2025 Pickleball Fundraiser

A THANK YOU FROM US!

The 2025 AASuccess Pickleball Fundraiser has been concluded! We would like to thank all the players, volunteers, and guests that came to show their support for AASuccess!

All funds raised will go directly towards the projects made by students, who are dedicated to making a positive impact in our community. We hope you can join us for this fun-filled afternoon while contributing to our mission. You can find more details about our projects HERE.

Date & time: Sunday, January 5th, 2025, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Dill Dinkers (8300 Sudley Rd Unit A4, Manassas, VA 20109)
Key Leads: Nathan Le, Marvin Pham
Goal: Bring awareness to AASuccess and raise funds for students project in 2025.
Join Us! Registration via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11oPT5szSqjxBgQAZ3hX8JdJB-N3E5-bxFEffpUJKWN0/viewform?

2024 Winter Supply Drive

The AASuccess Winter Supply Drive is more than just a collection of donations—it’s an opportunity to teach students the value of empathy and caring for those beyond their immediate circle. By supporting the Second Story Homeless Shelter in Vienna, Virginia, students can connect with the struggles of those less fortunate and learn the importance of extending kindness to others. This drive encourages them to step out of their bubble, understand the challenges faced by others, and take meaningful action to make a positive difference in their community. Through giving and service, we hope to inspire a deeper sense of compassion and responsibility in our students.

Timeline: November – December 2024
- 11/8/2024: Official announcement and launching
- 11/24/2024: Collecting donations from individuals and grocery stores such las collected donations from grocery stores such as Costco, Giant, and Whole Foods, shopping for supplies,
- 12/1/2024: Visit and deliver at Second Story Homeless Shelter
Key Leads: Aashee Balani
Quote: “On December 1st, I had the privilege of organizing the Winter Supply Drive, where we donated a variety of collected items to the Second Story Homeless Shelter in Vienna, VA. I want to express my thanks to the members of the Rotary Club, who supported me greatly throughout the collection. A thank you goes to Kristina Nguyen for her contributions and supplies, and to Kingston Ho for joining me at the shelter to deliver the donations. The drive was a success, and we provided around $2,000 worth of supplies, which are being distributed across the Second Story system to various shelters in need. As we enter the new year, I know we will continue perfecting the act of giving back. Thank you for all the support!” – Aashee Balani

2024 Road Building Project

The AASuccess road-building project, known as “Huyen’s Road,” was launched in Long My, Hau Giang, Vietnam, to improve access to essential city services for 70 underserved rural households and families. Spanning 2.2 kilometers and requiring a budget of $150,000, the project aimed to address travel challenges and health disparities by enhancing local infrastructure. This initiative served as a model of cross-cultural collaboration, involving Vietnamese and American efforts to foster trust, cultural responsiveness, and sustainable community impact.

We sincerely thank Prow Charities and Mr. Jonathan Padgett for funding and sponsoring the road-building project. Jonathan’s vision not only enhanced the safety and well-being of the Hậu Giang community but also fostered the professional growth of AASuccess students. These students, known as AASuccess Associates, collaborated from America and Vietnam to make this initiative a success. Guided by Dr. Huy Luu’s invaluable mentorship, they developed leadership skills and teamwork strategies, staying organized and focused throughout the project.

Team Lead: The project was led by a multidisciplinary team under the guidance of the AASuccess leadership team. The Associates team, including Erica Shin, Angela Le, Liem Nguyen, Vivian Cao-Dao, and Ngoc Huynh oversaw coordination between American and Vietnamese collaborators, ensuring seamless communication, cultural sensitivity, and on-time project delivery.
Timeline
- - February 2024: Project initiation and community engagement. Local needs assessment conducted, highlighting travel and access difficulties faced by rural families. Initial design and budget planning were completed.
  - March 2024: Secured funding through partnerships, grants, and donations. Coordinated with local authorities to finalize the project scope and align with regional regulations. The construction team was assembled, and groundwork preparation began.
  - April to June 2024: Construction phase, focusing on building the 2.2-kilometer road. Weekly site visits ensured quality control, adherence to timelines, and cultural respect in local labor practices.
  - July 2024: Project completion and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The newly constructed road was officially handed over to the community, marking the successful conclusion of the initiative. Feedback was gathered from community members to evaluate the project’s impact.
How
- - Needs Assessment: AASuccess collaborated with local leaders and residents to identify travel and access challenges. Cultural responsiveness was emphasized to ensure that the project respected local customs and needs.
  - Collaboration and Funding: The project was a joint effort between Vietnamese and American teams. Funding came from Prow Charities – Mr. Jonathan Padgett.
  - Construction: Professional contractors and local workers were engaged to construct the road, integrating local materials and labor where possible to support the community economy.
  - Student Involvement: AASuccess students played an active role in project management, logistics, and communication. Their involvement provided hands-on experience in applying academic skills to real-world challenges.

