2025 Asian American Stories Youth Summer Internship empowers a new generation of storytellers

08/12/2025

By DDTVRobe

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On Sunday, Aug. 3rd, over 30 people gathered at Ding Ding TV Studio for the 2025 Asian American Stories Youth Summer Internship celebration ceremony. Following the success of the video contests – “All of Us Belong Here” (2024) and “My Gift to America” (2025) – the Asian American Stories 1-Minute Video Contest is becoming a signature annual Bay Area event. To involve more youth in the storytelling mission, Silicon Valley Community Media launched a Summer Student Internship Program.

Diana Ding (Founder, Silicon Valley Community Media, Chair, Asian American Stories) has long championed the power of storytelling in amplifying community voices. Diana reflected on the mission of the internship program, the hard work of the interns, and the importance of empowering the next generation of Asian American leaders.

Penny Zou (Chair of Youth, Asian American Stories) played a vital role in shaping the vision and impact of the internship program. As a parent and a member of several parent groups, Penny shared the purpose behind launching the AAS Youth Summer Internship – why it matters, what it hopes to achieve, and how it empowers young Asian Americans to use their voices, creativity, and leadership.

Elly He (Program Coordinator and Youth Ambassador, 2025 Asian American Stories Summer Internship) told the audience the details of the internship. Eight high school students participated in the 6-week internship. Ethnic communities represented include Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Singaporean, and more. The interns produced 24 videos and reached over 120 people to raise awareness about the contest and potential participation. Elly reflected on the highlights, from orientation and creative collaboration, to video production, weekly meetings, and impactful social media outreach. Elly also spoke about the growth, connection, and spirit that defined this internship summer experience.

Interns premiered their videos to the audience sharing inspiring and touching stories about their families, culture, and communities. They took to the stage to talk about why they decided to participate in the internship and what they got out of it. From idea development to filming and editing, they shared personal insights, challenges they faced, and lessons learned along the way. These reflections highlighted not only technical growth, but also the emotional and cultural connections they made throughout the internship.

Joel Wong (Co-Chair, Asian American Stories Video Contest, Chief Editor, Ding Ding TV) announced the theme of the 2026 Asian American Stories Video Contest, “Coming to America.” He shared his family’s story of coming to America and the profound meaning behind the theme – honoring the dreams, struggles, and contributions of immigrant families. Joel said: “Asian Americans, together with other immigrant groups, have enriched our culture, economy, and innovative landscape… As Asians, we need to speak up. We contribute a lot, but being modest and humble people, we don’t speak about it.” Joel encouraged the next generation to tell their own stories through film.

Several judges and VIP guests took to the stage to share their reflections. All shared how moved they were after watching the interns’ videos – not only by the sincerity and creativity behind each story, but also by the passion and potential of the next generation of Asian American storytellers. Piyush Malik (Judge, Asian American Stories Video Contest, Startup executive, and entrepreneur) shared how watching the videos brought back memories from his childhood. He also said: “It is the immigrants’ resilience that makes America great, and that is our gift to the United States… But don’t forget where you came from and lift others up.”

2025 AAS Youth Intern — Opening Remarks by Diana Ding