AALEAD MD Middle School Programs

• Changed For Good, Farewell to AALEAD

  During the final song in the musical Wicked, the Good Witch, Glenda, and the Wicked Witch, Elfaba, are in Elfaba's castle. They know the castle is about to be o

• Greetings From YLan!

  By YLan Nguyen, MD Middle School Program Coordinator Photos courtesy of YLan Nguyen Hey everyone, I am excited to join AALEAD as a Maryland Middle School Program Coordinator! I’m moving into my fourth week as a full-time staff and my experience so far has been nothing short of exciting. The staff has been so welcoming, it’s been great working with everyone. 

  The Secret Lives of AALEAD Youth

  By Keo Xiong, MD Programs Manager Photos Courtesy of Keo Xiong, MD Programs Manager “Sometimes when we think we are keeping a secret, the secret is actually keeping us.” ― Frank Warren

  Friendship. Insecurity. Love. Loss. Fear. Expectations.

  These are just some of the common threads among the secrets shared anonymously by AALEAD youth for a PostSecret project at school. PostSecret is

• 3 Things to Remember When Working with Youth

  By YLan Nguyen, MD Programs Intern Hey everyone, it’s YLan again! I’m entering the ninth week of my internship with AALEAD and I’ve been learning a lot about youth work. Last week, I attended a training called “Structure and Clear Limits” hosted by the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality that focused on encouraging youth engagement and productivity by establishing a safe environment. Here are some of my biggest takeawa

• Spring Reflections

  By YLan Nguyen, MD Programs Intern Photos Courtesy of YLan Nguyen, MD Programs Intern Hi everyone, my name is YLan Nguyen and I am AALEAD’s MD Programs Intern for the spring 2016 semester. Currently, I am a senior at the University of Maryland studying psychology and Asian American Studies. For the duration of my internship, I’ll be at Wheaton High School’s and Julius West Middle School’s after school programs. I�

• A Season of Giving with AALEAD

  By Chelsea Iorlano, Development & Communications Associate Photos Courtesy of Chelsea Iorlano Each day, the youth we serve come to AALEAD Programs and give.  They give their attention, time, respect, appreciation, energy, and support.  Each day in programs, youth give of themselves and create the vibrant, nurturing, and strong community that is AALEAD.  AALEAD Programs could not provide the stable community and safe space that they do without the youth committing to their programs and

• Learning through Lumpia

  By Diane Bui, MD Middle School Program Coordinator Photos Courtesy of Diane Bui Growing up in my household, there were two guarantees: smiles were easy to come by and the food was always delicious. My parents came from the Philippines and Vietnam, and one sure way to always get mine and my sister’s attention was through food. This is how I first learned about my culture, and it’s still my favorite way to learn. One staple whenever we attended any Filipino gathering was lumpia, or Filipin

• MD Kick-off Picnic A Huge Success

  By Keo Xiong, MD Programs Manager Photos Courtesy of AALEAD Staff

  Over 160 youth and family members joined AALEAD Maryland’s annual kick-off picnic on Friday, Octobe

• Special Thank You and See You Later!

  It has been a wonderful five years at Asian American LEAD.  I have learned so much from AALEAD youth, staff, board members, mentors, and volunteers and I’m so thankful for everyone who has been a part of my AALEAD journey!  When I first started with AALEAD in 2010, I worked with the DC Elementary School Program and I immediately connected with the youth, staff, and AALEAD’s mission.  I knew at that moment that AALEAD would make a significant impact in my life and it definitely has.

• Thank You

  

  Thank you for this amazing journey (of almost five years!) with the AALEAD family! While I am no longer officially an AALEAD staff member, I will never