Results
- Improved access to essential services for 70 rural households, reducing travel time and health disparities.
- Strengthened community relationships through cultural exchange and collaborative problem-solving.
- A tangible milestone in Vietnamese-American service partnerships, setting the stage for future initiatives.

2024 Tennis Fundraiser

THANK YOU FOR COMING!

This year’s Tennis Fundraiser was a huge success! The AASuccess team would like to thank all the volunteers, players, and attendees for coming out to this event. With your help, we were able to raise nearly $2000!

WINNERS

Upper Bracket – Len Tran

Lower Bracket – Huyen Le

2024 YouthCon Scholarship

The 2024 YouthCon Scholarship allows innovative high school students living in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area with ideas to be actively involved with philanthropic work to make a difference in neighborhoods, with the support of AASuccess. We award innovative and driven students with the mindsets of giving back, and those seeking to strengthen their skills such as writing, presentation, and leadership.

Timeline:
- 2/01/23: 2024 YouthCon officially launched
- 01/13/24: Essay and online application closes
- 02/03/24: Release essay results
- 03/02/24: Oral presentation
- 03/09/24: Release final results
- 04 – 07/24: Summer internship
- 08/03/24: YouthCon Award Ceremony
Key Leads: Nathan Le, Marvin Pham, McKenzie Tran, Aashee Balani
Goal: Encourage high school students to create a unique project based on an issue that is important to them. We also want them to take physical action to solve their desired issue along with bringing awareness.
How: Submit a 500-650 word essay in response to the following prompt: “As new technology reshapes our world, being able to utilize the resources around us and embrace the unknown is crucial as we step into the future. For this year’s YouthCon scholarship theme, we challenge students to share their visions on how they can creatively use AI to pursue their passions and make an impact on their community. How can you, as an individual, use $300 to embrace the unknown and harness the power of modern technology (AI, sensor devices, robotics, computer science, etc) to develop an impactful community project?”

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP 3 FINALISTS:

1ST PLACE: Laura Zhang, 12th, Thomas Jefferson HS

Inspire young girls to pursue a career in STEM through a free, week-long math summer camp for local middle school girls. Unlike traditional math programs, this camp’s learning experience will center around mathematical animations and simulations. Utilizing Python animation engine Manim, girls will learn to transform abstract math ideas into visualizations, from animated trigonometric function manipulations to geometrical representations of probability. Ultimately, this camp will leverage computer science to make math education more accessible and engaging.

2ND PLACE: Samuel Indyk, 12th, WT Woodson HS

Combine GPS location trackers in drivers’ cars and phones with AI technology to create a system where traffic patterns can be analyzed and monitored in real time and then connected to the traffic light system. With this system, drivers can gain access to traffic light countdowns, have better traffic prediction, and enjoy lower traffic wait times.

3RD PLACE: Myla Leung, 11th, Winston Churchill HS

Integrate AI detection models to create a website for meal recommendations that schools can use to provide nutritious, plant-based meals for their students. This website will provide suggestions for schools on nutritional areas they need to improve. Schools will also have the opportunity to enter their budget or any diet restrictions for these meals, and the AI will consider these factors and generate plant-based meal ideas tailored towards these schools. This project will provide students with healthier, plant-based food options.

Thank you to everyone who applied to YouthCon 2024! We greatly appreciate your time and effort and strongly encourage you to apply again next year!

Healthcare Symposium

The pandemic has highlighted the hardships and struggles of healthcare and its toll on healthcare professionals. In addition to the increased pressures for healthcare professionals, students are also faced with their own struggles in their pursuit of a healthcare career. The AASuccess Heathcare Symposium was therefore created with the purpose of providing insight into some of the present day challenges of healthcare and bridging the gap between an idealized career and its realities.

