It’s back-to-school season! Here’s a brief overview of our student programming over the summer, and how AAFE Youth supports immigrant and low-income students throughout the school year.
Summer 2025 Student Programming
On August 14, AAFE hosted a Back-to School backpack giveaway and fraud prevention workshop, graciously sponsored by Chase. Participants learned about fraud prevention and personal finance, and received free backpacks with school supplies for their children in preparation for the new school year. Special thanks to our Resident Services Manager, Ling Ren, for providing translation in Mandarin Chinese!
On September 20, AAFE also participated in Assemblymember Catalina Cruz’s Back-to-School party in Corona. We shared information about AAFE’s community services in English, Chinese and Spanish with community members, and gave away free merchandise!
Although students were on summer vacation, AAFE’s Youth Center at our Flushing Community Center remained open to students for socialization and a consistent third place. Our programming over this summer included a college essay workshop, resume writing workshop, and civic engagement tabling. We also began accepting applications for our now almost-filled COMPASS and CASTLE after school programming, which will begin in October.
About AAFE Youth
Since 2010, AAFE’s Youth and Family Development program has empowered first-generation, low-income and minority high school students in Queens. Our youth programming equips youth with the tools they need to succeed through college access support, leadership development, career development, and parent workshops. Our holistic approach builds self-advocacy, civic responsibility, and social-emotional wellness, helping students to grow into confident leaders and forces of positive change in our communities.
Our programming revolves largely around the COMPASS and CASTLE after school programs. COMPASS is available to 9th and 10th graders, and involves opportunities to make friends, receive 1:1 mentoring, volunteer hours, and paid internships, learn important self-growth skills, and go on overnight college trips.
The CASTLE Leadership Program is available to 11th and 12th graders. Participants meet once a week to receive college support and career exploration, tips on stress management and wellness, focus on a service project and receive volunteer hours, and embark on fun events and trips while making new friends.
AAFE Youth partners with three high schools in Flushing and serves immigrant youth across Queens. In the past year alone, we’ve hosted:
- 91 youth leadership program sessions
- 22 college readiness and wellness workshops
- 18 civic engagement and volunteer events
- An annual youth career fair and other public programs, reaching hundreds of participants
We wish all students a great school year! To keep updated on the AAFE Youth program, follow our Instagram @aafeyouth.