Mirai Generations Leadership Program

Next session will be held in Winter 2025; applications will open in Fall 2024.

未来
MIRAI = “FUTURE”

The Mirai Generations Leadership Program (MGLP) encourages participants to CONNECT, INSPIRE, and ACT within the Japanese American (JA) community. It provides the opportunity for engagement with leaders to serve the JA community. Participants will create the framework to become meaningful contributors and mentors to the JA community and ensure its growth into the future.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

  • To identify and nurture young professionals to engage in/enhance their current involvement in the JA community for the mutual benefit of their personal satisfaction and the sustained growth of the JA community
  • To increase self-awareness and cultural awareness of the participants
  • To impart leadership skills, enhance personal and professional growth, and build awareness of global leadership opportunities
  • To create life-long friendships and meaningful connections with alumni, mentors, peers, and leaders in the JA community
  • To build an active alumni group that learns from each other and enriches the content and experience of the program
  • To empower young adults to share their ideas, enthusiasm, and time with the JA community
  • To sustain the program into the future in order to continually grow the leadership base for the J/JA community

To sustain the program into the future in order to continually grow the leadership base for the J/JA community

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

  • Demonstration of a strong potential for participation and leadership in the Japanese American (JA) community
  • Age range of 25 to 35 (exceptions will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
  • Commitment to attend and participate in all scheduled meetings and activities of the program
  • Commitment to actively participate in the JA community
  • Applicants do not need to be of Japanese descent to apply to the program
  • Vaccination against COVID-19 (including booster shots) is required
  • A Letter of Recommendation, preferably from a J/JA community member is required

VISION OF THE PROGRAM

The Mirai Generations Leadership Program will nurture, connect and support emerging leaders who are passionate about and dedicated to the Japanese American community and its culture. This program will support these leaders in various roles to grow and sustain our community and showcase the JA culture. It is our hope that these participants will later serve as mentors to ensure that our JA culture and community thrives into the future.

Sakura Foundation gratefully acknowledges Tri-State/Denver Buddhist Temple/Nisei Veterans Heritage Foundation and Nikkeijin Kai of Colorado for their generous grant support of the 2022 Mirai Generations Leadership Program. We also acknowledge funding received prior to 2021 from Simpson United Methodist Church/Nisei Veterans Heritage Foundation and the City and County of Denver.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by a Committee Panel, who will select candidates to be interviewed via Zoom. The interview provides the opportunity for the candidates to express their reasons for wanting to be in the program, learn leadership skills and participate in the JA community. Following the interview process, candidates will be notified via email of their acceptance.

The tuition for the Mirai Generations Leadership Program is $250 per participant and is due at the Kick Off Retreat on March 11th. Financial aid and/or scholarships may be available on a case-by-case basis once the selection process is completed. Lack of funds should not prevent a candidate from applying to the program. Participants are responsible for their own travel to the retreat, learning sessions and meetings, which will all take place in Metro Denver. All materials, food and lodging costs are covered by the program.

Applicants must be available to attend the Meet and Greet evening, Kick Off Retreat, all MGLP learning sessions, participate in the Community Connection meet-ups, celebration lunch and individual presentations. All dates are specified in the application.

As the co-presenters of the Annual Denver Cherry Blossom Festival, Sakura Foundation is excited to present the milestone 50th (!!) anniversary celebration on June 22nd – June 23rd! 

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