LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

*formerly known as the Youth CAN Program

Kizuna's Leadership Program is our premier high school leadership, community service, and personal development program where students can explore ways they can get involved in the Japanese American community.

ABOUT

OVERVIEW

During this program, participants will explore their personal identity, learn more about community issues, and build lasting relationships with their like-minded peers.

Our model of success is centered around concepts of identity and community. The networks, relationships, and strong sense of self-identity help our students to rise above the rest.

Over the last decade, our program has become the largest Japanese American leadership development program in Southern California.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Kizuna will running our Leadership program as an after-school high school program from Late August 2022 thru the Fall term, instead of a summer program this year.

Please email Chris, chris@gokizuna.org, for more information!

COVID-19 POLICY

Our students’ and staffs’ health is our top priority. Please read our COVID-19 Policy prior to registering for our programs.

 

PROGRAM DETAILS

LOCATION

Union Church of Los Angeles

401 East 3rd Street, Los Angeles CA 90013


SESSION DATES

Wednesday Evenings @ 6-8 PM

Dates:

August 31, 2022

September 7, 2022

September 14, 2022

September 21, 2022

September 28, 2022

October 5, 2022

October 12, 2022

October 19, 2022

October 26, 2022

COST

Early Bird Price - $190 (EXTENDED until Aug 31!)

Late Bird Price - $210

*Fee reductions available upon request

PROGRAM CO-SPONSOR

INCREDIBLE LEARNING

Our Leadership Program has been cited as the only program in our community covering the topics that we do. The personal growth our students gain through our program is incredible.

  PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

IN OUR 12TH YEAR

This will be the 12th year of our Leadership Program. Over the years we have perfected our formula and created a program that is both engaging and transformative for our students.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

We develop valuable leadership skills including public speaking and peer-to-peer communication. Service projects also provide practical opportunities for students to exercise these skills.

 

PROGRAM GROWTH

Throughout the years, over 300 students have been trained through our Leadership Program. Joining our program is joining the next generation of community leaders.

RISING ABOVE

Our students rise above. Skills and leadership learned through the program gives our students an edge as they look to their futures. Our students cite this program as a core component which has helped them develop as adults.

SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS

Ranging from college bound, to career focuses individuals, Kizuna has a track record of successful students who have graduated from the program.

TESTIMONIES

Many students who have gone through our program and are now young adults have returned as facilitators and instructors. They believe in passing on the knowledge they learned to the next cohort of students. Making the experience at Leadership a unique and inspirational program.

  • As a former participant of the Leadership program, I can attest to the incredible impact it provides for high school students. It enabled me to take pride in my unique identity as a Japanese American and empowered me to find my role as a leader in the community. Now, as co-director of the Track 1 cohort, I am able to share these same values with the next generation of young leaders. I return every summer because I am truly inspired by the growth and personal development each of our students go through, as well as the lasting relationships and memories we create together.

    - Megan Ono, Kizuna Board Member, Past Director, Counselor, & Participant

  • Kizuna has given me this wonderful opportunity to explore my future career as a high school teacher by being able to teach Japanese American high school students in Track 1, the importance of their culture, community, and identity. Every year, I learn more and more about myself along with the students and it is truly a priceless experience!

    - Marisa Katsuda, Director, Counselor & Past Participant

  • Leadership was a fulfilling and invaluable experience for me in high school. It allowed me to direct my passion for learning about the ways in which I fit into the Japanese American community and how to apply it to hands on volunteering in Little Tokyo. Not only did I build a great network in Little Tokyo, but I was also able to see the larger scale of the Japanese American community and the potential of the next generation of Japanese Americans.

    - Griffin Yamada, Counselor, Past Participant