The South East Asian Leadership Youth Program, also known as SEAL, was created by Denis Tucker, Executive Associate Director of the La Crosse Hmong Mutual Assistance Association. The program seeks to develop and sustain a strong Wisconsin workforce by assisting youth in the areas of academic remediation, career exploration and planning, pre and post employment skill development, and job development and placement. May. The sessions include classroom instruction and tutoring and often feature guest speakers.
Volunteers assist with tutoring and supervision of tours and events.
Local tours of places of interest are scheduled regularly as are oportunities to participate in community and civic events. In addition, participants meet individually with HMAA staff on a biweekly basis. The South East Asian Leadership Youth Program recognizes the value of our Hmong youth in Wisconsin and the vital role they will play in our state's future workforce. Between 1988, when SEAL began, and 1998 the program has served more than 200 youth. The WIN award is presented each month to highlight innovative approaches and solutions to overcoming barriers to work, empowering individuals to move up the job ladder, and partnering with employers, educators and local government to do what works to build a stronger workforce.