Hosted by AACI and in partnership with NBC Bay Area, Growing Up Asian in America (GUAA) is an annual art, essay and video contest that reaches thousands of Bay Area students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Founded 25+ years ago, GUAA encourages young Asian Americans to take pride in their identities, and helps others understand the varied experiences of our youth growing up in the Bay Area’s diverse communities.  

Founded by Lance Lew of NBC Bay Area in 1995, the contest provides a unique platform for young artists to creatively explore and celebrate being both Asian or Pacific Islander and American. It remains one of the essential celebrations of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and 10 students will be selected for a cash award and a chance to appear on NBC Bay Area! 

Our submission form is now open until March 15th, 2023 and can be accessed here. Learn more below and share the contest widely to Bay Area students! For questions, please contact AACI at (408) 975-2075 or e-mail guaa@aaci.org