Oct

SI Affiliate honored for its youth programs

At a White House ceremony on Oct. 20, the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience in Seattle and its afterschool program, YouthCAN, was recognized with a prestigious national award by First Lady Michelle Obama for its impact in engaging young people in the arts and humanities.

Chosen from a pool of more than 400 nominations and 50 finalists, YouthCAN is one of just 15 programs across the country to receive the 2010 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the highest honor for afterschool arts and humanities programs. YouthCAN is being recognized for its work in empowering high school students, helping them build leadership, communication, and organizational skills through arts-based programming.

From left, Joshua Heim, YouthCAN coordinator; King L., YouthCAN participant; and First Lady Michelle Obama. (Photo courtesy of Seattle PostGlobe)

This award is administered by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. In addition to the national recognition bestowed by the award, The Wing also will receive $10,000 to support its programming and engage more young people from the community.

The Wing’s mission is to connect everyone to the rich history, dynamic cultures and art of Asian Pacific Americans through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences. It is the nation’s only museum devoted to the pan-Asian Pacific American experience and is a Smithsonian Affiliate.