KAGC U

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KAGC U

KAGC U is the college program of the Korean American Grassroots Conference. Since its launch in 2016, over 1,000 students from 114 universities have participated in voter registration drives, civic education seminars, and various community action efforts both on and off the campus. KAGC U aims to help students define their own Korean American identity, develop their civic leadership, guide them towards a greater sense of community ownership, and ultimately take initiatives for a meaningful change through civic means both on and off the campus.

To realize this mission, in the beginning of each year student leaders are selected for an intensive training to develop civic leadership capacity and action plans for their student organizations. Throughout the year, students in the KAGC U network host civic education seminars and voter registration drives on the campus.

In parallel to the KAGC National Conference, KAGC U runs a separate program for student attendees selected through an application process. Compared to the regular program, education material is tailored to the perspective of college students. The 2022 KAGC National Conference drew 52 undergraduate students, selected through a competitive application process, representing 41 universities across 20 states. Over the three days of the conference, the students explored the meaning of the Korean American identity through history education and group discussions. On the second day of the event, students embarked on Action Day to directly engage with members of Congress who represent their own districts on the critical issues of the Korean American community. The students also had a chance to hear from 4 Korean American state legislators.

52 Students
41 Universities
48 districts
20 states
  • Education Day

    2:00pm – 3:00pm    Opening Remarks and Orientation
    3:00pm – 4:00pm    Korean American Policy Priorities
    4:00pm – 5:00pm     Deep Dive on the Adoptee Citizenship Act and Issue Advocacy
    7:00pm – 8:30pm     Workshop: Engaging Members of Congress
    7:00pm – 9:00pm     Capitol Hill Visit Orientation & Small Group Meeting

  • Action Day

    9:00am – 3:00pm     Capitol Hill Visit
    4:00pm – 5:00pm     Panel Discussion with Korean American State Legislators
    6:30pm – 9:00pm     Gala Dinner in celebration of the KAGC National Conference

  • Reflection Day

    9:00am – 10:00am  Group Discussion & Reflection
    10:00am – 11:00am  White House Briefing
    11:00am – 11:30am  Q&A with KAGC and Closing Remarks

  • We have a large diaspora, certainly in the United States, but in New Jersey, of Korean Americans who have done exceptionally great work, including the Korean American Grassroots Conference – KAGC. Mr. Dongsuk Kim, I think, is here in the audience. There is a lot of expectation for [Ambassador Philip Goldberg’s] confirmation and presence in South Korea, both by the South Koreans and by the community here.

    Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
    Guest of Honor, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022 KAGC National Conference, 2023 Office Opening Reception, 2022 Hearing on Combating the Rising in Hate Crimes

  • I’d like to recognize some of my guests here today, including UNCF and the Korean American Grassroots Conference. Thank you for sharing your concerns with me, and thank you for your important work. Congress can do much to call out these biased crimes.

    Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
    2022 Hearing on Combating the Rising in Hate Crimes

  • As the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), I’m so happy to be joining the Korean American Grassroots Conference to celebrate Korean American Day. But none of this would be possible without advocates like each of you, so thank you for your leadership.

    REP. JUDY CHU (D, CA-27)
    Guest of Honor, 2023 Korean American Day, 2022 Korean American Day Remark Video, 2017, 2018, 2022 KAGC National Conference

  • On behalf of the White House and the Biden-Harris administration, I wish you all a happy Korean American Day. I would like to thank the Korean American Grassroots Conference and celebrate your continued efforts to engage the Korean American community in civic affairs. Your active participation in the democratic process is a testament to the great American experiment, and you all help make our country stronger.

    Former Congressman Cedric Richmond, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement
    2022 Korean American Day Remark Video

  • It was an honor to speak at the Korean American Grassroots Conference – KAGC National Conference reception on Capitol Hill. KAGC does amazing work advocating for the Korean American community and I can’t thank them enough for always making sure the community’s voices are heard in Washington and North Jersey. I’ve worked with KAGC to ensure our small businesses are recovering from the pandemic-driven economy and that we’re standing up to fight crime and hate, to support law enforcement, and to keep all our communities safe.

    Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D, NJ-5)
    Guest of Honor, 2024, 2023 KAGC Korean American Day, Office Opening Reception, 2022 KAGC National Conference

  • The Korean American community represents what makes our state and country great — incredible local leaders, small business owners, and residents, who all work day in and day out to make North Jersey an even better place to live, raise our families, and do business.

    Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D, NJ-5)
    Guest of Honor, 2024, 2023 KAGC Korean American Day, Office Opening Reception, 2022 KAGC National Conference

  • One of the reasons we have established a successful relationship with the U.S. Congress is through grassroots activities… KAGC played a role in strengthening support from both sides of Congress for South Korea and the U.S.

