For Youth
Mentorship, entrepreneurship workshops, and a place to be proud of where you come from. We pair students with Khmer professionals who have walked the same road.
WE ARE 802DNA
Our mission is to connect Khmer families and empower leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to preserve, rebuild, and protect our cultural heritage, so our community can thrive.
We believe in the power of unity and the strength of diverse voices. Together, we can create a world where every individual feels valued, every culture is celebrated, and every person has the opportunity to thrive.
802 DNA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a space for connection, guidance, and a sense of belonging for Khmer families, youth, elders, leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors. We aim to facilitate programs, gatherings, and shared projects to promote cultural heritage and support community members in feeling seen, supported, and proud of their identity.
Where the name comes from: 802 is the street number of the Madison community hall where the first gathering was held in 2021.
Who we serve
A vibrant and inclusive community where Khmer families, youth, and leaders are connected, inspired, and empowered to shape a future that honors their heritage and amplifies their potential.
For Elders
Room to be heard and to teach. Elders lead our language circles, cooking sessions, and the oral history project that keeps our stories in the family.
For Leaders & Entrepreneurs
A working network of Khmer founders, professionals, and investors who open doors for each other and for the people coming up behind them.
Programs
At 802 DNA, our mission is to foster a sense of unity and empowerment within the Khmer community through cultural preservation, educational initiatives, and collaborative endeavors. We strive to create a supportive environment where every member can find their voice and contribute to the collective growth.
Cultural Heritage
Celebrating Khmer identity through connection.
Khmer New Year, classical dance, and live music from artists who learned under masters alongside students learning now. Free to attend and open to everyone.
Youth & Elder Support
Support and belonging: programs for Khmer youth and elders.
Weekly after-school sessions and monthly elder lunches, plus the pairings between them. Homework help goes one way, language and history go the other.
Family & Community
Building community: empowering Khmer families together.
Community meals, help navigating school and healthcare systems, and a phone tree that actually works. When one family is struggling, nobody hears about it a month late.
Leadership & Entrepreneurship
Seminars, workshops and mentorship for emerging Khmer leaders.
Seminars where Khmer leaders share what they genuinely learned, and a youth entrepreneurship workshop that ends with real ideas and mentors attached to them.
802DNA in numbers
- 640families connected
- 32gatherings held
- 5years
- 1,850members
Support Our Community
802 DNA exists to bring Khmer people together around the world, to protect our heritage, support one another, and create real opportunities for our community.
Help us keep 640 Khmer families connected this year.
Donate802DNA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. EIN 87-4029156. Your gift is tax deductible.
Get in touch
Tell us how you would like to be involved and we will get back to you.
- info@802DNA.org
- Phone
- 608-400-5583
- Address
- 1211 Williamson Street, Madison, WI 53703