- AAPI Heritage Poster Competition Awards Ceremony at Cary Downtown Parkby Sunny ZhaoWe were delighted to conclude this year’s AAPI Heritage Poster Competition and Exhibition with a special Awards Ceremony at Cary Downtown Park. Over the past month, student-created AAPI history posters were displayed at libraries, schools, universities, community festivals, and public venues across the Triangle, helping educate and inspire thousands of community members about Asian American and Pacific Islander history, culture, and contributions. We extend our sincere appreciation to Representative Ya Liu, Cary Town Council Member Bella Huang, and Professor Zeng for joining… Read more: AAPI Heritage Poster Competition Awards Ceremony at Cary Downtown Park
- AAPI Poster Exhibition Returns to NCCAS Community Spring Festival for a Second Consecutive Yearby Sunny ZhaoThe AAPI Poster Exhibition proudly returned to the NCCAS Community Spring Festival for the second consecutive year, continuing its mission of promoting cultural understanding and celebrating the history, heritage, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. As one of the largest community celebrations in the region, the Community Spring Festival attracts thousands of attendees each year and features hundreds of homemade food, cultural displays, community organizations, and live performances representing the rich diversity of Asian cultures. As part of… Read more: AAPI Poster Exhibition Returns to NCCAS Community Spring Festival for a Second Consecutive Year
- NC Youth Impact Invited to North Carolina Executive Mansion for AAPI Month Celebrationby Sunny ZhaoNC Youth Impact was honored to be invited to the AAPI Month Celebration reception hosted at the North Carolina Executive Mansion by Governor Josh Stein. The event recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and brought together community leaders, elected officials, and youth organizations from across North Carolina. As part of the celebration, NC Youth Impact presented its youth-led exhibition, showcasing student voices, cultural heritage, and community storytelling. The exhibition highlighted the creativity and leadership of young people engaged in civic… Read more: NC Youth Impact Invited to North Carolina Executive Mansion for AAPI Month Celebration
- AAPI Poster Exhibition Debuts at Cary Academyby Sunny ZhaoThe AAPI Poster Exhibition was successfully showcased at Cary Academy for the first time in 2026, bringing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history, culture, and stories to students, faculty, and families across the school community. This new exhibition site was initiated by student leaders Sunny Zhao and Leia, whose vision and dedication helped bring the program to Cary Academy. The exhibition was made possible through the collaboration of student leaders including Vita Fu, Andrew Zhong, and many other student volunteers who… Read more: AAPI Poster Exhibition Debuts at Cary Academy
- AAPI Poster Exhibition Returns for Its Second Year at Cary Regional Libraryby Sunny ZhaoThe second year of the youth-led exhibition at Cary Regional Library was successfully launched, bringing together students, families, and community members for a meaningful cultural and educational experience. The exhibition has drawn a strong response from library visitors, with many readers spending time engaging with the displays and learning from the student work. Library staff have also shared positive feedback, noting the high level of community interest and expressing that they would welcome the opportunity to extend the exhibition period to allow… Read more: AAPI Poster Exhibition Returns for Its Second Year at Cary Regional Library
- AAPI Poster Exhibition Returns to Common Roots Festival for a Second Consecutive Yearby Sunny ZhaoThe AAPI Poster Exhibition proudly returned to the Common Roots Festival for the second consecutive year, continuing its mission of promoting cultural understanding and celebrating the rich history, heritage, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Held at Durham Central Park, the exhibition was part of the annual Common Roots Festival, a Triangle-area celebration of AAPI Heritage Month that brings together community members through cultural performances, local artists, food vendors, educational activities, and interactive workshops. This year’s exhibition was… Read more: AAPI Poster Exhibition Returns to Common Roots Festival for a Second Consecutive Year
- Youth-Led AAPI Poster Exhibition and Voter Registration Initiative Featured at NC State Universityby Sunny ZhaoAs part of this year’s AAPI Heritage Month celebration, the AAPI Poster Exhibition was successfully showcased at NC State University’s Talley Student Union, bringing student-created exhibits on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history to a university audience. By bringing the exhibition into a university setting, students, faculty, staff, and community members had the opportunity to engage with AAPI history in an accessible and inspiring way, fostering cultural awareness, dialogue, and understanding. The exhibition featured student-created posters highlighting significant historical events, influential… Read more: Youth-Led AAPI Poster Exhibition and Voter Registration Initiative Featured at NC State University
- Youth Leader Vita Fu Expands AAPI Poster Exhibition to Morrisville Libraryby Sunny ZhaoAs part of this year’s AAPI Heritage Month celebration, the AAPI Poster Exhibition was successfully displayed at Morrisville Library, bringing student-created exhibits on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history to a new community audience. This exhibition site was led by youth leader Vita Fu, who played a key role in communicating and coordinating with library staff throughout the planning process. Through her initiative, professionalism, and persistence, Morrisville Library became a new exhibition location for the AAPI Poster Exhibition program, expanding the… Read more: Youth Leader Vita Fu Expands AAPI Poster Exhibition to Morrisville Library