    ROK Ambassador Cho Hyun-Dong
    Guest of Honor, 2024 Embassy Reception, 2023 Office Opening Reception, 900 Circle Reception

  • The Korean American experience is the American experience. I am proud to be a daughter of a Korean… we are present in American society as soldiers, entrepreneurs, and educators.

    Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10)
    Guest of Honor, 2024, 2023 KAGC Korean American Day

  • KAGC is a pillar in our community. I can’t thank you all enough for always lending a helping hand and ensuring Korean American voices are heard here in Washington and across the country, including in North Jersey

    Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D, NJ-5)
    Guest of Honor, 2024, 2023 KAGC Korean American Day, Office Opening Reception, 2022 KAGC National Conference

  • As a person without a strong background related to politics, it was difficult for me to understand what I can do to help. But through the 2018 KAGC National Conference, not only did I gain so many new friends from around the country, but also gained so much better understanding of our community and government.

    Robin Cho, George Washington University

  • As an American solider, my father was wounded in combat in the Korean War. The legacy of my late father is that I honor Americans’ sacrifices and that I honor America’s commitment to South Korea—and that one day, there will be a united Korea. One day the peninsula will be as one. I believe one day all the people of Korea will be free.

    Rep. Mike Coffman (R, CO-6)
    Guest of Honor, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 KAGC National Conference

  • The Korean American community’s bridge-building, opportunities, and responsibilities go much farther—they begin right here in this gathering and extend to going back home. If what we agree on is the importance of faith, of family, of education, and of opportunity, I am here to tell you there’s more that unites us as a nation than that divides us as a nation.

    Rep. Rob Woodall (R, GA-7)
    Guest of Honor, 2016, 2017, 2018 KAGC National Conference

  • The work that you do on the grassroots level is truly outstanding. As many of you know I am very proud to represent many Korean American constituents across my district.

    Rep. Bill Pascrell (D, NJ-9)
    Guest of Honor, 2014, 2016, 2022 KAGC National Conference

  • It is an honor to recognize KAGC’s success in empowering and mobilizing the Korean American community to take action at every level possible to address issues concerning the community…I commend KAGC for its commitment to ensuring that the Korean American community has a strong voice in issues that will affect generations to come.

    Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ)
    Guest of Honor, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022 KAGC National Conference, 2023 Office Opening Reception

  • To have 600 of you raising your voices, letting your views be known, is such a great step forward. I am particularly proud that you are doing this. As Chair of Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I know only too well how much need we have to make sure that our voices are represented.

    Rep. Judy Chu (D, CA-27)
    Guest of Honor, 2023 Korean American Day, 2022 Korean American Day Remark Video, 2017, 2018, 2022 KAGC National Conference

  • I admire the genuine passion powering KAGC. It’s one of the few experiences I have had where I was able to connect with Korean Americans from diverse regions and backgrounds. It is relieving and inspiring to see an organization aim to and then successfully bring a community of Korean Americans for the same goal.

    Josephine Kim, Wellesley College

  • President Trump’s rhetoric on “Make America First”—I want you to understand that we cannot do that alone. It is with the Korean American community, the bridge to Korea, that we row together…The only way we can make this country great is if we help our partners become great, too. That is what you can count on from this administration, from this Congress, and you can count on our support.

    Rep. Ted Yoho (R, FL-3)
    Guest of Honor, 2017 & 2018 KAGC National Conference

Congressional Fellowship

From its vast network of students, KAGC places qualified applicants in congressional offices for fellowship throughout the summer. During the program, each fellow is not only placed in an appropriate position, but also receives financial, educational, and mentorship support.

Through their participation, the Fellows have the rare opportunity to not only experience the policy making process in the federal legislature first-hand, but also advise the offices on issues related to Korea and the Korean American community as a representative of our community. The Congressional Fellowship program is one of the several ways KAGC paves the way for the next generation of Korean Americans to enter public service.

Applications for the Congressional Fellowship open in late February. For questions, please message our Congressional Affairs Associate John Kim at john.kim@kagc.us.

