Events

2026 Youth Conference

We invite you to the Localized History Project's 2026 Youth Conference! Through workshops and fun activities led by current LHP youth, you'll gain insights into Asian American & Pacific Islander history, the importance of localized history, learn about our exhibits and methodologies, and connect with other AAPI youth.

Conference attendance is mandatory for those who wish to apply as a Youth Researcher for LHP's 2026–2027 school year program.

Dates: June 13 & June 17, 2026 — please RSVP for one day only

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Location: Borough of Manhattan Community College

Food: Provided

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the conference organization look like?

You will have the ability to choose between six different sessions during the Youth Conference, which will be as follows:

Welcome Reception (1 hour)
Choose-A-Session (1 hour)
Choose-A-Session (1 hour)
Lunch + Panel (1 hour)
Choose-A-Session (1 hour)
Closing (45 min)

Both days will run the same programming.

Am I able to change which day of the conference is best for me to attend?

Please email localizedhistory@aaari.info directly if you need to change the date you will be attending.

Will food be provided at the conference?

Yes!! We will try to accommodate dietary restrictions as put in the registration form.

Will there be a make-up conference for those who are unable to attend either of the dates in June?

We will hold a workshop sometime in August. Be on the lookout for the make-up day, to be announced soon!

What are the hourly expectations as a youth researcher?

Youth Researchers are required to meet once a week for 2 hours, in person, at our Midtown Manhattan office. See Job Description for more details.

What does a weekly meeting look like?

Youth Researcher meetings vary in content and form from week to week. Generally, these meetings will cover any of the following topics:

Discussing AAPI identity and experience in affinity groups
Learning critical AANHPI history
Building historical research methods (oral history, primary source analysis, archival investigation)
Prepping and planning school and community-based events
Working on new research, publications, and educational materials

Occasionally, we will also take field trips to local archives, attend events hosted by community affiliates, or participate in joint programming with other youth groups in NYC.

As a Youth Researcher, how will I shape NYC public schools, communities, and history curriculum?

As a community-based and youth-driven collective, LHP centers young people in all of our advocacy work. As a Youth Researcher, you will have opportunities to:

Train public school teachers in AAPI history: In the 2025-2026 program year, we held youth-led professional development and programming for over 350 teachers in all five boroughs! These trainings bring LHP's work directly into NYC classrooms, incorporating youth-created, grassroots history into existing curricula.
Facilitate community teach-ins: We host regular, public-facing, youth-led events for the greater educational and organizing communities of NYC – reaching 500+ community members in all five boroughs!
Publish and present new research across the country: Our Youth Researchers get the opportunity to present at city-wide and national education conferences, and higher educational and research institutions, including the New York Coalition of Radical Educators, the American Educational Research Association, The New York Historical, and more!
Advocate for critical ethnic studies to city and state officials: LHP is a foundational organization in the REACH Coalition, a state-wide advocacy group fighting for AAPI history to be included in New York State classrooms. Within this coalition, our Youth Researchers speak at state-wide press conferences, participate in lobbying efforts in the state capitol, and build relationships with elected officials!

…and much, much more!

What does the application process look like beyond the conference?

After the conference there will be a separate application questionnaire to be filled out if you are interested in becoming a youth researcher. If selected to interview you will be contacted and interviews will be held in August.

There will be dedicated time at the conference to begin the application and we will be there to answer any questions you may have! We understand that application forms are not reflective of experience or you as a full person so we want to limit barriers to apply.

Job Description

Youth Researcher, The Localized History Project

Youth researchers will be driving the creation of the first ever Asian American, Pacific Islander (AAPI) History Curriculum for New York City Public Schools! Youth will receive a stipend at the end of the year after project completion.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Attend mandatory meetings for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Every Wednesday 4:30pm-6:30pm in PERSON
Create a localized history exhibit on AAPI NYC History
Partner with the teacher cohort to develop and refine individual projects, and create a Teachers Guide for implementation of your exhibit in classrooms
Attend select events and presentations to showcase your work!
Conduct research on the state of AAPI history in NYC, and the lived experiences of AAPI youth.

Required Qualifications

Rising 10th, 11th, or 12th grader in a NYC public school
Passionate about learning, advocating for, and uncovering AAPI history!
Historical research and writing skills, but most importantly, a love of history

Working Conditions

Youth will receive a stipend for the year at a rate of $20/hour.
Youth are expected to attend meetings in person in Midtown Manhattan.
Youth are expected to attend our Storytelling Retreat October 1st-4th, 2026 (an all expenses paid trip upstate).

Opportunities

Lead workshops for NYC teachers and community members
Present at press conferences, State Advocacy Days, and organizing events
Travel internationally and nationally to conferences (paid) to showcase work and research