2025 Yard Sale Fundraiser

The 2025 AASuccess Yard Sale Fundraiser was more than just a day of selling gently used items—it was a community-building effort rooted in youth leadership, service, and preparation for future impact. Organized by the AASuccess Operations Team, the fundraiser aimed to generate funds for next year’s life skills training programs that support local high school and college students in their personal and professional development.

This year’s event was the largest yard sale AASuccess has ever hosted, featuring a wide range of in-kind donations including home kitchen appliances, clothes, toys, office supplies, decorations, and electronics. These generous contributions came from students’ families, friends, and dedicated volunteers. Beyond fundraising, the yard sale fostered community engagement and gave our student leaders a real-world experience in event planning, teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

Timeline: May – June 2025
- May 2025: Planning began with item collection, pricing, and logistics coordination
- June 2025: Volunteer assignments and promotional outreach to local neighborhoods
- June 14, 2025: Yard Sale Day—set-up at 8 AM, sale from 9 AM to 2 PM
Key Leads: Angela Le, Liem Nguyen, Lara Tran (AASuccess Operations Team)
Result: The yard sale was a success, drawing many visitors from the surrounding community throughout the day. We officially opened at 9 AM and wrapped up by 2 PM, raising over $700 to support our 2026 student life skills training programs. More than just a fundraiser, the event became a memorable experience for everyone involved. Volunteers learned valuable lessons about signage visibility, layout planning, and customer interaction—while enjoying team bonding, laughter, and even a mini workout from hauling items in and out.

This fundraiser not only helped us move closer to our program goals but also reminded us that hard work, collaboration, and community spirit can go hand in hand.

2025 Project Education Camp

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.

2025 Go-Green at the Fairfax Earth Day Festival

Inspiring the Next Generation to Protect Our Planet

The Go-Gren team’s participation in the 2025 Fairfax Earth Day Festival was not just a celebration—it was a hands-on environmental education effort designed to empower families and children to take action in caring for the planet. Held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Sully Historic Site in Chantilly, VA, this vibrant festival brought together hundreds of community members for a day of music, fun, food, and eco-conscious learning.

At their booth, Go-Green team members (consisted of 6-7 students) hosted a series of engaging environmental activities that offered families and children creative ways to connect with nature and learn sustainable habits. Activities included: Pot decorating, Carnival games, Clay pot making, Seed planting, Mother’s Day crafts, Bird feeder painting, and many more!

These fun, hands-on stations encouraged children to explore their creativity while learning how simple, everyday actions can contribute to a greener planet. The experience also fostered meaningful family bonding and community connection in a relaxed and festive setting.

This Earth Day program aligns with Go-Green’s mission to inspire the next generation to become environmental stewards and advocates for sustainability through education, creativity, and action.

Timeline: April 26, 2025
- 8:30–9:00 AM: Volunteer arrival
- 9:00–10:00 AM: Booth setup
- 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Morning activity sessions
- 12:30–1:00 PM: Volunteer lunch break
- 1:00–4:00 PM: Afternoon activity sessions and community engagement
Location: Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way, Chantilly, VA
Key Leads: Leo Lue, Aashee Balani
Result: The Go-Green booth welcomed a vibrant crowd of families, friends, and nature lovers throughout the day. With the help of dedicated volunteers, all eco-activities ran smoothly and sparked curiosity and joy in children of all ages. From planting seeds to painting bird feeders, participants walked away with both a handmade creation and a better understanding of how they can make a difference. We raised awareness, built community, and most importantly—had fun doing it.

While Earth Week has come to a close, Go-Green continues its mission to promote sustainability and youth-led environmental action all year round. Thank you to everyone who joined us, followed us on Instagram, and helped make this event a success!

2025 BizHarmony

BIZHARMONY

Bringing harmony, one step at a time

Doubletree by Hilton, Mclean Tysons

Saturday, May 31st, 2024 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Free Entry: Limited Admission

The AASuccess “BizHarmony” event is a unique networking experience designed to bridge connections between aspiring leaders and professionals from both small and large businesses. Open to the public, BizHarmony invites AASuccess alumni, college students, and high school students to Northern Virginia for a day of conversation, collaboration, and professional growth.

To ensure a high-impact experience, we are reaching out to relevant companies, organizations, and schools across the region. BizHarmony offers a platform for students to explore new career paths and for organizations to showcase their missions, connect with young talent, and build future partnerships.

Days

Hours

Minutes

Registration Deadline: 5/26/2025.

Working Professionals - High School, College & Graduate Students - Complimentary Drinks & Food

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT

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?

2025 YouthCon Scholarship

YouthCon’s “Act with Impact” empowers students to create meaningful change through actionable ideas. With a $300 budget, participants are challenged to address community needs, inspire peers, and make a lasting difference. It’s about turning vision into reality and showcasing how small efforts can lead to big, transformative impact.

