VACA’s After-School Program: VACA’s After-School Program is made available to elementary, middle school students, and high school students. The program provides tutoring, after-school activities and field trips such as social and cultural events, youth workshops, and outdoor activities (weather permitting). Furthermore, volunteer opportunities are organized for high school students within the community. Youth Counselors are available in the late afternoons to provide counseling services to students interested in applying to college or establishing a vocational plan after high school graduation, as well as for personal reasons. They are also available to meet with school counselors and parents throughout the week. SAT preparation is provided in the fall and spring to prepare students for this examination. The After-School Program runs from September to early June.
Please contact Phuongdai Nguyen, the Youth Coordinator, at extension *842 or youth@vacaboston.org for more information regarding our After-School Program.
Summer WorkSmart Program: The Summer WorkSmart Program is an eight-week program designed to give Vietnamese youth real work experience, improve their English skills, and provide them with tools and support to negotiate acculturation successfully. Program activities involve daily English classes, career building and job readiness workshops, and teen issues workshops. Furthermore, participants work as interns at local non-profits to gain professional and work experience. In addition to the above job readiness activities, participants are also involved in recreational activities and cultural events in and around Boston, such as a weekend camping excursion, day hikes, canoeing, and beach days, walking the Freedom Trail, visiting the Science Museum, and attending special summertime events around Boston. Summer WorkSmart runs from late June through August.
Please contact Phuongdai Nguyen, the Youth Coordinator, at extension *842 or youth@vacaboston.org for more information regarding our After-School Program.
Peer Leadership Program: VACA is committed to the peer leadership model because it both educates the youth community and provides Vietnamese high school students with the opportunity to develop valuable skills. Peer Leaders provide tutoring and peer-education and outreach on a variety of youth-related issues, such as gang prevention and substance abuse, during school hours and for our after-school programming. They also conduct training sessions during Summer WorkSmart on teen issues, community volunteerism, and health-related topics. In addition, Peer Leaders serve as coordinators of individual community service projects for Summer Worksmart. Peer Leaders participate in cultural events such as Dorchester Day, the AIDS Walk, and Walk for Hunger. Peer Leaders are responsible for the publication of a newsletter containing educational information, essays, stories, and poetry written by Vietnamese teens. Peer Leadership activities are available year-round and Peer Leaders receive stipends for their participation.
Please contact Phuongdai Nguyen, the Youth Coordinator, at extension *842 or youth@vacaboston.org for more information regarding our After-School Program.
Today’s Girls…Tomorrow’s Leaders: Thanks to the generosity and support of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, VACA has been able to provide programming specific to addressing the unique needs of girls in our community. With an increasing number of girls participating in risky behavior due to familial, cultural, and societal pressures placed on them, VACA provides programming to address the gender inequities that exist within our community. Activities include intergenerational workshops on gender disparities, specialized counseling to individuals and families, academic assistance, internship and volunteer opportunities, and specialized activities to meet the distinct needs of girls. Program activities occur throughout the year.
Please contact Phuongdai Nguyen, the Youth Coordinator, at extension *842 or youth@vacaboston.org, for more information regarding our Today’s Girls…Tomorrow’s Leaders Program.
