110 Young Volunteers. 36 Schools. 4,571 Hours of Service. One Extraordinary Achievement.
MADISON HEIGHTS, MI — October 29, 2026 — The Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) is proud to announce that its Teen Volunteer Council (TVC) has been named a recipient of the 2026 Governor’s Service Award in the Youth Impact category, one of Michigan’s most distinguished honors recognizing outstanding volunteerism and community service.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission announced 33 honorees statewide, recognizing individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations whose dedication to service has made a meaningful difference in their communities.
ACA’s Teen Volunteer Council is among five organizations selected for the Youth Impact Award. The honorees will be celebrated at the 2026 Governor’s Service Awards ceremony on November 19 in Flint, Michigan.
For ACA, this recognition represents far more than an award. It celebrates seven years of dedication, compassion, and the belief that young people have the power to transform their communities.
From Seven Volunteers to 110 Young Leaders
What began in 2019 as a small group of just seven dedicated teenagers has grown into a vibrant youth volunteer organization with 110 members representing 36 middle and high schools across Southeast Michigan.
Founded to empower young people through community service, the ACA Teen Volunteer Council has become an important platform for youth leadership, civic engagement, and cultural awareness.
Between 2022 and 2025 alone, TVC members collectively contributed 4,571 volunteer hours, benefiting thousands of Michigan residents.
Behind these impressive numbers are countless stories of young people choosing to spend their weekends, holidays, and time outside the classroom making life better for others.
Whether supporting older adults, assisting individuals with special needs, organizing community fundraising initiatives, or helping bring Asian American cultural celebrations to life, TVC members have demonstrated that meaningful service begins with a willingness to care.
Making a Difference Beyond Volunteer Hours
The Teen Volunteer Council’s impact extends well beyond the number of hours its members contribute.
Through food sales, fundraising events, and grant applications, TVC members have raised resources to support community members in need, including older adults and individuals with special needs.
Their fundraising efforts have also helped provide scholarships for youth leadership training and support initiatives promoting Asian American heritage and cultural awareness.
These activities reflect a philosophy at the heart of ACA’s mission: community service is not simply about helping others in the moment, but also about building understanding, strengthening relationships, and creating opportunities for lasting positive change.
As a vital part of ACA’s community programming, TVC members contribute to cultural celebrations and intergenerational activities that bring together people from different backgrounds and age groups.
In the process, they learn that leadership is not defined by age or title, but by responsibility, initiative, and the willingness to act.
A Statewide Recognition of Youth Leadership
Established in 1994, the Governor’s Service Awards recognize Michigan residents and organizations whose exceptional commitment to volunteerism strengthens communities throughout the state.
In announcing this year’s honorees, Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the dedication and generosity of Michigan volunteers.
“Michiganders are always willing to lend a helping hand,” Governor Whitmer said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing those who go above and beyond to improve their communities.
The recognition of ACA’s Teen Volunteer Council underscores the growing impact of youth-led service organizations and highlights the important role young people play in addressing community needs.
For the Teen Volunteer Council, being selected alongside outstanding organizations from across Michigan is both an extraordinary honor and an encouragement to continue serving.
Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Service Today
Since its founding in 1972, the Association of Chinese Americans has been committed to advancing the social, educational, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans while fostering understanding and cooperation throughout the broader community.
Developing the next generation of community leaders has always been an essential part of that mission.
Through the Teen Volunteer Council, ACA provides young people with opportunities to develop practical leadership skills, cultivate empathy, strengthen teamwork, and discover the importance of civic responsibility.
The program also creates meaningful connections between generations. As teenagers engage with older adults, families, and community members from diverse backgrounds, they gain a deeper appreciation for the experiences and challenges of others.
These lessons cannot always be taught in a classroom. They are learned through participation, responsibility, and genuine human connection.
The greatest achievement of the Teen Volunteer Council is not simply the thousands of hours its members have volunteered, but the generation of compassionate, civic-minded young leaders they are becoming.
A Moment of Pride for the Entire ACA Community
This prestigious award belongs to every teenager who has contributed time, energy, and creativity to the Teen Volunteer Council since its establishment in 2019.
It also reflects the dedication of the volunteer advisors, mentors, parents, and community partners who have encouraged these young people and supported their development.
ACA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all current and former TVC members whose collective efforts have made this recognition possible.
From seven founding volunteers to 110 young leaders, the council’s journey is a remarkable example of what can happen when young people are given the opportunity, encouragement, and trust to make a difference.
As ACA prepares to celebrate this achievement at the Governor’s Service Awards ceremony in November, we look forward to seeing the Teen Volunteer Council continue to grow, inspire, and serve.
To our Teen Volunteer Council: Congratulations! Your dedication has made ACA proud, strengthened our communities, and demonstrated that the future of volunteerism in Michigan is in excellent hands.
About the ACA Teen Volunteer Council
Established in 2019, the ACA Teen Volunteer Council is a youth-led volunteer initiative of the Association of Chinese Americans. With 110 members from 36 middle and high schools across Southeast Michigan, the council promotes community service, leadership development, civic engagement, and Asian American cultural awareness.
About the Association of Chinese Americans
Founded in 1972, the Association of Chinese Americans (ACA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the social, educational, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans. Through social services, educational programs, cultural initiatives, and community engagement, ACA serves individuals and families throughout Metro Detroit and Southeast Michigan.
For more information about ACA and its youth volunteer programs, visit www.acadetroit.org or call 248-585-9343.
