TALA (Thriving AANHPI Leadership Accelerator) is a career and leadership development program that supports economic mobility and holistic wellbeing for underrepresented Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) college students.

The pilot cohort of this two-year program launched in Fall 2025 in New York City and San Francisco. In addition to mentorship and internship opportunities, TALA participants will gain access to culturally-rooted career guidance, mental wellbeing resources, and intergenerational community building.

‍TAAF is leading TALA with partners in AANHPI youth-serving organizations.

Culturally-Relevant Curriculum
Fellows will attend in-person workshops designed to create a sense of belonging, honor their identities, and support leadership development. The workshops cover a range of topics, including history, mental health, personal finance and prosperity, career exploration, and network building.
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Mentorship
Fellows will be placed into pods consisting of two mentors and two Fellows to foster intergenerational connections, career exploration, and comprehensive support.
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Catalytic Resources
Fellows will receive a $1,000 stipend, free therapy vouchers, and invitations to attend signature TAAF events hosted in their cities. Fellows will also have opportunities to apply to internships and create social entrepreneurship projects within their communities.
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Supportive Community
Fellows are surrounded by a network that uplifts, connects, and celebrates them. City-based Slack channels enable peer connection and support outside workshops. Fellows will also have opportunities throughout the program to gather in-person with their larger community to joyfully celebrate their milestones and collective growth.
What is TALA?

TALA (Thriving AANHPI Leadership Accelerator) is a brand new, career and leadership development program designed to support under-resourced Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) college students. We are piloting this two-year program from Fall 2025 through Spring 2027.

TALA program objectives are:

  • Cultivate a strong sense of belonging
  • Encourage personal definitions of prosperity
  • Promote holistic wellbeing
  • Build a robust, supportive network
  • Foster leadership development
Who are the TALA Fellows?

The inaugural cohort of Fellows are college students who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and/or Pacific Islander (AANHPI) from over 35 colleges throughout the nation. TALA is designed for college students who identify as under-resourced based on a range of socioeconomic factors.

TALA is geared for students who are eager to grow as leaders and to grow their sense of belonging in the AANHPI community. The program specializes in supporting students who are interested in exploring new majors and/or non-traditional career paths.

Who is leading TALA?

The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) is leading TALA with founding partners who are AANHPI youth-serving organizations based in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded in 2021, TAAF's mission is to foster safety, belonging, and prosperity for the 24 million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S through core pillars of anti-hate, education, narrative change, and resources + representation.

Asian American Dream (AAD) is the TALA partner in NYC and offers underserved Asian American and Pacific Islander undergraduates mentorship, professional development, and career advancement to help them achieve their aspirations.

Asian Pacific American Leadership Institute (APALI) is the TALA partner in the SF Bay Area and builds community power through developing civic-minded leaders, closing the leadership gap, and building a community of public leaders to increase representation, equity, and social justice.

Where does the name “TALA” come from?

“TALA” holds powerful meanings across different AAPI cultures. In Tagalog, Tala means “star”—a symbol of brilliance, hope, and guidance. In Hindi, Tala (or Taala) refers to rhythm in classical music, representing flow, structure, and creative expression. In Samoan, Tala means “dollar,” connecting to the idea of value, investment, and opportunity.

TALA reflects our commitment to helping students shine, stay grounded in their culture, and invest in their future.

Dig deeper
The AAPI History Hub provides K–12 educators with a vetted collection of resources, including  Lesson Plans, Books, Films, and more, that are ready to integrate into your teaching and classrooms.
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