Asian American Leadership Certificate Program

Alt Text: Eight people stand side by side in a classroom, smiling at the camera. Behind them, a projector screen displays a slide that reads “AARCC and IRRPP Asian American Leadership Certificate Program Showcase” in colorful blocks of blue, green, red, and yellow. The group is dressed in a mix of professional and casual attire, standing on a checkered carpet floor. A whiteboard is visible to the right and a podium to the left, suggesting an academic or community presentation setting.

About the Program

The Asian American Leadership Certificate Program (AALCP) offers undergraduates the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through the lens of Asian American perspectives. We welcome all students open and interested in learning about Asian American leadership. We have a tri-part framework rooted in notions of (a) Leadership Identity/Critical Consciousness; (2) Community; and (3) Organizing.

By the end of this program, students will be able to…

  • articulate how they currently understand their identity
  • identify the political history of the model minority myth and connect it to their lives
  • recognize the ways in which they can exercise expansive solidarity
  • acknowledge the deleterious effects of the MMM on mental health and well-being
  • envision potential futures centering healing and justice
  • implement an action plan based on their learning

What is the Program?

AALCP is offered each spring, beginning in early February and ending by spring break. We meet in person at the AARCC once a week at the same time for a two-hour workshop session during the lunch hour for a total of seven weeks. Lunch will be provided. Students are required to attend all seven sessions. During the workshops, students will have an opportunity to build community with the AALCP facilitators/fellow students; engage in interactive activities and discussions; and build their leadership skills rooted in a critical Asian American framework. Participants in AALCP will be expected to create an Action Project aligned with the program's aims. Please see the FAQ for some examples. Students will also be expected to participate in an end-of-program showcase to present their Action Project.

Testimonials:

“I believe it affirms Asian diasporic experiences that I had in mind because Asians were oppressed in many ways, like limited education on Asians and Asian people’s contributions in schools.” - Cohort #1 Member of AALCP

“I learned how solidarity brings communities of different backgrounds together and how we all need to come together to fight for what we stand for.” - Cohort #1 Member of AALCP

“The model minority myth places an overwhelming weight on our minds and shoulders. In a society that claims to be meritocratic, we are taught that our worth is measured only by our achievements.” - Cohort #1 Member of AALCP

“Leaders acknowledge others’ mental health and help others heal. However, leaders acknowledge their own mental health, too.” - Cohort #1 Member of AALCP

History:

The Asian American Leadership Certificate Program started in Spring 2026, though it comes from a UIC legacy of Asian American Leadership. Former AARCC staff, Elvin Chan, started overnight leadership retreats and Asian American Org Council meetings soon after AARCC opened in 2005. Bolstered by the Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution Grant (AANAPISI grant) starting in 2010 this started a series of retreats, events, and annual dinners for Asian American leaders to build their leadership skills. Student leadership support has taken many forms over the years. The certificate program provides the latest iteration of this idea building into an immersive program that deep dives into Asian American history and activism - harkening back to AARCC’s creation through student activism. This certificate program provides a way to honor our history, and prepare our students to be well-informed capable leaders ready to make change in the world.

Register to the Program!