Timeline:
- 12/01/24: 2025 YouthCon Application officially launched
- 1/12/25: Essay and online application closes
- 2/08/25: Release Essay results
- 3/01/25: Oral Presentation (must be able to attend in-person)
- 3/08/25: Release final results
- 06-07/25: Summer Internship
- 8/09/25: Award Ceremony/Gala
Key Leads: Marvin Pham, Tyler Le, Leo Tran, Mason Le
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: “At AASuccess, we teach students the power of giving back. This year’s YouthCon theme, Act with Impact, challenges you to take meaningful actions that create lasting positive change. Imagine you have $300 to turn your ideas into reality: how would you use it to make a significant difference in your community, the world, to the lives of others? More importantly, how can your actions inspire your peers to join you in creating change?”
Apply: http://youthcon.aasuccess.org
Results: We have found the champions of this year YouthCon Scholarship. They are:
- 1st place: Elizabeth Uranta, Junior, Osbourn Park High School
  - Using a website to connect donors, volunteers, and schools to improve menstrual equity. It raises awareness, collects donations, and tracks impact to help students access essential products and stay in school.
  - LINK to essay
- 2nd place: Katie Lopez, Junior, Duke Ellington School of the Arts School
  - The “Spa Day” project proposes using the $300 fund to provide homeless individuals with haircuts, pedicures, and hygiene kits to restore dignity, comfort, and confidence. Starting at a church with community support, the project aims to inspire others to help and grow into an ongoing initiative addressing the hygiene and health needs of the unhoused.
  - LINK to essay
- 3rd place: Claribel Davis, Freshman, Great Mills High School
  - Idea: “Hope for the Kids” is a nonprofit initiative inspired by Clair’s late brother, aiming to fund cancer treatment for children whose families can’t afford care. Using the initial $300 fund to start the organization, build a website, and cover legal fees, the project seeks to raise awareness, attract donations, and ultimately save lives through accessible treatment.
  - LINK to essay

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 Shark Tank Success

The Shark Tank Program is an exciting opportunity for students to unleash their creativity and develop essential communication skills by pitching their own community project ideas to a panel of “Sharks,” just like the popular TV show. Selected projects will move beyond the pitch, allowing students to collaborate with their teams and a supervisor to bring their visions to life, managing every stage from planning to execution. This hands-on experience encourages teamwork, innovation, and leadership, while promoting a sense of community impact.

While the idea of presenting might feel intimidating, students are rest assured that plenty of support is available throughout the process.

Timeline: September-October 2024
- September 14th- Past AAS Projects/Brainstorming Session
- September 21st- Planning workshops (how to write a proposal, brainstorming)
- October 5th- Public speaking workshop
Project guidelines: Project should address or solve a real-world problems
- Community service (trash clean up, food drives, etc)
- Educating the Community (Roversity, Go Green, etc)
- Partnering with community organizations (GMU@VSA, Rotary Club, Asians @ Amazon)
- It can be of any scale, so long as it is feasible
Incentives:
- Increased consideration for Incentive Awards // “Student of the Season”
- Will factor into end of the year reviews / level up process
  Will be taken into account for scholarship selection processes, for example Ebnstein Scholarship, Empathy Awards, Outward Bound Scholarship Program
Result: We are thrilled to announce the success of this year’s Shark Tank program, where we reviewed five incredible pitches. After careful consideration, two outstanding projects were selected to be implemented next year. These projects stood out for their impactful vision and practical execution plans, and we are excited to see them come to life.
Selected Project 1: Education Camp
- Leads: Hillary Nguyen & Mason Le
- Supervisors:
  - Planning: Dave Nguyen
  - Execution: Angela Le & Lara Tran
- Team Members: Chelsea Bui
- Summary: This project aims to create an education camp to serve underprivileged students in the DMV area. The camp will focus on advanced SOL curriculum topics in Math and English for 4th and 5th graders, with a tutor-to-student ratio of 1:4. The program includes three 90-minute sessions, featuring hands-on instruction using visuals and worksheets and providing meals to participants.
Selected Project 2: Bridging the Future & BizHarmony (Combined)
- Lead: Kingston Ho
- Supervisors: Liem Nguyen & Angela Le
- Team Members: Aashee Balani, Nathan Le, Leo Tran
- Summary: This innovative project combines the goals of fostering connections between college and high school students with professional and personal growth. The networking event will provide opportunities for students to build relationships and enhance their skills while introducing new members to AASuccess.

We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated and look forward to the positive impact these projects will have on the community next year.

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.
Recap video:

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!

2025 Yard Sale Fundraiser

2025 Project Education Camp

2025 Go-Green at the Fairfax Earth Day Festival

2025 BizHarmony

BIZHARMONY

Bringing harmony, one step at a time

Doubletree by Hilton, Mclean Tysons

Saturday, May 31st, 2024 | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Free Entry: Limited Admission

Registration Deadline: 5/26/2025.

Working Professionals - High School, College & Graduate Students - Complimentary Drinks & Food

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT

2025 Pickleball Fundraiser

A THANK YOU FROM US!

2025 YouthCon Scholarship

2024 Winter Supply Drive

2024 Shark Tank Success

2024 Road Building Project

2024 Tennis Fundraiser

2024 Tennis Fundraiser

THANK YOU FOR COMING!

WINNERS

Upper Bracket – Len Tran

Lower Bracket – Huyen Le