AACO Emerging Leader Award 

Application for the 2026 Emerging Leader Award is now open!

Deadline: August 15, 2026

The mission of the Asian American Coalition of Ohio (AACO) is to Educate, Engage, and Empower community members and the next generation of leaders. We seek to recognize outstanding high school and college students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community service, civic engagement, and a commitment to strengthening their communities. 

We evaluate not only what applicants have accomplished, but also how they have made a meaningful difference in their schools, communities, and the lives of others. Quality, initiative, and sustained commitment are valued more highly than the number of activities or titles held. 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a high school or accredited college/university

• Be an Ohio resident or attend an Ohio school

• Demonstrate leadership through school, community, or civic involvement

• Complete all required application materials

Evaluation Criteria

We will evaluate the following attributes based on the completed application:

1. Leadership

Demonstrates the ability to inspire, organize, and positively influence others toward achieving meaningful goals. 

2. Community Service

Shows a sustained commitment to serving others through volunteerism and creating measurable, positive community impact. Quality matters more than quantity. 

3. Civic Engagement

Actively participates in civic life by promoting public service, civic education, advocacy, or engagement with government and democratic processes. 

4. Initiative & Innovation

Identifies challenges and takes proactive, creative action to develop new ideas, programs, or solutions that address community needs. 

5. Character

Consistently demonstrates honesty, accountability, respect, resilience, humility, and ethical leadership in words and actions. 

6. Essay

Communicates thoughtful reflection, authentic experiences, leadership philosophy, and a clear commitment to making a positive impact. 

7. Recommendation Letter

Provides credible, independent evidence of the applicant's leadership, character, service, and potential for future success.

2026 Application for Emerging Leader Award

Deadline: August 15, 2026

The completed application must be sent to aaco@aacohio.org in one email with all the necessary attachments by 11:59 pm ET on the deadline, with a subject line “Application - (Your Name) - AACO Emerging Leader Award”.

The required recommendation letter must be sent to aaco@aacohio.org by 11:59 pm ET on the deadline, with a subject line “Recommendation Letter - (Your Name) - AACO Emerging Leader Award”.

The 2026 application form can be downloaded here. Please download a copy and save it in Google Doc or Microsoft Word. Once you complete the application, please save it into a PDF file and email to aaco@aacohio.org.