Boston Little Saigon Youth Program

The Boston Little Saigon Youth Program empowers young people ages 14–24 to become leaders, creators, and advocates in their community while exploring Vietnamese culture, local history, and career pathways.

Through hands-on learning, youth gain real-world experience in community engagement, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and event planning. Participants work alongside local artists, small businesses, and community leaders to support initiatives within the Boston Little Saigon Cultural District in Fields Corner, Dorchester.

The program centers youth voice and leadership while providing meaningful opportunities for young people to contribute to their neighborhood and develop skills that support their academic, personal, and professional growth.

Program Goals

The Boston Little Saigon Youth Program aims to:

  • Empower youth to become community leaders and changemakers

  • Strengthen connections between young people, local businesses, and community organizations

  • Preserve and celebrate Vietnamese culture and history in Boston

  • Provide career exploration and workforce development opportunities

  • Foster a sense of belonging, pride, and civic engagement

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What Youth Do

Participants engage in a variety of projects and activities, including:

  • Cultural Learning & Heritage Preservation Youth explore Vietnamese American history, the story of immigration in Fields Corner, and the cultural significance of the Boston Little Saigon district.

  • Community Beautification & Public Space Projects Participants help design and implement neighborhood improvements such as garden plantings, murals, and community art installations that promote neighborhood pride.

  • Event Planning & Community Programming Youth help organize cultural festivals, markets, and public events that bring together residents, families, and local businesses.

  • Creative Entrepreneurship Through initiatives like Mai Bodega & Saigon Swirl, youth design and run pop-up business concepts that allow them to practice marketing, product development, and customer engagement.

  • Digital & Professional Skills Development Youth build practical skills including communication, digital literacy, project management, teamwork, and leadership.

Current Projects:

  1. Reclaiming Buried Histories (school year 2025-2026)

  2. Boston Little Saigon Internship (summer 2026) 

Contact

For more information, please email info@bostonlittlesaigon.org