1990 Institute to host second annual Roots & Wings Youth Symposium in San Mateo

The 1990 Institute will bring AAPI youth, parents, educators and community leaders together in San Mateo on Sept. 19 for its second annual Roots & Wings Youth Symposium. The free event is built around leadership, mentorship and intergenerational learning, with keynote speakers from journalism, tech, advocacy and entrepreneurship.

Why it matters: - The symposium is built to help Asian American youth ages 14–21 strengthen identity, leadership, resilience and future opportunity. - The event also brings parents, guardians and educators into the same room, aiming to build the support network young people need to thrive. - The gathering is free, which lowers barriers for families and students who may not otherwise access this kind of leadership programming.

What happened: - The 1990 Institute will host its second annual Roots & Wings Youth Symposium on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. - The event runs from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the College of San Mateo Theatre in San Mateo, California. - This year’s theme is “Empowerment Through Community Collaboration.” - The symposium is designed as an intergenerational experience for Asian American youth and the adults who support them.

The details: - The program includes keynote conversations, career pathway discussions, interactive life skills workshops and breakout sessions for youth, parents and guardians, and educators. - Shared sessions and audience-specific breakouts are meant to reinforce emotional resilience, authentic leadership, financial confidence and community engagement. - The keynote panel features Dion Lim, Emmy Award-winning journalist, author and community advocate; Deborah Liu, technology executive and former CEO of Ancestry; Evan Low, president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund; and Dave Lu, founder of Hyphen Capital. - Additional speakers come from Alphabet, Stanford University, Stanford Hospital, Kyron Learning, Pan's Mushroom Jerky, Boba Guys, The Asian American Education Project, AAPI Youth Rising, Red Envelope Collective and other groups across technology, education, entrepreneurship, public service, healthcare and the arts. - The event is offered at no cost through support from the 1990 Institute and its sponsors. - Youth, parents and guardians, and educators can reserve spots by registering here. - The first 60 youth registrants will be eligible for two tickets to the San Francisco Giants vs. Minnesota Twins game on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at 6:45 p.m. at Oracle Park in San Francisco. - Media members are invited to attend. - Media inquiries and RSVPs go to Sandra Pan at ys@1990institute.org with “2026 Youth Symposium Media Request” in the subject line.

Between the lines: - The 1990 Institute is using the symposium to connect its mission of advancing Asian Americans with a direct investment in the next generation. - The focus on parents, guardians and educators suggests the group sees youth development as a community effort, not just an individual one. - The event’s mix of high-profile speakers and practical workshops points to a strategy that pairs inspiration with usable skills.

What's next: - Registration remains open for youth, parents, guardians and educators. - The 1990 Institute will also use the event to advance its broader educational programming and leadership network. - The organization, rooted in 35 years of history, says its work includes promoting equitable treatment of Asian Americans and deeper understanding of contemporary China.

The bottom line: - The Roots & Wings symposium is a free, one-day effort to give AAPI youth both role models and tools, while bringing the adults around them into the same support system.