2025 - 2026 WAFL Program:
Apply Today!
applications for the 2025-2026 wafl Program are officially open!
Are you or a student in your life interested in building up their leadership skills and joining a student community of young Asian Americans? If so, then apply for WAFL today!
We Are Future Leaders (WAFL, pronounced like the breakfast food) is KAYF’s nationwide program to empower the next generation of Asian American community leaders.
Great leaders have a deep sense of purpose, open-mindedness, and empathy for others. Through the WAFL Program, we strive to cultivate daring leaders who dream big, build passion for their visions, and know what it takes to make a lasting impact for others.
We are currently accepting rising 9th and 10th graders for the 2025-2026 school year. Join our community today!
about the WAFL program
The WAFL Program is 100% free for admitted students. The program is run online during the school year for 16 bi-weekly sessions from October to June. WAFL focuses on developing our students’ personal growth with the following programming:
- Public speaking workshops
- College preparation seminars
- Group discussions on Asian American identity, social issues, and civic engagement
- Annual speech competition for cash prizes
- Career fair to meet young professionals from various sectors
- Scholarships and Presidential Volunteer Service Awards
For more on the WAFL Program, check out the blog on our website to learn more about last year’s programming.
The deadline to apply is September 1, 2025. If you have any questions about the WAFL Program, the application, or KAYF, please send an email to admin@kayf.org. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the WAFL Program?
We are currently accepting new students who are rising 9th and 10th graders for the 2025-2026 school year. The WAFL Program is open to Asian-American students across the United States, regardless of their immigration status.
Considered applicants will be contacted for an interview over Zoom. Please note that returning WAFL students are required to submit the application form to re-enroll.
When does the Program take place?
WAFL sessions are held biweekly on Saturday evenings from 6 to 9PM ET via Zoom for a total of 16 sessions. The program will begin October 2025 and conclude in May/June 2026.
Where does the Program take place? Are there in-person events?
Our bi-weekly WAFL sessions take place online over Zoom. However, we are planning several in-person events for our students in the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) throughout the school year, including an in-person Orientation Camp (October 11-13, 2025). Please stay tuned for the final program schedule for next year!
Is there a registration fee to apply?
No, the WAFL Program is free to apply/join.
When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply is September 1, 2025.
Does KAYF provide opportunities for the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards?
Yes, KAYF is a certifying organization of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and applies for the PVSA on behalf of the WAFL students every school year. For more information about the PVSA, visit their website here. (Please note that the Presidential Volunteer Service Award has been temporarily paused as of May 27, 2025. KAYF will apply on behalf of qualifying WAFL students when the PVSA is reinstated.)