AACI has announced the winners of the 2026 Growing Up in America (GUA) youth art, essay, and video contest, according to a press release from the organization. The competition has focused on uplifting young voices and promoting creative expression across the Bay Area for more than 30 years.

Launched in partnership with NBC Bay Area, the Growing Up in America contest invites K–12 students to share their personal stories and perspectives through original creative works. Each year, the contest offers a platform for youth to reflect on identity, culture, and their lived experiences in a diverse community.

Growing Healthy Connections

This year’s theme, Growing Healthy Connections, brought in over 370 entries from students across eight Bay Area counties. The participants represented a wide array of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including the Indian and South Asian diaspora, as well as Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Latino, White, Filipino, Black, Taiwanese, Burmese, Egyptian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Students submitted artworks, essays, and videos exploring what healthy connections mean to them and how supportive relationships help them learn, grow, and feel valued. According to participant feedback, 99.5 percent of students reported increased confidence in self-expression, highlighting the contest’s impact on youth development.

Community Impact and Recognition

The program aims to provide a dedicated space for the region’s diverse youth to process their experiences through a creative lens.

“Each year, the Growing Up in America contest gives us a glimpse into how our youth see the world. This year’s theme, ‘Growing Healthy Connections,’ highlights how important it is for young people to feel supported by others and by themselves. Their creativity reminds us that strong relationships help youth grow, build confidence, and feel valued. It’s inspiring to see their voices come through so clearly, and we’re proud to support a space where they can express themselves,” said Sarita Kohli, AACI President and CEO.

Award Recipients

Bay Area students received the Lance Lew Grand Prize, Best in Class, and Honorable Mention awards for art, writing, and video. The Grand Prize and Best in Class winners were awarded monetary prizes in recognition of their outstanding work. The winning entries and the names of the recipients can be found on the AACI website.

Lance Lew Grand Prize Winner

  • Justin Tha – A Cantaloupe and A Connection, Grade 6–8, Essay

Best in Class Winners

  • Elise Chang – A Place at the Table, Grades 9–12, Art
  • Vera Ou – The Bridge, Grades 6–8, Art
  • Liwon Lim – Rowing Together, Grades 3–5, Art
  • Chelsea Pan – Growing a Healthy Connection Tree with Love, Grades K–2, Art
  • Genevieve Yuen – The Lazy Susan, Grades 9–12, Essay
  • Khai Vo – Ba Ngoai–the best grandma and the Food Warrior, Grades 3–5, Essay
  • Shaurya Dave – Bridges of Mud and Magic, Grades K–2, Essay
  • Anya Gote – Love in my Life, Grades 9–12, Video
  • Kelly Teng – Forget Me Not, Grades 6–8, Video

Honorable Mention Winners

  • Yuri Seo – Between Two Worlds, Grades 9–12, Art
  • Rebecca Guo – One Hot Pot, Many Connections, Grades 6–8, Art
  • Levi Liu – My Teammate, Grades 3–5, Art
  • Andrew Zhang – Connecting Hands, Building Peace, Grades K–2, Art
  • Natalie Tha – The Living Jar, Grades 9–12, Essay
  • Hieu Vo – Ba Ngoai, Grades 6–8, Essay
  • Jayson Kim – The Chicken Soup Restaurant, Grades 3–5, Essay
  • Jonathan Feng – My Big Bridge from a Monster School, Grades K–2, Essay
  • Johana Tran – The Connections That Stay, Grades 9–12, Video
  • Clarissa Cuento – Connections Bring Us Together, Grades 6–8, Video

The contest is generously supported by our sponsors and community partners: CSAA Insurance Group (a AAA Insurer), Valley Water, California Bank & Trust, San Francisco 49ers Charitable Giving Program, Lance Lew, Farrington Historical Foundation, CreaTV, Nichi Bei News, KTSF 26, Center for Asian American Media (CAAM), and India Currents. A portion of this contest’s prize money was supported by funding awarded by the Equality in Domestic Violence Prevention & Services Grant Program EX25 01 8501 through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). 

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 support that is client-centered and remove barriers to accessing care. Current programs include behavioral health, primary care, dental, 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 www.aaci.org.

This text was edited with the assistance of an AI tool and has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and clarity by India Currents.

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