- AAPI Poster Exhibition Returns to Ravenscroft School for a Second Consecutive Yearby Sunny ZhaoThe AAPI Poster Exhibition was successfully showcased at Ravenscroft School for the second consecutive year, continuing its mission of promoting cultural understanding and celebrating the history and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The exhibition was originally scheduled to be displayed from May 4–8, 2026, reaching students across the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School divisions. Led by student leader Charlotte Wang, who has coordinated the program since 2025, this year’s exhibition brought AAPI history and stories to… Read more: AAPI Poster Exhibition Returns to Ravenscroft School for a Second Consecutive Year
- NC Youth Impact Hosts Collaborative Poster Design Workshop and Ice Cream Socialby Sunny ZhaoNC Youth Impact recently organized a fun and creative poster design workshop bringing together students of different ages to collaborate, learn, and share ideas. The event invited participants to explore design together in a relaxed and supportive environment. During the workshop, students worked on organizing poster designs and brainstorming ideas as a group. Older students generously shared their design approaches and techniques, while younger participants learned by observing and referring to their work. This peer-to-peer interaction helped make the design process easier… Read more: NC Youth Impact Hosts Collaborative Poster Design Workshop and Ice Cream Social
- An Answer from a Paralympic Champion: Hannah Aspden on Growth, Education, and Self-Worthby Sunny Zhao-Youth Workshop with Hannah Aspden On April 25, 2026, NC Youth Impact, in collaboration with CAST-NC, hosted an inspiring youth leadership and storytelling session in Cary, NC featuring U.S. Paralympic swimmer Hannah Aspden — two-time Paralympic gold medalist at Tokyo 2020. From Challenge to Champion Mindset Born without her left leg, Hannah Aspden shared her journey in elite competitive swimming, reflecting on the fears, setbacks, and persistence behind her success. She emphasized that achievement is not defined only by medals, but by… Read more: An Answer from a Paralympic Champion: Hannah Aspden on Growth, Education, and Self-Worth
- AAPI Heritage Month Returns:by Sunny ZhaoYouth Poster Contest and Historical Exhibition Now Open for Registration May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (AAPI Heritage Month), a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of AAPI communities across the United States. Following the success of last year’s inaugural events, the 2026 Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Poster Contest and U.S. AAPI History Exhibition are back! Youth of all ages are invited to explore AAPI history through creative expression and share their stories with the… Read more: AAPI Heritage Month Returns:
- NC Youth Impact Supports 2026 Lunar New Year Galaby Sunny ZhaoThe Lunar New Year Gala brought together more than 60 elected officials, over 400 community leaders, and residents in a vibrant celebration of culture, heritage, and community unity. For the 4th consecutive year, the NC Youth Impact team supported the event through extensive volunteer service before and during the gala. Prior to the event, youth volunteers contributed to flyer design and event preparation. On the day of the celebration, the team assisted with guest check-in, provided wayfinding and guest guidance, and supported… Read more: NC Youth Impact Supports 2026 Lunar New Year Gala
- NC Youth Impact Hosts Youth Leadership Workshopby Sunny ZhaoResearch Triangle Park, NC – More than 50 youth leaders from across North Carolina gathered for an interactive Youth Leadership Workshop hosted by NC Youth Impact, creating a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with Congressman Ted Lieu and Congresswoman Valerie Foushee on issues shaping the future of their generation. Designed as a youth-centered civic engagement and policy dialogue program focused on artificial intelligence (AI), the workshop encouraged students to move beyond passive learning and instead actively research, present, question, and participate… Read more: NC Youth Impact Hosts Youth Leadership Workshop
- Inaugural Holiday Donation Drive Brings Joy and Support to Families Across the Triangleby Sunny ZhaoThis December, the Triangle community came together for the first-ever Holiday Donation Drive, a new initiative aimed at supporting families across Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill during the holiday season. Initiated by NC Youth Impact and joined by NCAAA, NCCBA, AYLUS, NCCAS (北卡大联盟), and Food Lounge NC RTP, the drive marked an important beginning—one the organizers hope will grow into a lasting tradition of community support in the years to come. A New Beginning Rooted in Care The inaugural Holiday Donation Drive… Read more: Inaugural Holiday Donation Drive Brings Joy and Support to Families Across the Triangle
- Holiday Donation Drive-Spread Joy. Share Hope. Lift Up Local Families.by Sunny ZhaoThis Christmas, many low-income families in our community are facing a difficult season.But together, we can make a powerful difference. Your generosity can place gifts in the hands of children, food on the tables of families, and hope back into the hearts of our neighbors. Let’s unite as a community and bring light to those who need it most. 📅 Donation Dates December 6–15 📍 Drop-Off Locations Dec 13, 9am~11:30am Dec 13, 9am~11:30am 🎁 What We’re Collecting Optional monetary donations to… Read more: Holiday Donation Drive-Spread Joy. Share Hope. Lift Up Local Families.
