The 2024 NextGen Expo, a nonprofit exhibition event showcasing the work of Korean American youth student organizations and encouraging support, took place on April 27.
Held at a parking lot rented from the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (KAFLA), the event drew over 200 attendees from various organizations, government agencies, sponsors, and visitors. Sponsored by the 10th District Councilmember Heather Hutt’s office and KAFLA, with the Korea Daily as the exclusive media sponsor, this was the second iteration of the expo following last year’s success.
The expo commenced with a greeting from Next Generation Advocates Founder Helen Kim, the event host, and a congratulatory video message from Councilmember Hutt. Jungmin Lee, an aide in the Councilmember’s office, remarked, “It’s a credit to LA Koreatown that the youth participated in this event for a good cause, and I hope this opportunity inspires them to become more actively involved in the community.”
A total of 21 organizations, including youth student groups and nonprofit social organizations, set up booths at the event. Participants took turns standing on the podium to explain their activities and organizational purposes.
The youth organizations, such as NGA, NGA CYC, Youngnak Church LA Youth, Remarkable History Behind Korea, and Girls Who Code, showcased self-produced and edited videos. Ted Chung, Youth Committee Chair of the NGA student organization, commented, “The youth who are here today are the promising leaders of tomorrow. This is an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills.”
Social organizations like the Korean American Coalition, the Heritage of Korean Independence, and the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture in USA, along with cadets from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), and the Army and Navy, also had booths to introduce and promote their organizations.
The event featured colorful performances by participating youths, including dance demonstrations by the KOA Dance Federation and Jean Ballet School, as well as Eugene Won’s piano solo performance. The Student Self-Defense Advocates conducted martial arts demonstrations, educating attendees on self-defense techniques in light of recent attacks in the Los Angeles area.
Logan Lee and Tevyn Yong, members of the organization, stated, “Next Gen Expo is an opportunity for us to not only recruit members who want to join us but also to showcase our impact to a wider audience. It’s a networking opportunity to see what other student organizations are doing and what their goals are.”
Kim, the event host, remarked, “Next Gen Expo was started to support young people who have founded organizations with good intentions. Even if you don’t participate in a booth, you can acquire useful information on topics such as college admissions and careers just by attending the expo.”
Students who volunteered to organize the event, run booths, and assist with facilities received volunteer hours and community service awards.
Kim added, “The NextGen Expo, which took place for the first time last year, is an annual celebration and support project for student and youth organizations. The expo plans to expand its scale by recruiting youth organizations and various social organizations with good causes that need recognition.”
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
