OCA Launches Spring 2011 APIA U: Leadership 101 Training
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8 December 2010

CONTACT
George Wu | Executive Director
202 223 5500 | gwu@ocanational.org

Washington, D.C. -- OCA, a national organization with 80 chapters and affiliates dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), will partner with State Farm® to host the Spring 2011 series of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) college leadership trainings. In the last 11 years, APIA U: Leadership 101 has reached more than 4500 students at 121 colleges, universities and community colleges. The schedule of the Spring 2011 trainings is as follows:

• University of Florida – January 29, 2011,

• St. Louis University – February 19, 2011,

• University of Hawaii at Hilo – February 19, 2011,

• University of Southern California – March 5, 2011,

• University of Illinois at Chicago – March 12, 2011,

• Syracuse University – March 26, 2011,

• Mount Holyoke – April 2, 2011,

• South Seattle Community College – May 7, 2011.

Since its inception, OCA has been a leader in identifying and cultivating the next generation of APA community leaders. OCA began with its internship and scholarship programs, then incorporated college and youth programming at its annual national conventions. To further its goal of promoting civic participation, education, and leadership, OCA established the APIA U: Leadership 101 Training Program.

“APIA U: Leadership 101 provides an invaluable opportunity for college students around the country to come together and dialogue on APIA issues, identity, and leadership,” said OCA National President Ken Lee.

APIA U: Leadership 101 is a one-day training that provides a foundation for students to become more involved on campus and in their community. Two experienced APA facilitators guide 40-60 students through hands-on exercises, presentations, and discussions focused on APIA identity and history, leadership skills, and social justice. Participants are asked to challenge themselves, share their experiences and develop leadership tools in order to effectively serve as catalysts for social change.

“We look forward to the Spring 2011 trainings and are especially excited about partnering with the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) grantees: University of Hawaii at Hilo, University of Illinois at Chicago and South Seattle Community College,” said OCA Executive Director George Wu.

State Farm® has funded the leadership program for the last decade. “State Farm® and OCA realize that investing in the energy and creativity of student leaders is the key to our national future. We are proud to partner in developing leadership skills and providing networking opportunities for young Asian and Pacific Islander Americans," said Dr. Leslie Moe-Kaiser, Corporate Relations Manager of State Farm®.

APIA U: Leadership 101 welcomes all Asian and Pacific Islander American undergraduate students who are interested in leadership development, civic responsibility, involvement with APA student organizations and networking with other APA student activists. The training is free and meals are provided. Students are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations. To participate, please register online at http://www.formsite.com/leadership/APIAURegistration/index.html.

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