University of Washington, Bothell alumnus Joshua Heim recently saw his hard work pay off when the YouthCAN Program of the Wing Luke Museum of Asian Pacific American Experience, a program he oversees, was honored with a National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (NAHYP).

The NAHYP is the nation’s highest honor for out-of-school arts and humanities programs that celebrates the creativity of America’s young people, particularly those from underserved communities.

Each year, the NAHYP recognizes 12 outstanding programs in the United States from a wide range of urban and rural settings. Recipients of the award receive a $10,000 grant and the opportunity to visit the White House and accept the award from First Lady Michelle Obama.

The YouthCAN program was recognized for its community-based leadership program for Asian Pacific American youths (ages 15-19) that works to connect youth with and take pride in their heritage.

Heim is a 2010 graduate of the Master of Arts in Cultural Studies Program at UW-Bothell.

Of the award, Heim says, “This award is a vote of confidence for the Wing Luke Museum as a whole. For our youth participants, it’s a reminder that people value their contributions and are interested in what they have to say.”