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The Lao America Youth Program for Success in Education and Life engages youth in a range of activities that support long-term involvement while improving their academic skills. The goal is that youth have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their education, employment and life. Programming varies by time of year and includes afterschool, summer and Saturday activities.
Afterschool Program Activities: During the school year afterschool activities are provided at LAO America and 2-3 other sites at schools and libraries. Activities include math & English tutoring and homework assistance; ethnic dance, storytelling, art and folk art; recreation and sports adapted to each facility; and opportunities for service learning and leadership development. Additional activities that may occur afterschool or in the evening, depending on the instructor's availability, include instruction in the three forms of Lao dance (classic, folk, and social), and folk art instruction such as weaving or Lao visual arts. Each year one field trip is hosted for parents and youth to visit colleges and universities. This field trip helps parents and youth visualize a future that includes post-secondary education.
Saturday School: A year-round program that meets every Saturday at LAOA. Youth receive intensive one-on-one & small group math and English tutoring and homework help; and have the opportunity to explore enrichment activities such as ethnic dance, art, recreation, Lao language, computer skills and science and technology. Students from the U of MN Lao Student Association and community volunteers provide individual and small group tutoring on Saturdays.
Summer Activities: The summer program focuses on retaining reading and math skills, developing leadership and social skills, and having fun in a safe place. During the summer LAOA employs a soccer coach to work with 3 teams of boys and girls. Individual and small group tutoring and academic enrichment activities using the computer lab are supported by volunteers and staff. Staff plan and implement art, recreation, and Science and Technology exploration activities which are carried out with volunteer assistance. Lao dance, Lao language and activities that provide an opportunity for Lao elders to provide storytelling and traditional music and crafts are integrated into the summer program. Two field trips are held each summer, one for learning and the other for fun. In addition, a group of 10 participants is able to participate in a camping trip; and, youth in the dance and
other programs participate in the 4-H program at the State Fair.
Parent education: At least 2 times each year, parents are invited to seminars that provide them will information about parenting issues on topics such as the expectations of parents who have children in school, health issues related to youth, the stages of child development and appropriate discipline and other topics that help parents to understand their children and the role of parents.
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