- AAPI Poster Exhibition Showcases at Two High Schools: Ravenscroft School and East Chapel Hill High Schoolby Sunny ZhaoThe AAPI Poster Exhibition was successfully showcased at two high schools: Ravenscroft School and East Chapel Hill High School, highlighting youth leadership and amplifying AAPI student voices through creative expression. The exhibition at Ravenscroft School was led by student leader Charlotte Wang, while the exhibition at East Chapel Hill High School was led by Aolu Wang. Under their leadership, they presented impactful posters that explored themes of AAPI identity, culture, history, and social awareness. The exhibitions attracted strong engagement from students and… Read more: AAPI Poster Exhibition Showcases at Two High Schools: Ravenscroft School and East Chapel Hill High School
- NC Youth Impact Leads Influential AAPI Poster Exhibition at Durham’s Common Roots Festivalby Sunny ZhaoDurham, N.C. —Invited by North Carolina Asian Americans Together (NCAAT) to participate in this year’s event, NC Youth Impact presented a powerful youth-led Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) poster exhibition that became one of the standout attractions at The 2nd Annual Common Roots: Festival for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Held at the Durham Historic Athletic Park, the festival drew thousands of attendees celebrating AAPI culture, heritage, and community. The exhibition was made possible through the… Read more: NC Youth Impact Leads Influential AAPI Poster Exhibition at Durham’s Common Roots Festival
- NC Youth Impact Launches Second Asian American History Exhibition at Cary Regional Libraryby Sunny ZhaoMay 10, 2025 — Following the success of its debut event, NC Youth Impact proudly opened its second Asian American History Exhibition at the Cary Regional Library, where the exhibition will run for an entire week. This meaningful community program was made possible with the generous support of the Town of Cary’s Art Department and the dedicated team at Cary Regional Library. The exhibition features a collection of historical posters highlighting key moments, challenges, and achievements of Asian Americans in the United… Read more: NC Youth Impact Launches Second Asian American History Exhibition at Cary Regional Library
- NC Youth Impact Launches First Asian American History Exhibition at Harold Ritter Parkby Sunny ZhaoNC Youth Impact proudly hosted its first Asian American History Exhibition at Harold Ritter Park, presented in collaboration with the North Carolina Chinese American Society (NCCAS) Spring Festival. The event drew thousands of attendees from across the Triangle, creating a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and heritage. As families enjoyed performances, food, and cultural activities, many paused to explore the exhibition’s historical posters—detailed displays highlighting key moments, struggles, and contributions of Asian Americans throughout U.S. history. Visitors of all ages stopped to… Read more: NC Youth Impact Launches First Asian American History Exhibition at Harold Ritter Park
- Young Minds & The Market Conversation With Experts Workshopby Sunny ZhaoNC Youth Impact Successfully Hosts “Young Minds & The Market: A Conversation with Experts” Workshop Date: May 10, 2025 By Sunny Zhao When global market conditions are shifting rapidly and U.S. tariff policies are frequently revised, today’s students face increasing uncertainty in academic planning, major selection, and future career pathways. To help middle and high school students better understand world trends, develop critical thinking skills, and broaden their global perspectives, NC Youth Impact, in partnership with North Carolina Asian Americans Alliances (NCAAA),… Read more: Young Minds & The Market Conversation With Experts Workshop
- Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Community Events-Highlighting Culture, History, and Youth Creativityby Sunny ZhaoMay is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a national celebration honoring the rich history, diverse cultures, and lasting contributions of AAPI communities across the United States. This year, NC Youth Impact, in collaboration with community partners across the Triangle, is proud to present two major events: the AAPI Heritage Poster Competition and a multi-site Asian American History Exhibition designed to engage youth, promote cultural understanding, and uplift the diverse voices within the AAPI community. 📌 AAPI Heritage Poster Competition… Read more: Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with Community Events-Highlighting Culture, History, and Youth Creativity
- Testimony at the Leon’s Law Hearingby Jake XuNC H378, known as Leon’s Law, is a bipartisan legislative proposal that mandates community colleges to grant automatic access to the educational records of minor students to their parents, legal guardians, or individuals acting in a parental capacity in the absence of a parent or guardian, provided specific criteria are satisfied. On March 19, 2025, the Higher Education Committee conducted the first hearing on Leon’s Law. During this session, NC Youth Impact president Mason Dupre and vice president Jake Xu delivered compelling… Read more: Testimony at the Leon’s Law Hearing
January 31, 2025
NC Youth Impact proudly earned the 2024 iPearl Innovation Award for their outstanding work over the past year, including advocating for Lunar New Year as a teach-work day and organizing voter registration events.
May 17, 2024
NC Youth Impact volunteered in organizing a seminar titled Future-Proofing Our Children: Inspiring Kids to Think, Empathize, and Thrive in the A.I. Era, presented by Prof. Loh.
April 7, 2024
NC Youth Impact proudly organized the voter registration event in Lake Wheeler Park, Raleigh.
March 5, 2024
Lunar New Year Petition
NC Youth Impact (Jake Xu, Sunny Zhao, Mason Dupre) called for Lunar New Year to be recognized as a Teacher Work Day. They presented their case to the WCPSS Board of Education meeting. WCPSS has formally recognized Lunar New Year as a Teacher Workday on the official 2027–28 school year calendar.