Timeline: June 3, 2023 from 10 AM to 3 PM

Key leads: Angela Le, Grace Tonnu, Vivian Cao-Dao (Read more >>)

Program Description

During the symposium, our program will be focusing on two topics that are prevalent in the current healthcare field:

Expectations vs. Realities

The goal of many students entering the healthcare profession is making a difference in society by helping others. However, the challenges healthcare professionals and trainees face in the field have important implications on their health and wellbeing. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the extreme fatigue and burnout faced by providers. Burnout is characterized by a high degree of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization with a low sense of personal accomplishment at work, leading to a strain in mental health. The symposium aims to address some of the workfield challenges and structural issues that typically contribute to burnout, while highlighting the experiences of a diverse panel of healthcare professionals. By addressing the contributors of burnout, we hope to equip students with strategies to handle common stressors in the healthcare field.

Potential Consequences of Failure

The status quo of successfully entering professional school and financing the costs are daunting. In addition, the pressure placed on students to positively distinguish themselves among a competitive pool of extremely qualified applicants takes a toll on mental health. Self image can easily be based on the ‘need to succeed’, regardless of how unhealthy it may be. These expectations can lead to cognitive distortions (e.g. ‘imposter syndrome’) and constant comparisons to others that can lead to the fear of failure and ‘not having what it takes’ These issues are universal and shared among students, trainees, and providers alike. We aim to break down specific negative cognitive distortions and the complexity surrounding a ‘failed experience’.

What to Expect

Program
- Work directly with panelists and students in facilitated, small groups.
- Share insight, experiences, and opinions with fellow attendees and panelists.
- Respectfully listen to the backgrounds and experiences of panelists and students.
Food Accommodations
- Catered breakfast provided at the event (coffee, bagels, etc.).
- Catered lunch provided at the event, including gluten free and vegetarian options.
Networking
- Opportunity to network with healthcare professionals and panelists.
- Attendees have the option to explore and network with booths set up from various companies and representatives.

Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Scholarship Program

The AI&ML Scholarship program hopes to teach high school students AI&ML learning through an exciting platform that encourages learning through modules and friendly competitions.

Timeline:
- Preseason: 4/1 – 5/31/23
- Application starts: 6/1/23
- Application ends: 9/20/23
Key Members: Rashi Adhikari
Goal: Teaching underrepresented and underprivileged high schoolers about Machine Learning through AWS DeepRacer and allowing them to apply for an AWS scholarship.
How: Student will (1) finish prerequisite courses before the application starts; (2) Apply to the AI&ML Scholarship between June and September; and (3) Explore a new STEM field and potential career opportunity
- The sign-up form is linked here: https://student.deepracer.com/signUp
- Learn more about the scholarship here: https://aws.amazon.com/machine-learning/scholarship/
Result-To-Date: Finish the prep work to launch the program on March 9, 2023.
How to Help: We need your help to gather volunteers interested in Python and Machine learning who are willing to go through the DeepRacer course with the students and help them complete the pre-scholarship tasks needed to apply for the scholarship. Volunteers will need to create a free account on the website and be expected to complete certain lessons before each workshop meeting. After the scholarship application opens, volunteers will help students apply and complete any necessary steps to learning more about AI&ML!

2023 YouthCon Scholarship

The 2023 YouthCon Scholarship allows innovative high school students living in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area with ideas to be actively involved with philanthropic work to make a difference in neighborhoods, with the support of AASuccess. We award innovative and driven students with the mindsets of giving back, and those seeking to strengthen their skills such as writing, presentation, and leadership.

