First Lady Michelle Obama presented the 2010 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Awards yesterday at a formal ceremony at the White House. The Wing Luke Museum's YouthCAN Program was among the recipients - one of only 15 programs across the country to receive this award, the nation's highest honor for after school arts and humanities programs.

First Lady Michelle Obama presented the 2010 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Awards yesterday at a formal ceremony at the White House. The Wing Luke Museum’s YouthCAN Program was among the recipients – one of only 15 programs across the country to receive this award, the nation’s highest honor for after school arts and humanities programs.  

YouthCAN is a community-based leadership program for Asian Pacific American youth (ages 15-19) that works to connect youth with and take pride in their heritage. Through our High School Exhibits Contest, Summer Cultural Arts Experience, and Ambassador Program, APA youth learn how to use advocacy, arts, and cultural programming to take action on issues that affect the APA community. The program received the a 2011 Youth Arts award from the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.

Wing Luke Museum staff Joshua Heim (a former “Get Engaged” Commissioner on the Seattle Arts Commission) and two youth received the formal award at the White House. Click here to watch a video of the ceremony.

Formerly known as “Coming Up Taller,” the 2010 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Awards focus national attention on outstanding programs across the country that promote the creativity of America’s young people, providing them learning opportunities and the chance to contribute to their communities. The awards reward these projects with recognition, a cash award, and organizational and capacity building support over the course of the year.

Congratulations to the Wing Luke Museum and the YouthCAN program for this honor!