2023

Elise Choi (Boston University)

Rep. Andy Kim (D, NJ-03), Ranking Member, House Military Personnel Subcommittee

Jenna Pae (Georgetown University)

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Daniel Chung (Rutgers)

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Rep. Chris Smith (R, NJ-4)

Grace Lim (Georgetown University)

Rep. Bill Pascrell (D, NJ-9), Ranking Member, House Oversight Subcommittee

Emily Kang (Pepperdine University)

U.S. Department of Transportation

Sharlon Kang (New York University)

Rep. Adam Smith (D, WA-9), Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee

Hannah Oh (University of Georgia)

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Chair, Senate Judiciary Human Rights and the Law Subcommittee

2022

Morgan Lee (Harvard)
KAGC Office
Esther Park (Barnard)
KAGC Office
Kyunghyun “Kate” Lee (Wellesley)
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D, NJ-5), Co-Chair, Problem Solvers Caucus
Henry Song (Columbia)
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D, NJ-5), Co-Chair, Problem Solvers Caucus
Sung Jung “John” Kim (Yale)
Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, Rep. Chris Smith (R, NJ-4)
Robin Gwak (Rutgers)
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D, NJ-5), Co-Chair, Problem Solvers Caucus
Sandra Kim (Boston College)
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Committee

2021

Irene Kim (Boston University)
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D, TX-20)
Kaitlyn Lee (Brown)
Rep. Bill Foster (D, IL-11)
Abigail Jung (Southern Methodist)
Rep. Randy Weber (R, TX-14)
Jae Joon Lee (Columbia)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D, NJ-9)

2020

David Jung (Columbia)
Rep. Gil Cisneros (D, CA-39)
Abigail Jung (Baylor)
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D, TX-20)
Soho Cho (University of Arizona)
Rep. Susan Davis (D, CA-53)
Yvette Han (Harvard)
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D, TX-35)
Ciara Timban (UMich)
Rep. Charlie Crist (D, FL-13)

2019

Seokjoo Yoon (Cornell)
KAGC Office
Rebecca Kwon (George Washington)
Rep. Adam Smith (D, WA-9), Chair, House Committee on Armed Services
Joyce Kim (Smith)
KAGC Office
Gloria Lee (Cornell)
KAGC Office
Jason Yoo (Harvard)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D, NJ-9)
Averi Suk (Columbia University)
Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D, CA-34)

2018

Stephanie Cho (WVU)
Rep. Ted Poe (R, TX-2), Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade
Paul Yoon (UC Berkeley)
Rep. Brad Sherman (D, CA-30), Ranking Member, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific
Esther Kim (Mt. Holyoke)
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R, FL-27)
Esther Choi (Brown)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D, NJ-9), Ranking Member, House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Trade
Andy Hong (Brown)
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D, TX-18)

2017

Dan Pak (Rochester)
Rep. Bill Pascrell (D, NJ-9), Ranking Member, House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Trade
Ye Bin Kwon (NYU)
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R, FL-27)
Jessica Shin (NYU)
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Ranking Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee

KAGC U Leadership Summit

Started in 2016, the annual KAGC U Leadership Summit is a 3-day workshop for college students to develop civic leadership capacity through group discussions, hands-on activities, and direct meetings with members of Congress. Student leaders are selected to participate in a civic leadership development program in which they develop action plans for civic engagement initiatives on the campus.

2020 KAGC U Leadership Summit drew 46 undergraduate students, selected through a competitive application process, representing 32 universities across 15 states. Over the three days of the conference, the students explored the meaning of the Korean American identity through history education and worked on group projects to help uplift our community through civic engagement. All students embarked on Action Day to directly engage with members of Congress who represent their own districts on the critical issues of the Korean American community.

46 Students
32 Universities
15 States

2019 KAGC U Leadership Summit drew 55 undergraduate students, selected through a competitive application process, representing 27 universities across 16 states. Over the three days of the conference, the students explored the meaning of the Korean American identity through history education and worked on group projects to help uplift our community through civic engagement. All students embarked on Action Day to directly engage with members of Congress who represent their own districts on the critical issues of the Korean American community.

55 Students
27 Universities
16 States

2019 KAGC U Leadership Summit drew 55 undergraduate students, selected through a competitive application process, representing 27 universities across 16 states. Over the three days of the conference, the students explored the meaning of the Korean American identity through history education and worked on group projects to help uplift our community through civic engagement. All students embarked on Action Day to directly engage with members of Congress who represent their own districts on the critical issues of the Korean American community.

55 Students
27 Universities
16 States

2018 KAGC U Leadership Summit drew 59 undergraduate students, selected through a competitive application process, representing 32 universities. Over the three days of the conference, the students explored the meaning of the Korean American identity through history education and worked on group projects to help uplift our community through civic engagement. The 2018 cohort also got to speak with those in public services throughout New York City, as well as Ms. Kyung Yoon, Executive Director of the Korean American Community Foundation.