Timeline: November 2022 – February 2023
Key Leads: Kingston Ho, Nathan Le, Leo Lue, Aashee Balani, Nathan Nguyen
Goal: Encourage high school students to create a unique project based on an issue that is important to them. We also want them to take physical actions to solve their desired issue along with bringing awareness.
How: Submit a 500-650 word essay in response to the following prompt: “At AASuccess, We find it meaningful for students to understand personal and societal adversities in order to discover their passion to give back to their community. This year’s theme, “Igniting the Spark”, symbolizes a journey initiated by a spark of aspiration to create an impact. With $300, how will you utilize your passion to develop a project that has the ability to serve your community while igniting the sparks of others?”
Result-To-Date: The YouthCon Scholarship has been officially launched on October 27, 2022. 41 applicants have applied, 10 of whom were selected to go to the next Oral Presentation Round. The Presentation took place on February 19, 2023 at our office. Top ideas include:
- Purchasing supplies to enhance the Fort Belvoir’s Intrepid Spirit Center’s Garden which helps physical and mental relief for their patients.
- Start a club at school that is devoted to help this crisis of menstrual product cost and connect with others in the area to solve this problem.
- Create gift packages for the homeless or elderly people who may be isolated due to COVID-19.
- Utilize the $300 to develop a project that aims to educate and inspire community to act in protecting and preserving our natural resources.
2023 YouthCon Scholarship recipients:
- First place: Leilani Co, Senior, Robinson Secondary School. Idea: Reach out to high school girls in her community to join her in leading STEM workshops at community centers and schools.
- Second place: Sofia M’mari, Senior, Sidwell Friends School. Idea: Purchase hair products to help people braid their hair and build confidence.
- Third place: Bhargav Garre Venkata, Senior, Westfield High School. Idea: Start a certification program to give to restaurants that are based on multiple criteria, the certification would drive sales for that restaurant.

2023 Go Green – Trash Rehash

The Go-Green Team announced our new Trash Rehash Event! The event aims to repurpose plastic and other recyclable materials by making eco-bricks and crocheting using plarn. If you don’t know what eco-bricking and plarn are, don’t worry, during the event, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about them and create them while socializing and watching movies.

Timeline: February 2023 – June 2023
Key Members: Aashee Balani, Leo Lue, Derica Dang, Marvin Pham, Nathan Le, Kaila Le
Goal: Inspire people to recycle via fun & creative to repurpose plastic, e.g. making eco-bricks and plarn
How: Organize the Trash Rehash event, where people can come to learn how to make an eco-brick and crochet plarn, while having a fun time bonding with each other. The plan is to collect enough materials to host an event for at least 25-30 participants.
Result-To-Date: So far, the team has successfully launch the program and appeal our members to bringing plastic bags, water bottles, wrappers, and other recyclable materials.

We need your help to supply the recyclables! We are collecting materials such as plastic bags, water bottles, wrappers, and more! There will be a drop-off box in the AASuccess office to store the materials until enough has been collected to begin the event.

Here is the list of items we’re looking for you to drop off. Note: All materials must be dried and cleaned (no food residue, dirt, and bacterial growth)

Cylinder plastic water bottles
Plastic bags
Photo paper
Food containers
Straws
Plastic cutlery
Cling film
Plastic fruit and vegetable packaging
Polystyrene (or Styrofoam)
Wrappers

We don’t collect:

PAPER
Metal
Glass
Biodegradables (leaves, food, etc.)

Material for plarn crocheting:

Plastic bags
Dry bags only
Any shape or size
Can be ripped

More information about the event will be sent out over the next few weeks. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions or concern (aashee.balani@aasuccess.org and leo.lue@aasuccess.org)

2022 Go Green

The Go Green Project aims to raise awareness of the feasibility and the growing need for home gardening. We plan to do this by selling plants to every willing individual, especially those who have no experience in gardening before. Information on the plant, the project, and a community tracking page will be given supplementary to the plant itself. By doing this we hope to spread awareness about the problem of climate change and how the growth of plants can help our community.

Timeline: July 2021 – present
Key Members: Aashee Balani, Leo Lue
Goal: Spread awareness of climate change through an educational and hands-on experience. One thing people could connect to easily was growing plants and developing a connection with nature. Our goal was to establish this connection naturally, by making the whole process of gathering plants, materials, and need-to-know information free and accessible. With this, we hope the simple act of starting a home garden will get more plants off the shelves and into people’s homes.
How: Creating fun, hands-on activities to educate people about gardening and encouraging them to grow plants on their own, Currently, the team is organizing the “Plate Your Plant” Competition, in which participants are required to make a dish using one of the main ingredients from the plant they grow.
Result-To-Date: So far, the team has successfully organized 2 events that attracted more than 60 people to participate in gardening and growing their first plant!
Resources:
Updates on Plate Your Plant Competition
- Event Date & Time: Sunday, September 18, 2022, 11 AM – 2 PM
- Location: AASucces Office, 6521 Arlington Blvd., Ste 502, Falls Church, VA 22042
- Requirements for participants:
  - Bring a dish with at least 3 servings (Everyone is welcome to bring extra)
  - An ingredient list including main dish ingredients
  - A short 1-2 sentence description of the finished dish
- Grand prize: $100 & an AASuccess T-shirt