Leaders On The Horizon
KAC’s 25th annual leadership conference

The National College Leadership Conference is a five-day conference held annually in Southern California for young Korean American college students. The purpose of the conference is to effectively train the next generation of leaders to gain an awareness of current and past issues facing the Korean American community, an appreciation of Korean American identity and roots, as well as the desire to participate in community-building. The conference organizers recruit speakers, workshop moderators, and community leaders of diverse backgrounds to participate in building future leaders.

Identity. U.S.-North Korea Relations. Korean Americans in politics. Activism. These were just a few of the hot topics of discussion among the 50 participants at the 2004 National College Leadership Conference. United by a common desire to learn about the community, the participants of the conference came from as far north as Alaska to engage in dialogue about the current state of Korean America.

While the diverse network of community-minded peers is critical to the success of the conference, it is through the stimulating workshops and moving speakers that the participants are exposed to community issues.

Paola Kim, a fourth-year at Carleton University, in Northfield, Minn. and conference attendee, says, "I was able to involve myself in the Korean American community and I met a lot of interesting people. Overall it was an unforgettable experience that will carry me into future endeavors."

Helin Jung, a senior at Wellesley College, who went on to intern at KAC says, "What is significant and different about this program is its concerted effort to inspire a sense of community — both a sense of growing within the community and giving back to it. The KAC internship program not only offers tremendous support through its staff, it also challenges its interns to think about how to maximize individual talents in order to benefit the greater community.

David Ryu, a former KAC program coordinator says, "The KAC Summer Leadership Conference is a jewel in our community."

Who: We are looking for 50 College students who want to change the world.

What: The 25th Annual KAC Leadership Conference

Where: The Beautiful Mount Kare (near Mountain High), two hours from Los Angeles

When: Sunday, June 19 through Thursday, June 23

Why: A community without leaders is a community without direction.

Cost: $95

Visit www.kacla.org. for an application. Acceptance is competitive. We’re looking for positive attitudes and a desire to make a difference in our community.