Anton D.
Dang Dinh Anh Tuan
Summer camp "YCCI STEM & Robotics Workshops 2024” at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi
From May to September 2024, I had the unforgettable opportunity to turn a dream into reality: launching my own civic project—YCCI STEM & Robotics Workshops 2024—at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, fully funded by the U.S. Department of State under the prestigious SEAYLP 2024 program.
On May 10, 2024, I presented my proposal at the U.S. Department of State headquarters in Washington, D.C. I still remember how nervous and hopeful I was as I shared my vision with the decision-makers. When the final approval and budget came through shortly after, I was overwhelmed with joy. It was official: I was going to lead a government-funded STEM initiative for Vietnamese youth—something I had only dreamed of before.
From May to September 2024, I had the unforgettable opportunity to turn a dream into reality: launching my own civic project—YCCI STEM & Robotics Workshops 2024—at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, fully funded by the U.S. Department of State under the prestigious SEAYLP 2024 program.
On May 10, 2024, I presented my proposal at the U.S. Department of State headquarters in Washington, D.C. I still remember how nervous and hopeful I was as I shared my vision with the decision-makers. When the final approval and budget came through shortly after, I was overwhelmed with joy. It was official: I was going to lead a government-funded STEM initiative for Vietnamese youth—something I had only dreamed of before.
You can have a look at the project on the U.S. Embassy facebook page.
To bring the project to life, I began forming a team of passionate, highly qualified individuals. I collaborated with a U.S. exchange alumnus from the prestigious IVLP 2023 program, whose support played a key role in navigating the professional requirements of organizing such a project at the embassy. I also invited trusted classmates and experts in STEM and robotics to serve as academic consultants and department heads. Their commitment and expertise consistently impressed me.
I led the project as Head Organizer. Alongside me were:
Dr. Pham Thanh Nga – STEM Academic Consultant, selected by the U.S. Government as one of 50 global women in STEM (IVLP 2023).
Mr. Vu Dinh Hoang – Robotics Academic Consultant, EdTech Manager at Teky Academy with 8+ years of STEM teaching experience.
Mr. Nguyen Anh Duc – STEM Chair, Vice President of the Marie Curie Science Club, former Chemistry student at HNUE.
Mr. Le Tuan Phong – Robotics Chair, a gifted IT student from High School For Gifted Students, HNUE.
Throughout early June, I worked tirelessly to draft the official proposal to the U.S. Embassy and the Department of State. Most days, I spent over five hours at the library researching, writing, and editing. I wanted to ensure the plan was not only creative and impactful but also realistic and well-organized. Finally, the Embassy approved it—and we were officially granted permission to launch the project at the American Center, U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.
To bring the project to life, I began forming a team of passionate, highly qualified individuals. I collaborated with a U.S. exchange alumnus from the prestigious IVLP 2023 program, whose support played a key role in navigating the professional requirements of organizing such a project at the embassy. I also invited trusted classmates and experts in STEM and robotics to serve as academic consultants and department heads. Their commitment and expertise consistently impressed me.
I led the project as Head Organizer. Alongside me were:
Dr. Pham Thanh Nga – STEM Academic Consultant, selected by the U.S. Government as one of 50 global women in STEM (IVLP 2023).
Mr. Vu Dinh Hoang – Robotics Academic Consultant, EdTech Manager at Teky Academy with 8+ years of STEM teaching experience.
Mr. Nguyen Anh Duc – STEM Chair, Vice President of the Marie Curie Science Club, former Chemistry student at HNUE.
Mr. Le Tuan Phong – Robotics Chair, a gifted IT student from High School For Gifted Students, HNUE.
Throughout early June, I worked tirelessly to draft the official proposal to the U.S. Embassy and the Department of State. Most days, I spent over five hours at the library researching, writing, and editing. I wanted to ensure the plan was not only creative and impactful but also realistic and well-organized. Finally, the Embassy approved it—and we were officially granted permission to launch the project at the American Center, U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.
This is the Booklet I designed and published to introduce the project
I named our team YCCI—short for Youth Crew of Civic Initiative. Our workshop series was designed to inspire students to explore the intersection between technology and environmental sustainability, with a focus on hands-on STEM and robotics activities. The program included four sessions held from August 20 to August 27, 2024.
In early July, I began recruiting young volunteers for our project. I wasn’t necessarily looking for students with the highest scores—I was looking for heart. People who were truly passionate about robotics, STEM, and making a difference. Our recruitment process included a written application, followed by interviews with myself, the department heads, and our academic consultants. Out of a large pool of applicants, we carefully selected the most suitable candidates for the Robotics, STEM, and Logistics departments. This three-week process built the foundation for a strong, dedicated team.
Around mid-July, the Marie Curie Science Club at Hanoi National University of Education offered us permission to use their facilities as our headquarters and testing lab. That’s where we held our first offline team meeting—a milestone moment. I introduced the project’s goals, and together we began working on everything from workshop syllabi to logistics planning.
