VAR envisions a strong and unified Vietnamese American community that works towards improving the quality of life for all. SEEDS aims to engage you by bridging both aspects of Vietnamese and American culture and lifestyle through a safe space, with meaningful workshops and student-led impact projects, in order to grow future community leaders.
Audience:
Youth from ages 14-24, from high school to college, will engage in curated community spaces, workshops, and planning sessions to learn about current issues impacting the local Vietnamese community, to identify significant issues that are resonant with their own experiences, and to configure sustainable solutions to these issues, such as racial subjugation and discrimination and anti-AAPI hate and violence.
Through the course of the summer-long program, participants under the guidance of professional mentors from VAR will develop potential solutions, equip themselves with and grow pertinent skill sets, as well as learn about strategies for effective advocacy.
SEEDS mentees will also be eligible for scholarships after completion of the program, graciously sponsored by the Vietnamese American Professional Women of Silicon Valley (VAPW). Visit vapw.org to learn more about them!
If you are interested in joining VAR's 2026 SEEDS summer program, please complete the interest form below. Responses will be reviewed by our 2026 SEEDS Committee.
**Prior knowledge or experience with Vietnamese and/or AAPI communities is not required. All sessions are open to all local students willing to learn more about and explore issues impacting their communities through the lens of the Vietnamese American experience in San Jose and Santa Clara County**
2026 PROGRAM OVERVIEW & SYLLABUS | Tentative Dates, Locations, and Topics If you are curious about further detailed information about what each of the workshops may entail. Please check this out!
Additional Resources for Students:
** To help with transportation, VAR will be offering travel expenses and reimbursement to any student with financial need.
** Scholarships (10) of $100 are available to students who attend a majority of sessions.
** All program and lesson materials (textbooks, PDF articles) will be provided at no cost for participants. Registrants will receive exclusive Vietnamese American Roundtable and SEEDS merchandise -- available in limited supply.
** Registrations are strongly encouraged to reserve your space in the program! Drop-ins will be welcomed.
What will happen next after I fill out the form?
You will receive ongoing communications from VAR regarding the 2026 SEEDS summer program and next steps to prepare for our Orientation Session.
Is SEEDS in-person or virtual?
SEEDS is a program held in person at different Vietnamese American landmarks in San José. Our home locations will be the Alma Community Center or the Vietnamese American Service Center
Contact Person:
