AASuccess

2024 YouthCon Scholarship

AASuccess — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 18:15:01 +0000

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 Coordinators

AASuccess — Tue, 16 May 2023 15:32:27 +0000

Angela Le, Sophomore, University of Virginia

Angela Le is a second-year undergraduate student at the University of Virginia majoring in both Psychology and Cognitive Science and minoring in Data Analytics. Growing up in an Asian household and community, Angela constantly witnessed and experienced the stigma surrounding mental health. Seeing firsthand so many people in her life struggle with mental illness, she was inspired to pursue a career in mental health counseling. Her experiences motivate her to educate others about the importance of mental health and work to provide mental health resources to those in her community, especially those with limited access. Therefore, she currently volunteers at a crisis hotline to assist callers through empathetic listening and provide crisis intervention and appropriate referrals. Angela also currently works with AASuccess, a nonprofit that focuses on youth development, where she serves as a co-lead of the Mental Wellness team and is responsible for supporting the mental health and well-being of the organization. Additionally, as a volunteer of AASuccess, she is one of the co-leads of the upcoming Healthcare Symposium, which aims to empower and support aspiring medical professionals.

Grace Shimizu Tonnu, Senior, George Mason University

Grace Shimizu-Ton Nu is a senior at George Mason University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience and aspires to a career in the field of dentistry. She is one of the co-leads in a community healthcare symposium that aims to provide an insight on the issues of healthcare. Having been raised in an entrepreneurial-focused household, Grace has both witnessed and been taught the ins and outs of running a business. As she has matured, human science has captured her interest. The mechanisms of how the world and body interacted steered her to a career in the health field. With her knowledge of business and her interest in science, eventually led her to explore different healthcare practices that would allow her to become a resource for those in need while providing an opportunity for her to give back to her community. She is currently working at a dental office where she has observed mistreatment of patients. She has a passion to educate patients in order to prevent this type of malpractice from occurring. Through her passion for ethical dentistry, Grace hopes to make the dental community honest and transparent for her patients in the future.

Vivian Cao-Dao, Junior, University of Virginia

Vivian Cao-Dao has a fascination with how science builds the world around us and how health and wellbeing shape the meaningful experiences of being human. As a result, she is drawn to opportunities that enable her to learn and explore health sciences while listening to the stories and experiences of others. She plans to pursue a career as a physician and is currently studying neuroscience as a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Virginia (UVA). In particular, Vivian has navigated and witnessed mental health struggles in friends and loved ones, especially in recent years of unprecedented historical events. Her experiences motivate her to help break down barriers for people to access resources and tools to support their mental health and general wellbeing. As a volunteer of AASuccess, Vivian is one of the co-leads in a community healthcare symposium to connect prospective healthcare professionals with experienced medical personnel in order to provide guidance and support to the future leaders of healthcare.

Healthcare Symposium

AASuccess — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:47:19 +0000

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

AASuccess — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 01:44:02 +0000

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 Social Night Out

AASuccess — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:48:07 +0000

Join AASuccess for the first happy hours event of the year – 2023 Social Night Out. Enjoy a social event for professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to build relationships and discuss on strategies to empower our community.

This event will serve as the kick-off for the AASuccess Community Advisory Board and provide an opportunity to meet and network with other like-minded organizations. New board members from key donors and stakeholders of AASuccess and organizations such as Jaycees Arlington, Healing Hearts Vietnam, Bailey Crossroads Rotary Club, and Break the Bricks Foundation will be in attendance. Our goal is to establish a trusted network of professional, business, and non-profit organizations in the DMV area to provide resources and support for AASuccess student-led projects. By participating in community projects, our students will develop valuable skills and leadership qualities.

Please let us know if you are interested in joining us in this exciting venture via pre-registration (required due to limited capacity of 40 adult attendees). We believe that by working together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and the community.

Date & Time: Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Casual Pint- Falls Church (6410 Arlington Blvd Suite E, Falls Church, VA 22042)
What: Social – Happy Hour – Food – First round is on us!
Register: via this link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6QTZiplf3JSlBB-emU3MmnSPfKjrVA3snUwuyuTsTCHeX0w/viewform
Contact: information@aasuccess.org

2023 Family Fun Day

AASuccess — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:32:02 +0000

The Family Fun Day is not only a fun outdoor carnival event, but also supports our charity and educational programs run by AASuccess. Our members are all volunteers, so all proceeds go directly to supporting our mission in teaching life skills through lifelong mentorship to high school and college aged students in the U.S. and Vietnam. The event aims to attract over 150 attendees, including families, children, young adults, business connectors, and community leaders. All proceeds will support our mission in empowering underserved young children to reach their full potentials educational resources and year-round mentorship.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 1 PM to 4 PM
Location: Lake Fairfax Park (5115 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041) – Shelter I and J
What: Carnival-themed games such as Horseshoe, Bean Bag Toss, Duck Pond, and more. Fun contests such as the Potato Sack Race, Cake Walk, Claypot Decoration will offer the most memorable time for families.
Register: LINK
Tickets: $15 per person – all games inclusive & 1 free meal
Contact: information@aasuccess.org

2023 Tennis Social

AASuccess — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 17:12:22 +0000

The 2023 Tennis Social is an event for everyone from all ages to come together for a night full of sportsmanship, good conversations, food, and camaraderie. All proceeds from the event will be used to support our student-led projects during 2023, especially those that promote innovation, wellbeing, and leadership among teenagers.

Date & Time: Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 6 PM to 10 PM
Location: Onelife Fitness – Skyline (5115 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041)
What: Social – Happy Hour – Food – Tennis Tournament, music, games, and info booths about AASuccess
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4GUPouWGItVfBx7wxbjXMed5iaL-_zfBZ8_Tx2a8Jcd7niQ/viewform
Tickets: $20 per regular attendee and $35 per registered player
Contact: information@aasuccess.org

2023 YouthCon Scholarship

AASuccess — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:40:44 +0000

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

AASuccess — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 16:11:13 +0000

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

AASuccess — Fri, 06 May 2022 19:49:00 +0000

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