Between Summer 2022 and Fall 2023, Stop AAPI Hate and Asian American Collective Action for Racial Equity and Solidarity (AA CARES) at San Francisco State University led four impactful internships, engaging students in addressing critical issues affecting Asian and Asian American communities.
The Fall 2023 internship program involved the development of impactful social media campaigns on a range of chosen topics, reflecting college interns' interests and perspectives on pressing social issues. Interns were organized into subgroups and tasked with creating and presenting social media campaigns on the following topics:
1. Korean-Black Tensions and Solidarity (1990s to Present Day): An exploration of historical and contemporary dynamics between Korean and Black communities to promote understanding and solidarity.
2. Central Asian Foods and Diaspora: A celebration of Central Asian culinary traditions and the cultural impact of Central Asian diaspora communities.
3. Japanese Incarceration in WWII: An examination of Japanese American internment during World War II and its ongoing relevance.
4. Medical Racism: Addressing systemic biases and disparities in healthcare experienced by Asian Americans.
5. Advancements by Asian American Men in STEAM: Highlighting the achievements and contributions of Asian American men in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics fields.
These campaigns aimed to educate, raise awareness, and challenge stereotypes about Asians and Asian Americans, utilizing social media platforms to engage a broad audience and foster meaningful dialogue.
Summer 2023 Internship
During the Summer of 2023, the IGGI and Stop AAPI Hate @SFSU internship involved 16 participants from high school to graduate levels. The focus was on addressing bullying of Asian and Asian American high school students in the San Francisco-Bay Area. Evaluations conducted at the midpoint and conclusion of the internship revealed significant learning gains and positive experiences:
Mid-Internship Evaluation:
83% of interns reported high satisfaction with their learning experiences.
58.3% engaged with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the California Public Records Act (CPRA) for the first time.
83.3% strongly agreed that they were learning about public policy.
91.7% strongly agreed that they were learning about social justice as it relates to public policy.
End-of-Internship Evaluation:
77.8% of interns expressed satisfaction with their experiences, slightly down from the midpoint evaluation.
All respondents engaged in FOIA/CPRA processes.
77.8% strongly agreed that they learned about public policy, and 91.7% strongly agreed about learning social justice.
Interns reported enhanced understanding of public policy, mentorship skills, research and analytical skills, and community building.
Summer 2022 Stop AAPI Hate Youth Campaign Research Study :
In Summer 2022, San Francisco State University's Asian American Research Initiative, in collaboration with Stop AAPI Hate, conducted a research study involving 110 high school interns. Key findings from over 700 youth respondents include the following:
90% expressed interest in taking Ethnic Studies courses.
85% believed ethnic studies could help reduce racial discrimination.
75% had experienced or witnessed racial bias in their schools.
60% felt that the current curriculum did not adequately address diverse cultural backgrounds.
Further, challenges were identified including 1)decreased media attention and 2) the need for equitable partnerships with local youth groups. The study emphasized the importance of integrating Ethnic Studies into K-12 curricula to promote educational equity and address systemic racism.
The AA CARES and Stop AAPI Hate internships have significantly contributed to empowering youth by addressing key social justice issues affecting the Asian American community. Through these programs, participants have gained valuable skills, enhanced their understanding of public policy and social justice, and engaged in impactful projects. The ongoing challenges faced by Asian Americans, exacerbated by recent anti-Asian discrimination, underscore the need for continued educational initiatives and youth involvement in social justice projects and the supporting the implementation of Ethnic Studies in K-12 settings. These internships not only foster critical thinking and community engagement but also play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and addressing multifaceted social justice issues.