Kibou (Hope) for LA
The TOMODACHI Kibou for LA Initiative is a leadership development program designed to offer holistic support for high school students from Pasadena/Altadena who have been impacted by the devastating wildfire.
The program offers ten rising 11th and 12th-grade students from the Pasadena/Altadena area the incredible opportunity to participate in a fully funded cultural exchange program in Japan. This initiative, a collaboration between Stars, Odyssey Nature Japan, and the U.S.-Japan Council, aims to foster resilience, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding among students impacted by wildfires.
The Kibou for LA Application is NOW OPEN!
PROGRAM DATES: JULY 29 – AUGUST 3, 2025
DEADLINE: MAY 30, 2025
**** All applicants must be available to participate in pre/post trip gatherings. If you have a schedule conflict, please email KibouLA@gostars.org prior to applying. ****
Mandatory Dates (specific times will given upon acceptance)
Orientation – June 26, June 28
Preparation Meeting – July 18
Follow-up Gathering – August 9
Student’s experiences from Kibou for Maui
*The Program helped engage, inspire, and empower high school juniors and seniors directly impacted by the 2023 Lahaina, Maui wildfires
About the Trip
Six-day-long trip from July 29 – August 3, 2025 to Higashimatsushima in the Tohoku region to learn about tsunami recovery, network with young people in Japan who are active with the recovery, and participate in workshops with local organizations/trainers.
Trip Highlights:
• Site Visits: Disaster recovery sites, community rebuilding centers, and memorials.
• Workshops: Hands-on activities on disaster preparedness, leadership, and resilience.
• Cultural Exchange: Interaction with local students and community members.
• Reflection and Action Planning: Structured sessions for participants to develop strategies for Altadena’s recovery.
Please set aside time to complete this application in one setting, your answers will not be saved until you press SUBMIT. Complete the following application carefully and honestly. Your responses will help us select students who will benefit most from this transformative experience and contribute positively to the group.
Program Supporters
Grantors: US-Japan Council
Donors: US-Japan Foundation, Los Angeles Dodgers
In-Kind Partners: Odyssey Nature Japan
FAQ
Will there be chaparrones and who are they?
Yes, there will be two Stars senior staff chaperoning for the whole trip. Stars Executive Director, Matu Taylor, and Associate Director, Eric Johnson. Each has extensive experience leading youth and overseeing overnight trips. They are First-Aid Certified and have a current FBI background clearance.
Who is this program for?
This program is for high school students (rising 11th and 12th graders) from the Pasadena/Altadena area who have been impacted by devastating wildfires. It targets students who have faced significant hardship due to fires and demonstrate a strong interest in community rebuilding and leadership.
What will I do on the trip to Japan?
The program includes a six-day immersive trip to the Tohoku region.
Highlights include:
- Site Visits: Visiting disaster recovery sites, community rebuilding centers, and memorials.
- Workshops: Participating in hands-on activities focusing on disaster preparedness, leadership, and resilience.
- Cultural Exchange: Interacting with local students and community members.
- Reflection and Action Planning: Engaging in structured sessions to develop strategies for Altadena’s recovery.
- Learning about tsunami recovery and networking with young people active in the recovery effort in Higashimatsushima. You may also experience the “Satoumi” concept, reflecting on the connection between humans and coastal nature.
What is the Kibou for LA program?
Kibou (Hope) for Los Angeles (KLA) is a transformative leadership development program aimed at fostering resilience, leadership, and community rebuilding.
When is the trip?
July 29 – August 3, 2025
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline is May 30, 2025.
Is the program free?
Yes, this is a fully funded cultural exchange program. The grant from the U.S.-Japan Council to the partner organization Stars includes funds that can cover the cost of youth passports if needed.
Do I need a certified original birth certificate to apply?
Yes, if you don’t have a current passport, you will need to have a birth certificate in your possession before applying. Otherwise, we won’t be able to process a new passport application before departure.
Do I need a passport to apply?
No, Stars and U.S.-Japan Council will assist with obtaining passports if needed.
What organizations are involved?
This initiative is a collaboration between Stars (a local nonprofit in Pasadena/Altadena), Odyssey Nature Japan, and the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC). USJC oversees the coordination of nonprofit partners and manages program funding.
Are there mandatory meetings before or after the trip?
Yes, all applicants must be available to participate in pre/post trip gatherings. Mandatory dates are Orientation (June 26, June 28), Preparation Meeting (July 18), and Follow-up Gathering (August 9).
What is the main goal of the program?
he program aims to empower young leaders in Altadena by providing a transformative exchange experience in Japan. Participants will learn from those involved with the rebuilding of the Tohoku region, focusing on resilience, community rebuilding, and cross-cultural exchange tailored to experiences affected by fires. The goal is for students to apply these lessons to strengthen and revitalize Altadena upon their return.
Who can I contact if I have questions about the application or program dates?
If you have a schedule conflict with the mandatory dates or other questions, you can email KibouLA@gostars.org prior to applying.
