​On Saturday, August 1st, Plated with Love and Young Scholars teamed up to host a hugely successful Korean Food Fundraiser at the Young Scholars La Cañada campus. From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, local families, students, and community members gathered at 522 Foothill Blvd to enjoy an incredible lineup of authentic Korean dishes, with free admission for all attendees.

More than just a night of great food and community bonding, the event was driven by a powerful mission: raising funds to support local homeless shelters and achieve the goal of providing 500 meals for the Union Rescue Mission. Thanks to the wonderful turnout and the generous support of everyone who purchased meals, the fundraiser made a tangible difference for neighbors in need while demonstrating the incredible impact of coming together for a worthy cause.

This past July, students and parents gathered across California for our Summer Essay Workshop Write Here, Write Now! How to Write Perfect UC Essays, an event series dedicated to helping applicants showcase their individuality and strengths. Held on successive Saturdays from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, the workshops traveled from Irvine on July 11th, to San Marino on July 18th, and concluded in Cupertino on July 25th. Attendees at all three locations participated in dynamic sessions where expert counselors reviewed the Common App and UC essay prompts, shared critical do’s and don’ts, and revealed powerful brainstorming methods to help students successfully tell their unique stories. The events successfully demystified the writing process, leaving families equipped with the best strategies to elevate their college applications and confidently craft compelling personal narratives.

​The 2026 Memorial Day parade was an unforgettable highlight for the Young Scholars Academy community, bringing together students, families, and staff to honor the nation's fallen heroes. Marching with immense pride, the academy's energetic group lit up the parade route with custom banners, patriotic gear, and vibrant school spirit that drew cheers from the crowd. For the young scholars, participating was more than just a fun holiday tradition; it served as a meaningful hands-on lesson in civic duty, community leadership, and gratitude. The day beautifully blended remembrance with community celebration, leaving everyone inspired by the students' dedication to honoring the past while looking bright-eyed toward the future.

​This past May, the next generation of change-makers gathered for the Youth Leaders’ Conference 2026, hosted by Young Scholars. Centered around the inspiring theme “Planting the Dream,” the event took place on Saturday, May 23rd, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Buena Park. High school students and young graduates came together for a transformative experience designed to bridge the gap between academic ambition and professional reality.

Through a structured Mentor-Mentee Program, attendees had the invaluable opportunity to connect directly with accomplished leaders across diverse industries, including medicine, law, engineering, business, government, and IT. These seasoned professionals shared firsthand insights into career pathways, professional training, and certification processes, while offering a unique look into their experiences balancing mainstream professional success with active engagement in the Korean American community.

The conference was a resounding success, equipping young participants with professional networks, certificates of recognition, and a clear vision for their futures. We are incredibly proud of all the youth who stepped up to invest in their leadership journeys, and we can’t wait to watch the dreams they planted this weekend grow into the success stories of tomorrow!

​On Sunday, April 19, 2026, the Young Scholars community stepped outside the classroom to make a difference at the Pasadena Humane Society's annual Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run at Brookside Park at the Rose Bowl. From 8:00 to 11:00 AM, our dedicated team of students and parents aged 12 and up joined local animal lovers to walk, run, and cheer on the pups, helping raise vital funds for lifesaving shelter programs. By participating in this high energy community event, our scholars not only supported animals in need but also gained valuable hands on volunteering experience, demonstrating the civic responsibility and leadership that colleges love to see. We are incredibly proud of all our volunteers who secured their spots early and brought their passion to the Rose Bowl, proving that academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with compassionate community service.

To celebrate diversity and foster a more inclusive campus, our students spearheaded the Lunar New Year Leadership Forum, an inspiring student led initiative designed to introduce the rich cultural traditions of the holiday to their peers. Through this engaging, peer to peer presentation, our student leaders successfully bridged cultural gaps by educating the school community on the core values of Lunar New Year family, renewal, and prosperity. By sharing these meaningful traditions, the forum empowered attendees to deeply appreciate the diverse backgrounds represented within our student body, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive and welcoming learning environment. It was a stellar demonstration of student leadership in action, proving that our scholars are just as passionate about building community as they are about achieving academic excellence.

The 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration in La Cañada proudly hosted by the Korean American Federation alongside several partner non-profit organizations was a vibrant and inspiring event that beautifully merged cultural pride, community service, and youth empowerment. Marking an exciting expansion of our community presence following successful events across Southern California, the celebration featured traditional performances, music, cultural education, and interactive games, all brought to life by the incredible dedication of our youth leaders. These students took charge of the festivities by delivering public speeches, managing booths, overseeing technical operations, and running game stations, demonstrating outstanding teamwork and responsibility. In return for their vital contributions, the participants earned official leadership certification, verified service hours, and professional event photography to strengthen their academic portfolios, making the celebration a highly successful and memorable milestone for everyone involved.

​In celebration of Korean American Day, the Young Scholars Academy community proudly came together to honor the rich history, cultural heritage, and invaluable contributions of Korean Americans to society. Our students took the lead by hosting educational presentations and sharing inspiring stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation, bridging cultural gaps and fostering a deep sense of pride and unity within our student body. By exploring the historic journey of Korean immigrants and celebrating their achievements in fields ranging from public service to the arts, our young scholars not only deepened their cultural awareness but also practiced essential leadership and public speaking skills. This meaningful event beautifully showcased our commitment to nurturing diverse, community-minded leaders who are eager to honor history while actively shaping a more inclusive and connected future.

​Students from all over Southern California hosted ten visiting students from Boeun-gun, Korea, for a successful day of mentorship and cultural exchange.

The Mentorship Program for visiting students from Boeun-gun, Korea, was successfully held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Fullerton Branch, marking another year of this meaningful 15-year tradition. During the two-hour event, ten visiting students were paired with local Youth Leaders who served as dedicated mentors, fostering a rich environment for cultural exchange and global leadership. The program was highlighted by peer-led ESL and U.S. History mentoring sessions, a comprehensive tour of a local high school campus, and a reflective visit to the Korean War Memorial in Fullerton. This experience not only strengthened the educational ties between the two communities but also provided participants with a profound sense of shared history and international friendship.

​Students represented the Korean American Federation of North Los Angeles in the annual Montrose Christmas Parade.

Students proudly represented the Korean American Federation of North Los Angeles during the annual Montrose Christmas Parade, serving as cultural ambassadors on a public stage. Through their participation, they helped showcase the Federation’s heritage and active community involvement to thousands of local spectators.