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Our Work
At our organization, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation. Through our various programs and initiatives, we have positively impacted over 20,000 youth in the community, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. Our commitment to fostering growth and development has created lasting change, inspiring young people to pursue their dreams and make a difference. Together, we are building a brighter future for young people of color.
English Reading Excellence
Our intensive literacy program has produced remarkable results, including one student achieving a world first-place ranking in international English reading competitions through Achieve3000. Through advanced reading comprehension techniques, critical analysis training, and speed reading methodologies, our scholars score in the top 10% nationally on standardized assessments. The average UNNEF scholar reads at one grade above their age group, demonstrating the effectiveness of our bilingual approach to literacy development.
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Speech & Poetry Competitions
For six consecutive years, our students have distinguished themselves at the Southern California Chinese School Association's annual competitions, earning 12 individual awards and 3x consecutive team 1st place while competing against nearly 1,000 talented students from across the region. Our comprehensive program in public speaking, classical Chinese poetry recitation, and dramatic reading has helped scholars improve their Mandarin proficiency by two or more levels. Through participation in 18 regional competitions, our students have developed confidence and linguistic mastery that extends far beyond the competition stage, with many going on to pursue careers in law, education, and international relations.
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Stanford University National Speech & Debate Invitational
Our elite students earned qualification to represent Can Education at the prestigious 31st Stanford University National High School Speech and Debate Invitational, competing against the nation's top debaters over three intensive days. Our students participated in over 20 debate rounds, with three advancing to semi-final rounds and earning an average judge rating of 4.7 out of 5 for critical thinking and argumentation skills. The rigorous preparation and high-level competition experience at Stanford has proven transformative, with participating students reporting increased confidence in academic discourse and analytical reasoning.
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California Bible Knowledge Competition
Through months of dedicated preparation and five preliminary qualifying rounds, our students emerged as state champions in the All-California Bible Knowledge Competition. Students each memorized 850 verses while dedicating over 50 hours to study and preparation. The program has strengthened students' discipline, memorization skills, and ability to perform under pressure—qualities that translate directly to academic and professional success.
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Asian American Association 65th Anniversary Celebration
Our children's vocal group of 15 captivated an audience of over 2,500 community members at the grand celebration honoring the 65th anniversary of the People's Republic of China's founding. After hours of intensive rehearsal, students performed six traditional and contemporary Chinese songs and dances that showcased the richness of Chinese cultural heritage in America. The performance was featured on three local news networks, bringing recognition to both our school and the importance of cultural preservation among second-generation Chinese Americans.
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China Conservatory of Music Partnership
We have proudly partnered with the prestigious China Conservatory of Music to bring the China Youth National Orchestra to Los Angeles for the city's inaugural ethnic music Spring Festival Gala. The historic concert drew 1,200 attendees and featured 18 traditional Chinese instruments, with 12 of our student musicians collaborating directly with visiting artists from Beijing. The event raised $45,000 for ongoing music education programs and established what has become a beloved annual tradition now in its sixth year, creating a cultural bridge that enriches both the Chinese American community and the broader Los Angeles artistic landscape.
West Covina City Government Youth Leadership Program
Through our direct partnership with the West Covina Mayor's Office and City Council, 45 students annually participate in intensive leadership training that includes eight sessions with elected officials, hands-on emergency management education, and public service mentorship. Every participant earns their Junior Hero Medal through certified first aid and CPR training, with 100% registering to vote upon reaching eligibility. The program's long-term impact is evident in three alumni now serving in local government positions, carrying forward the civic engagement values instilled during their time at CAN Education.
West Covina Fire Department Partnership
Our comprehensive collaboration with the West Covina Fire Department has made fire safety education a cornerstone of our community service curriculum, with 10 students receiving hands-on training annually through emergency drills and professional instruction. Every student achieves CPR and first aid certification, and our partnership has resulted hosting eight community open houses that have educated over 500 community members about emergency preparedness. The relationship exemplifies how schools and municipal services can work together to create a safer, more informed community.
Pearl Harbor & Nanjing Massacre Memorial Services
More than 50 of our Boy Scout and Girl Scout members participate annually in solemn memorial ceremonies honoring victims of both the Pearl Harbor attack and the Nanjing Massacre, promoting peace education and historical awareness across cultures. Over six years of participation, students have placed memorial flags and collaborated with eight interfaith and multicultural community groups to deliver educational presentations. These ceremonies teach our students that remembering history's darkest moments is essential to building a more peaceful future.
