The Path to Leadership
Bee was a bright fifteen year old who felt bored and lacked direction in school and in life. He said he needed to “do something outside of school that could help his future”.
Fortunately for Bee, friends at school encouraged him to join Hmong American Partnership’s YouthLEAD program, which helps Hmong youth stay in school and achieve academic and career success. Bee enjoyed YouthLEAD presentations and discussions with experts and role models. He also had opportunities to volunteer and become a peer leader. Over the course of his three years as a participant, volunteer, and mentor with HAP, Bee gained the skills and confidence to set big goals.
Despite the fact that only 65% of Asian students in Minnesota (majority Hmong) graduate from high school*, we are happy to report that Bee graduated from high school this past June. Now, at age 18, he is attending the University of Minnesota and plans to major in Pre-Med. Bee is very busy, but still finds time to give back to the Hmong community by volunteering for HAP programs. Bee’s younger brothers are following his example and are currently enrolled in YouthLEAD.
HAP is proud to tell his story.
* Alliance for Excellent Education, Minnesota State Card (Updated 3/13/2008)