SAN JOSE, CA – AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement) and NBC Bay Area are hosting the Growing Up in America (GUA) contest (formerly Growing Up Asian in America), an art, essay, and video contest for students (Kindergarten – 12th grade) in the nine Bay Area counties. GUA has been running for over 30 years and provides a unique platform for young people to explore and celebrate their cultural identity in a creative way.
Every year, hundreds of Bay Area students, Kindergarten through 12th grade, submit artwork, essays, and videos in response to a specific theme. It encourages young Americans to take pride in their identities while discussing dreams for their future, pride in their cultural heritage, challenges they may face, and other complex issues. Furthermore, it helps individuals understand the varied experiences of our youth growing up in the Bay Area’s diverse communities.
PRIZE INFORMATION
| ● One (1) $1,000 Lance Lew Grand Prize winner, nine (9) $500 Best in Class winners, and ten (10) honorable mentions winners will be selected.
● All winners will have their entries showcased on the AACI website and have a chance to be featured on NBC Bay Area. |
CONTEST TIMELINE
| Contest Theme Announced | January 22 |
| Online Submissions Open | March 1 |
| Online Submissions Close | March 15 |
| Winners Announced | Early May |
2026 Contest Theme: GROWING HEALTHY CONNECTIONS
Connecting with others is an essential part of life, at home, at school, or in the community. They can happen with family, friends, classmates, teammates, mentors, teachers, significant others, or anyone who helps you feel supported and understood.
As we grow, learning what makes a relationship healthy can help us feel safe, respected, and valued. Healthy connections often include honest communication, kindness during challenges, respect for boundaries, and appreciation for differences. Connections can take many forms across age, background, culture, identity, or family structure. Your relationship with yourself matters too. When you treat yourself with respect, accept what makes you unique, and set healthy boundaries, it becomes easier to build strong connections with others.
For this year’s theme, please share what “Growing Healthy Connections” means to you and how supportive relationships, with yourself and others, help you learn, grow, and feel valued.
Use the questions below to help spark ideas. (You do not have to answer all).
- Who are some healthy connections in your life?
- What makes a relationship healthy, safe, and supportive for you?
- How does self‑respect or self‑acceptance help you connect with others?
- Who models healthy relationships for you?
- How have relationships shaped your past, supported your present, or influenced your future?
- How do relationships help you build bridges across differences like culture, race, religion, abilities, family structure, or gender identity?
- How can healthy relationships help make your school, neighborhood, or community a better place?
Please note: Participants must live and/or attend a school within the following counties: Santa Clara, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, Solano, Napa, Alameda, or San Mateo County. To access the online entry form or learn more information, please visit aaci.org/gua. For any questions, email gua@aaci.org.
About AACI Founded in 1973, AACI (Asian Americans for Community Involvement) serves individuals and families with cultural humility, sensitivity, and respect, advocating for and serving the marginalized and ethnic communities in Santa Clara County. AACI’s mission is to strengthen the resilience and hope of our diverse community members by improving their health and well-being. Our vision is for everyone in our diverse community to be healthy, safe, and well. Our many integrated programs provide client-centered support and remove barriers to accessing care. Current programs include behavioral and primary health services, dentistry, a center for survivors of torture, shelter, and services for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, senior wellness, youth programs, and community advocacy. To learn more, visit aaci.org.
