The Youth Symposium is designed for youth ages 14–21, as well as educators and parents. However, community members at-large who are interested in exploring and celebrating Asian American identity and culture, and in cultivating youth leadership, are also welcome to attend! Important note: Attendees under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian review and agree to the Parental or Guardian Consent terms during registration. This involves accessing the provided link for a preview of the terms, checking the mandatory confirmation box, and electronically acknowledging the consent. Registration cannot be finalized until this step is completed.

Absolutely! The symposium brings together a cohort of youth like yourself, along with speakers from a variety of fields, to discuss issues such as identity, career paths and passions, and the cultural and societal pressures facing Asian American youth.

We also offer interactive life skills workshops, intergenerational discussions and workshops on emotional well-being for the other important people in your life—teachers and parents/guardians. We encourage you to invite your friends, parents and trusted adults, and to share this opportunity with your teachers and school counselors so they can also benefit from understanding the experiences of your generation.

Important note: Attendees under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian review and agree to the Parental or Guardian Consent terms during registration. This involves accessing the provided link for a preview of the terms, checking the mandatory confirmation box, and electronically acknowledging the consent. Registration cannot be finalized until this step is completed.

Yes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend. Dedicated breakout sessions will help parents and guardians develop strategies to foster intergenerational dialogue and explore ways to support their children’s journeys with greater understanding and advocacy.

Important note: Attendees under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian review and agree to the Parental or Guardian Consent terms during registration. This involves accessing the provided link for a preview of the terms, checking the mandatory confirmation box, and electronically acknowledging the consent. Registration cannot be finalized until this step is completed.

Yes! We welcome teachers to bring their class, and parents, to the symposium.

We have made special arrangements for educators or group leaders to register students and their parents. Please email ys@1990institute.org to obtain a group registration code before registering.

Yes! Complimentary shuttle service is available for registered participants; however, seats are limited. To guarantee a seat, you must register for both the Youth Symposium and the shuttle bus. The morning scheduled departures will be from the Millbrae Bart and Caltrain Station at 7:20 and 8:00 am. The afternoon departure will be from the College of San Mateo Parking Lot A at 4:30 and 5:10 pm.

No. Only participants who register for the shuttle will be accommodated. Walk-ups are not permitted.

Yes, but each guest must be registered for the Youth Symposium and must also reserve a shuttle seat in advance.

The morning scheduled departures will be from the Millbrae Bart and Caltrain Station at 7:20 and 8:00 am. The afternoon departure will be from the College of San Mateo Parking Lot A at 4:30 and 5:10 pm.

All participants—adults and youth—must register  individually, even if attending together.

You can access the registration site HERE.

Important note: Attendees under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian review and agree to the Parental or Guardian Consent terms during registration. This involves accessing the provided link for a preview of the terms, checking the mandatory confirmation box, and electronically acknowledging the consent. Registration cannot be finalized until this step is completed.

Early Bird Registration: July 31, 2026*

Main Registration Deadline: September 12, 2026

The first 60 youth to register will be eligible to receive two tickets to the San Francisco Giants vs Minnesota Twins game on September 21, 2026 at 6:45 pm@ Oracle Park, San Francisco.

*The 1990 Institute is not responsible for any cancellations, postponements, or schedule changes made by the event organizer or venue.

Opportunity for the attendees to have individual learning session that are of specific interest to them, see Event schedule for speaker and descriptions.

See the Event Schedule for detailed descriptions of the breakout sessions.

The Roots & Wings Youth Symposium will convene at the San Mateo College Theatre, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94402.

Click here for Google Maps, or Apple Maps for driving or transit information. Here is the link to the campus map and the theater is located on the lower left quadrant of the map, building 3, designated parking is in Lot A.

Yes, meals and refreshments will be provided at no cost to participants. There will be limited vegetarian items available.

However, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian options. Please bring your own lunch if there are additional special dietary requirements.

Please email us at ys@1990institute.org and include on the subject line “Youth Symposium Question.”

Your Giants tickets will be distributed at the end of the symposium. You must be present to claim the tickets.

In your confirmation email toward the bottom, select the "View Event" button, then select the "Agenda" tab and you will see "My Sessions" at the top of the Agenda page.  Or simply navigate to our Registration Page, select the "Agenda" tab and you will see the tab for "My Sessions".

Yes! In your confirmation email, click the “Edit Details” button. From there, you can review and update your shuttle reservations.

Each attendee must have a unique password so we can securely track and manage their personalized session selections. Tip: You can use your own email with a " + " sign (like name+child@gmail.com) if they don't have their own account! Any email will be redirected to your own email inbox.