On Saturday, August 3rd, the Entrepreneur Center buzzed with energy as high school students and their parents gathered for the “Three Cs” Workshop, which focused on College/Career Prep and Civic Engagement. Designed to be a valuable resource for teenagers preparing for life after high school, the workshop was filled with practical tips, real-world advice, and ample networking opportunities.

Three Cs Workshop

The day kicked off around 11:00 AM as attendees trickled in, grabbed some coffee from Qreate Coffee and Dochi Donuts, and settled in for a full day of learning. The event started with a warm welcome from the organizing teams — Asian American Pacific Islanders Coming Together (ACT), Recognition and Experience of Asian Cultural Heritage (REACH), and Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACC) —who set the stage for what was to come.

One of the standout sessions was all about Civic Engagement. ACT took the lead, sharing why young people must join their communities. ACT Young Interns Vriti and Aakriti Shah shared their experience traveling to Philadelphia on behalf of ACT and the importance of being civically engaged at a young age. Hannah from APIAVOTE and speakers from the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF) and the Orange County League of Women Voters (LWV) dove into the importance of voting and how to make your voice heard—whether that’s in a school board election or on more significant ballot issues.

After a working lunch doubled as a networking break with guest speaker attorney Lisa Gong Guerrero, the focus shifted to college and career prep from Valencia speakers and high school graduate Ashely Ding. Topics ranged from SAT/ACT strategies and navigating high school to understanding financial aid and the perks of dual enrollment. There was also a big push to think beyond the traditional college path, with discussions about trade jobs and other non-college career options that can be just as rewarding.

AACC led the charge in the career segment, offering practical advice on everything from crafting the perfect resume to nailing job interviews. They also introduced the idea of entrepreneurship, encouraging students to consider starting their businesses and showing how AACC resources could help make that dream a reality.

The workshop focused on academics and careers but also touched on the importance of mental health, time management, and maintaining a work-life balance. These are critical skills for any student trying to juggle the demands of school, work, and personal life.

As the day wrapped up, attendees had the chance to chat one-on-one with the speakers and make some valuable connections. It was clear that the workshop was just the beginning for many of these students, who left feeling more informed, empowered, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

A big shoutout goes to our partners—AACC, REACH of Central Florida, Valencia, Ashely, APIAVotes, FLAAPP, NAPAWF, Asia Trend, and the Orange County League of Women Voters—for making this event successful. Their support and collaboration were vital in bringing this valuable experience to our community.

And for those who couldn’t make it, don’t worry—there’s more to come! Follow ACT on social media to stay tuned for upcoming events. We’ll share details on future workshops, resources, and more ways to get involved. https://www.instagram.com/act_florida

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