’s contribution and would gladly welcome him back in the future.”
— Antonio Jenkins, Senior Branch Director, Fairfax County, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington
With a modest $300 budget and an abundance of heart, the Education Camp exemplifies how student-led projects can address community needs while shaping future leaders. This is only the beginning of what we hope will become a tradition of service and empowerment.
