Taiwanese Youth Arts Foundation, Inc.

The Taiwanese Youth Arts Foundation (TYAF) provides an environment and opportunities for young generations to learn Taiwanese languages and culture, promotes understanding of Asian history and appreciation of diverse backgrounds, and engages in cultural, educational, social, charitable, and community service activities.

The Taiwanese Youth Arts Foundation (TYAF) is the primary funding source for the Washington DC Taiwanese School (WDCTS), a heritage school offering Mandarin and Taiwanese classes for students from preschool through 12th grade. WDCTS also provides Japanese classes for adults and a variety of extracurricular activities, including chess, dance, percussion, guzheng, pickleball, yoga, and tai chi.

TYAF is actively involved in the following cultural and charitable activities:

1. Sponsoring the Outstanding Taiwanese American Youth Awards in the Greater Washington D.C. and Baltimore Metropolitan Area for students in grades 10–12 who demonstrate excellence in Arts and Literature, Performing Arts, Athletics, Leadership, Academics, and Taiwanese community involvement.

2. Sponsoring the Summer Taiwanese Teachers Workshop.

3. Organizing annual celebrations such as the Lunar New Year, Taiwanese American Heritage Week, Mother’s Day, Harvest Moon Festival, and Winter Solstice.

4. Supporting regular WDCTS and Taiwanese American Association (TAA) events, including the Mandarin and Taiwanese Speech Contest, Taiwanese American East Coast Summer Conference, and Thanksgiving Banquet.

5. Sponsoring and supporting cultural programs such as Taiwanese puppet shows, Taiwan Fun Fair, and historical reviews of Taiwanese cinema.

6. Participating in charitable and community service efforts, including fundraising for disaster relief (e.g., 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Relief, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure).

What Student Volunteers do

Student Volunteers – Set up booths and tables, showcase Taiwanese culture, and assist with cleanup at public events such as Potomac Day, Fiesta Asia Street Fair, Taiwan Fun Fair, Mid-Autumn Festival, Bubble Tea Festival, and more.

Teaching Assistants at WDCTS – Support classroom activities by helping young children with lessons, assisting teachers, and cleaning up after class.

Summer Camp Counselors – Plan and lead group activities, ensure camper safety, assist young children with arts and crafts, and handle daily cleanup duties.