Washington, DC - OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States with over 80 chapters and affiliates nationwide, will host the 7th annual series of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) college leadership trainings for student organizers - APIA U: Leadership 101. The schedule of the trainings is as follows:

* Los Angeles, CA at Loyola Marymount University - Feb 4-5, 2006
* Oklahoma City, OK at the University of Oklahoma - Feb 11-12, 2006
* Washington, DC at George Washington University , ECAASU - Feb 18-19, 2006
* Atlanta, GA at Emory University - Feb 25-26, 2006
* Salt Lake City, UT at Salt Lake Community College - March 4-5, 2006
* New York City, NY at City University of New York - March 11-12, 2006
* Ann Arbor, MI at University of Michigan - March 18-19, 2006
* New Haven, Ct at Yale University - March 25-26, 2006
* San Francisco, CA at City College of San Francisco - April 1-2, 2006
* Tempe, AZ at Arizona State University - April 8-9, 2006.

Since the early 1990s, OCA has made a conscious effort of outreaching to college students and youth-the next generation of APA community leaders. OCA began with its internship and scholarship programs, then incorporated college and youth programming at its annual national conventions. OCA National President Ginny Gong said, "APIA U: Leadership 101 provides an invaluable experience for college students around the country to come together and create a dialogue on issues and leadership. This investment in our fresh, innovative successors ensures that the voice of Asian Pacific Islander Americans continues to grow strong."

The purpose of the 11 trainings is to provide Asian and Pacific Islander American students an environment to develop the skills necessary to be an effective leader. OCA Program Manager Douglas Lee said, "We want to help the students integrate the tools to address cultural and societal influences, develop effective leadership and initiate positive change and activism on campus and in the community."

State Farm?Corporate Relations Manager, Dr. Leslie Moe-Kaiser, explains why the company is funding the leadership program for the seventh consecutive year. "State Farm?and OCA realize that investing in the energy and creativity of student leaders is the key to our national future. We are proud to partner in developing leadership skills and providing networking opportunities for young Asian and Pacific Islander Americans."

OCA also hopes to develop regional bonds among student leaders and campuses across the country. At each training, 60 students register to participate in this day and a half of activities. In order to achieve the goals for the weekend, two facilitators guide the student leaders through hands-on exercises, presentations and discussions, which will enhance their comprehension of the concepts. Lee said, "By bringing students together to share their experiences in this safe and supportive environment, they can begin to develop a broader shared vision, enabling them to move forward as a powerfully positive force."

APIA U: Leadership 101 welcomes all Asian and Pacific Islander American undergraduate students who are interested in leadership development, civic responsibility, involvement with APIA student organizations and networking with other APIA student activists. The training is absolutely free. Breakfast, lunch and a night reception are provided. Students are responsible for their own transportation and accommodations.

To register online, please go to www.ocanatl.org and click on Programs.