Medical Mission Fundraising Campaign
When our students learned of a 4.5-year-old child from China suffering from chordoma, a rare spinal tumor, they took immediate action in a completely student-initiated charitable campaign. Through 15 self-organized fundraising events including donation drives, bake sales, talent shows, and awareness campaigns, students raised $38,500 for medical treatment, with 450+ donors contributed. The campaign demonstrated our students' remarkable capacity for compassion, organizational leadership, and effective advocacy for those in need.
Ronald McDonald House Charities Partnership
Over five years of dedicated partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities, our students have contributed 2,200 volunteer hours providing companionship, activities, and emotional support for families with hospitalized children. Eighty-five students have participated in the program, serving meals to 340 families and organizing 24 special activity days that brought joy to children facing serious medical challenges. An overwhelming 96% of families reported improved emotional wellbeing thanks to student volunteers, demonstrating that young people can make profound differences in the lives of families during their most difficult moments.
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FIRST Robotics National Competition Field Trip
One hundred twenty students attended the FIRST Robotics National Competition as part of our STEM exposure initiative, witnessing 180 competing robot teams and experiencing world-class engineering innovation firsthand. The excursion sparked lasting interest in technology and engineering, with attendees expressing increased interest in STEM fields and five students ultimately competing in regional robotics competitions. By exposing students to the highest levels of technical competition, we inspire them to see themselves as future innovators and problem-solvers.
West Covina Best K-12 Educational Institution (2015)
UNNEF was recognized as the top K-12 educational institution in West Covina, selected from over 40 competing schools based on our innovative bilingual curriculum and exceptional student outcomes. Our 97% parent satisfaction rating, student test scores averaging 50% above the district mean, and 100% college acceptance rate for members, demonstrated that our fusion of Chinese educational foundations with American innovative pedagogy creates students who excel in any academic environment.
01
American International Youth Cultural Arts Association Performance
Our 22-member violin ensemble received a prestigious invitation to perform at the American International Youth Cultural Arts Association's fifth anniversary celebration, presenting eight pieces spanning both Chinese and Western classical repertoire to an audience of 850 attendees from 12 countries. Students received masterclass instruction from visiting international artists, an experience that contributed to a 30% increase in string instrument enrollment at our school. The performance showcased the technical excellence and cultural depth that results from our unique East-meets-West educational philosophy.
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Special Recognition from Reform Architect Deng Xiaoping Portrayer
Lu Qi, the distinguished actor renowned for portraying Deng Xiaoping—the chief architect of China's Reform and Opening-up policy—personally inscribed the characters "唯才是举" (meritocracy: only talent is promoted) for our school, recognizing our commitment to identifying and nurturing student potential regardless of background. This honor connects our educational mission to China's broader modernization story and reinforces our belief that talent and hard work, not privilege, should determine student success.
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Medical Mission Fundraising Campaign
When our students learned of a 4.5-year-old child from China suffering from chordoma, a rare spinal tumor, they took immediate action in a completely student-initiated charitable campaign. Through 15 self-organized fundraising events including donation drives, bake sales, talent shows, and awareness campaigns, students raised $38,500 for medical treatment, with 450+ donors contributed. The campaign demonstrated our students' remarkable capacity for compassion, organizational leadership, and effective advocacy for those in need.
05
Ronald McDonald House Charities Partnership
Over five years of dedicated partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities, our students have contributed 2,200 volunteer hours providing companionship, activities, and emotional support for families with hospitalized children. Eighty-five students have participated in the program, serving meals to 340 families and organizing 24 special activity days that brought joy to children facing serious medical challenges. An overwhelming 96% of families reported improved emotional wellbeing thanks to student volunteers, demonstrating that young people can make profound differences in the lives of families during their most difficult moments.
06
FIRST Robotics National Competition Field Trip
One hundred twenty students attended the FIRST Robotics National Competition as part of our STEM exposure initiative, witnessing 180 competing robot teams and experiencing world-class engineering innovation firsthand. The excursion sparked lasting interest in technology and engineering, with 78% of attendees expressing increased interest in STEM fields, 15 students immediately joining our school robotics club, and five students ultimately competing in regional robotics competitions. By exposing students to the highest levels of technical competition, we inspire them to see themselves as future innovators and problem-solvers.