I named our team YCCI—short for Youth Crew of Civic Initiative. Our workshop series was designed to inspire students to explore the intersection between technology and environmental sustainability, with a focus on hands-on STEM and robotics activities. The program included four sessions held from August 20 to August 27, 2024.
In early July, I began recruiting young volunteers for our project. I wasn’t necessarily looking for students with the highest scores—I was looking for heart. People who were truly passionate about robotics, STEM, and making a difference. Our recruitment process included a written application, followed by interviews with myself, the department heads, and our academic consultants. Out of a large pool of applicants, we carefully selected the most suitable candidates for the Robotics, STEM, and Logistics departments. This three-week process built the foundation for a strong, dedicated team.
Around mid-July, the Marie Curie Science Club at Hanoi National University of Education offered us permission to use their facilities as our headquarters and testing lab. That’s where we held our first offline team meeting—a milestone moment. I introduced the project’s goals, and together we began working on everything from workshop syllabi to logistics planning.
For the next few weeks, the STEM and Robotics teams worked hard developing and testing their modules, while the Logistics team and I crafted scripts, activities, and the event timeline. We even held a 25-student trial run at Marie Curie to gather feedback and fine-tune the sessions.
By mid-August, it was time for our public launch. The Logistics team and I worked together to write and design the student recruitment post for the U.S. Embassy’s official Facebook page. Although the launch occurred just after most schools had started, we were amazed by the response: nearly 150 students applied for our four workshop sessions.
For the next few weeks, the STEM and Robotics teams worked hard developing and testing their modules, while the Logistics team and I crafted scripts, activities, and the event timeline. We even held a 25-student trial run at Marie Curie to gather feedback and fine-tune the sessions.
By mid-August, it was time for our public launch. The Logistics team and I worked together to write and design the student recruitment post for the U.S. Embassy’s official Facebook page. Although the launch occurred just after most schools had started, we were amazed by the response: nearly 150 students applied for our four workshop sessions.
And then, the day finally came.
From August 20 to August 28, the YCCI STEM & Robotics Workshops 2024 officially took place at the American Center, U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. Walking into the American Center on the first day felt surreal. The space was bright, professional, and full of potential. Our volunteers arrived early in uniform, setting up stations, testing equipment, and preparing to welcome participants.
Each session was filled with energy and creativity. Students explored robotics kits, built environmental sensors, and engaged in interactive games that combined fun with learning. The robotics station was especially popular—participants learned how to program simple tasks and competed in group challenges to test their designs. Meanwhile, the STEM station tackled real-world problems like air quality and climate change through experiments and simulations.
We didn’t just run a workshop—we created an experience. From the moment students walked in, they were part of something bigger: a learning environment fueled by innovation, teamwork, and purpose.
One of the most meaningful moments for me was when Mr. Adam Brock, Deputy Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy, stopped by to visit. Watching him observe the activities and engage with our students made me incredibly proud—not just of myself, but of every single person who had worked alongside me for months to make this project happen.
The sessions wrapped up with laughter, group photos, and heartfelt thank-yous. Seeing the students leave with smiles on their faces and new ideas in their minds made every sleepless night and stressful decision completely worth it.
And then, the day finally came.
From August 20 to August 28, the YCCI STEM & Robotics Workshops 2024 officially took place at the American Center, U.S. Embassy in Hanoi. Walking into the American Center on the first day felt surreal. The space was bright, professional, and full of potential. Our volunteers arrived early in uniform, setting up stations, testing equipment, and preparing to welcome participants.
Each session was filled with energy and creativity. Students explored robotics kits, built environmental sensors, and engaged in interactive games that combined fun with learning. The robotics station was especially popular—participants learned how to program simple tasks and competed in group challenges to test their designs. Meanwhile, the STEM station tackled real-world problems like air quality and climate change through experiments and simulations.
We didn’t just run a workshop—we created an experience. From the moment students walked in, they were part of something bigger: a learning environment fueled by innovation, teamwork, and purpose.
One of the most meaningful moments for me was when Mr. Adam Brock, Deputy Cultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassy, stopped by to visit. Watching him observe the activities and engage with our students made me incredibly proud—not just of myself, but of every single person who had worked alongside me for months to make this project happen.
The sessions wrapped up with laughter, group photos, and heartfelt thank-yous. Seeing the students leave with smiles on their faces and new ideas in their minds made every sleepless night and stressful decision completely worth it.
This project wasn’t just about STEM. It was about proving that young people—when given trust, support, and opportunity—can create real change. I’m grateful to the U.S. Embassy, the State Department, my mentors, teammates, and volunteers who helped bring this project to life.
And this, I know, is just the beginning.
This project wasn’t just about STEM. It was about proving that young people—when given trust, support, and opportunity—can create real change. I’m grateful to the U.S. Embassy, the State Department, my mentors, teammates, and volunteers who helped bring this project to life.
And this, I know, is just the beginning.