59 Students
32 Universities

2017 KAGC U West Coast drew 56 undergraduate students, selected through a competitive application process, representing 25 universities in the Western states. Over the three days of the conference, the students explored the meaning of the Korean American identity through history education and worked on group projects to help uplift our community through civic engagement, with a focus on racial prejudice. This summit featured Ms. Hyeok Kim, Deputy Mayor of the City of Seattle, as a guest speaker.

56 Students
25 Universities
4 states

2017 KAGC U Leadership Summit drew 51 undergraduate students, selected through a competitive application process, representing 31 universities across 17 states. Over the three days of the conference, the students explored the meaning of the Korean American identity through history education and worked on group projects to help uplift our community through civic engagement. The 2017 cohort also got to speak with Assemblymember Ron Kim (New York State Assembly) and a former Congressional candidate Roy Cho (VP in Distribution, AMC Networks).

51 Students
31 Universities
17 states

2016 KAGC U Leadership Summit drew 53 undergraduate students, selected through a competitive application process, representing 24 universities across 39 states. Over the two days of the conference, the students explored the meaning of the Korean American identity through history education, and through robust discussions, developed ideas for programming for their student organizations on the campus. The student leaders also toured the United Nations at the invitation of the Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to the United Nations.

53 Students
24 Universities
39 states

Voter Registration on the Campus

Throughout the year, KAGC U empowers student leaders to lead voter registration efforts on the campus. Especially in the fall, the students in the KAGC U network carry out a blitz campaign to raise awareness on the election through the annual KAGC U Voter Registration Challenge. Since 2016, student leaders of KAGC U have assisted in over 1,000 first-time registration and address change.

8월 주요 예비 선거: 워싱턴 (주), 코네티컷, 알래스카, 플로리다

Read this article in English 워싱턴 – 주요 예비 선거, 8/4 워싱턴은 탑투 프라이머리로, 모든 후보가 연방과 주 선거에서 한 투표용지에...

UC Berkeley: 2018 Voter Registration Challenge

NYU: 2018 Voter Registration Challenge

UIUC: 2018 Voter Registration Challenge

As part of the 2018 KAGC U Voter Registration Challenge, our student partners at UIUC KASA led voter registration efforts over two weeks from the 2018 National Voter Registration Day....

JHU: 2018 Voter Registration Challenge

Cornell: 2018 Voter Registration Challenge

Brown: 2018 Voter Registration Challenge

UIUC: 2017 Voter Registration Challenge

Yale: 2017 Voter Registration Challenge

Brown: 2017 Voter Registration Challenge

Northwestern: 2017 Voter Registration Challenge

Virginia Tech: 2017 Voter Registration Challenge

Direct Education on the Campus

Throughout the year, KAGC U hosts educational seminars and workshops in collaboration with student organizations on the campus to help students make connections to current affairs to civic engagement efforts—a topic otherwise not taught in classrooms.

Northwestern: History of Korean American Civic Engagement

As part of our college program KAGC U, we hosted a discussion with students at Northwestern University on the history of the Korean American community and its civic...

Princeton: Looking back at 1992 L.A. Riots

In commemoration of the anniversary of the L.A. Riots, KAGC hosted a discussion to reflect on the history of the Korean American community with students at Princeton University on April...

Emory & Georgia Tech: Panel Discussion with Korean American Public Servants

As part of our college program KAGC U, we hosted a panel discussion with Korean American public servants in greater Atlanta at Emory University in collaboration...

Johns Hopkins: History of Korean Migration to the U.S.

Phone Banking & Advocacy in support of DREAM Act

Princeton: Remembering Vincent Chin

As part of our college program KAGC U, Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC) hosted a screening of the film “Vincent Who?” and discussion on Asian...

NYU: Remembering Vincent Chin

As part of our college program KAGC U, Korean American Grassroots Conference (KAGC) co-hosted a screening and discussion of the film “Vincent Who?” with NYU Asian Pacific...

Northwestern: Civic Engagement as Korean American Students

On April 8th, KAGC hosted “KAGC U: Northwestern” in collaboration with Northwestern KASA in Evanston, IL. Student volunteers worked hard all day to...

UIUC: Civic Engagement as Korean American Students

On April 7th, KAGC hosted “KAGC U: UIUC” in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Korean American Student Association (UIUC...

USC & UCLA: Civic Engagement as Korean American Students

Last week, KAGC hosted KAGC U: So Cal, a regional meeting with college students from throughout Southern California in collaboration with...

USC & UCLA: Civic Engagement as Korean American Students

Last week, KAGC hosted KAGC U: So Cal, a regional meeting with college students from throughout Southern California in collaboration with...

OSU: Civic Engagement as Korean American Students

As part of our college student program “KAGC U,” KAGC ran a voter registration drive with Korean Student Association at Ohio...