AALEAD recognizes the complex challenges to academic and social success that low-income and underserved Asian Pacific American youth face in their homes, schools, and communities. Its educational empowerment, identity development, and leadership opportunities – offered in after-school, summer, and mentoring programs in the District, Montgomery County and Fairfax County – serve as safe spaces for youth to develop the skills they need to be confident, engaged, and successful. Elementary schoolers receive daily academic support and enrichment activities. Middle and high schoolers receive academic, social, and college prep support, as well as leadership, enrichment, and civic engagement activities. Youth from elementary school through community college have the opportunity to be matched, one-on-one, with a supportive mentor who encourages responsible behavior, strong life skills, academic success, and positive self-identity. Culturally and linguistically appropriate services for these youth are all too rare – but AALEAD makes them possible.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 1

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 2; DC-Ward 3; DC-Ward 4; DC-Ward 5; DC-Ward 6; MD-Montgomery County; VA-Fairfax County; Chinatown, DC; Columbia Heights, DC; Germantown, MD; Rockville, MD; Silver Spring, MD; Wheaton, MD; Annandale, VA

Age Groups Served: Pre-K (3-4); Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Latino/Hispanic; Other

Population(s) Served: Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members

Schools They Work In: A. Mario Loiederman Middle School; Annandale High School; Argyle Middle School; Bancroft Elementary School; BASIS Public Charter School; Montgomery Blair High School; Roberto Clemente Middle School; Deal Middle School; Eastern Middle School; Albert Einstein High School; Holmes Middle School; Jefferson Middle School; McKinley Technology High School; Newport Mill Middle School; Parkland Middle School; Phelps ACE High School; Poe Middle School; School Without Walls; Thomson Elementary School; Julius West Middle School; Wheaton High School; Woodrow Wilson High School


  • Number of children we serve through After School, Summer, and Mentoring Programs annually.:   300
  • Number of hours of Student Service Learning hours AALEAD youth completed in FY13.:   4,000

Awards & Recognition

2015 Nonprofit of the Year - Asian American Chamber of Commerce
2014 Nancy Dworkin Outstanding Service to Youth Award - Organization Category
2010 Washington Post Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management Finalist
2008 Washingtonian Magazine Top Nonprofit in the DC Area
2004 Annie E. Casey Foundation FAMILIES COUNT National Honors Program Honoree
2004 Points of Light Foundation President's Award
2003 Eureka San Francisco Bay Area Eureka Mentor Award
2002 Venture Philanthropy Partners Investment Partner

Press

  • No stories found

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Asian American LEAD is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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