EmpowerEDAlternatives.org
EmpowerED Alternatives, Inc.
Programming. Advocacy. Research.
What We Do
EmpowerED Alternatives seeks to provide alternative learning opportunities for youth through programming, advocacy and research.
2026 EmpowerED Alternative's
Global Learning Institute: China
Applications are Now Open
Deadline: April 8th at 11:59pm
EmpowerED Alternatives is seeking 8-15 Youth Ambassadors in grades 7-10 in the Hartford/Greater Hartford area. The 2026 EEDA Global Learning Institute: China is a 6-week summer program, which includes 2 weeks of learning about Chinese language, culture, and history in the US; 2-3 weeks of participation in the US-China Friendship Camp in Beijing, China; and 1 week in the US preparing and presenting about your experiences.
Upcoming Summer Programming
2026 US-China Friendship Summer Program
A 6-week summer program connecting youth from the U.S. and China through leadership, learning, and cultural exchange.
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Applications are NOW OPEN until April 8th.
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Click HERE for more information and application.
2026 Summer Youth Participatory Action Research Collaborative
A 4-week summer program where youth investigate local issues, conduct research, and take action on the issues that impact them in their communities.
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Past Programs
2026 US-China Winter Program
February 2026
Thank you to our donors! We were able to raise $7,000 to make the program happen!
This winter, four Youth Ambassadors participated in the 2026 US-China Winter Program. During January, they learned about Chinese language, culture and history as well as planned activities to lead while in China. In February, they boarded planes and flew to Beijing, China to participate in New Oriental Education and Technology Group's US-China Winter Camp. At the camp, they participated in a business entrepreneurship camp and a Model UN camp. Thank you to everyone who donated through our fundraising. Visit our Gallery for images from January and February.
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Click here to meet the Youth Ambassadors: News & Events
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