Education China Project #21417

Fund 1000 Scholarships in Rural China for a Year

by The SOAR Foundation

Fund 1000 Scholarships in Rural China for a Year

Project Report | Mar 21, 2026
Where There Is Light, Warmth Follows

By May | Edited by Shang - Alumni & Volunteer

At SOAR Foundation, we believe that even a small act of support can grow into something lasting. For many students, especially those facing financial hardship, the opportunity to stay in school depends on timely help and continued encouragement.

May is one of the students who has grown alongside SOAR. Since 2018, your support has helped her continue her education, build confidence, and gradually find her own path—not only in her studies, but also in service to others. Her journey reflects how sustained support can shape not just individual success, but a mindset of giving back.

Below is a shortened translation of May’s letter shared during SOAR’s 30th anniversary. For her full letter, you may visit the SOAR Newsletter (June 2025 edition).

—Letter begins—

Dear Donors and Volunteers of the SOAR Foundation,

First of all, congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the SOAR Foundation!

Looking back on my journey with SOAR since 2018, my heart is filled with gratitude. During a difficult time in my life, SOAR’s support gave me not only financial help, but also confidence and emotional strength. At moments when I felt uncertain about my future, this support allowed me to continue moving forward with a sense of stability.

The care from mentors and volunteers made me feel that SOAR is not just a foundation, but a warm and supportive community. Through their encouragement and guidance, I gradually learned to believe in myself and to see more possibilities ahead.

I am currently studying Applied Psychology at Changsha Normal University. In my studies, I have become increasingly interested in understanding people’s emotions, behaviors, and mental well-being. Beyond academics, I have actively participated in volunteer work, including rural education programs, psychological support activities, and projects supporting children with special needs.

Through these experiences, I have come to better understand the importance of empathy, patience, and listening. I have also seen how even small acts of care can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life—something I first experienced through SOAR.

In my junior year, I had the opportunity to participate in a three-month exchange program in Thailand. For me, this was not only an academic experience, but also a personal challenge. Without SOAR’s support and encouragement, I would not have had the confidence to take this step. This experience allowed me to see a different environment, broaden my perspective, and become more independent.

Now, as I continue my studies, I remain committed to using what I have learned to support others, especially in the field of mental health. I hope that in the future, I can contribute in ways that help people feel understood and supported.

Looking back, I feel deeply grateful for everything I have received. The support I received through SOAR has shaped not only my education, but also the way I see the world. It has taught me that kindness can travel far and continue through others.

Finally, I sincerely wish SOAR continued success and growth. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.

Best regards,
May

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our mission.

May’s journey reflects the quiet but lasting impact of your support. With your help, students are not only able to continue their education, but also grow into individuals who care for others and give back to their communities.

We hope you will continue to stand with us in creating these opportunities—one student, one story, and one future at a time.

Warm Regards and Cheers,

Shang Su

Fundrasing Project Leader & Previous SOAR Awardee

SOAR Foundation

Links:

SOAR Newsletter (See p29-31 for May's story)

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Nov 21, 2025
Your Support Helped Me Soar: A gratitude letter from Simon

By Simon | Translated by Shang - Alumni & Volunteer

Simon in his bachelor gown

At SOAR Foundation, we believe that even a little support can change the course of a young person’s life. In this report, we are delighted to highlight Simon, who once struggled to stay in school but gained confidence and completed college with SOAR’s help. His story shows how your support can create ripples of change—one student, one classroom, and one community at a time.

As our name reflects, SOAR is committed to bringing Schooling Opportunities Across the Republic. We are thrilled to see students like Simon transform their own lives. Below is a translation of Simon’s communication with a SOAR donor (Ms. Y) upon his graduation this summer. As you can see, Simon has “SOARed”—growing from a recipient of help to someone ready to help others. We hope you will join us in empowering more young talents like him.

—Letter begins—

Dear Auntie Y,

Greetings! I am Simon, the student you have sponsored. Today is my graduation day, and as I write this letter, my heart is full of gratitude. Without your generous support, my journey through school would not have been so smooth.

My high school years happened to be the most difficult time for my family financially. Every time the teacher collected tuition fees, I felt extremely anxious and embarrassed. It was your support that allowed me to sit in the classroom and study with peace of mind, free from worries about tuition or living expenses. Your help was more than financial—it gave me spiritual encouragement and made me realize that there are people in this world who believe in me and support my dreams.

During my university years, I always kept your kindness in my heart. I studied diligently and also took part in practical work and community service. As class president in my freshman and sophomore years, I used my spare time to volunteer and take part-time jobs, earning a small income while broadening my skills and horizons. In my junior and senior years, I completed internships arranged by the university to strengthen my professional abilities. Today, I am graduating successfully, and none of this would have been possible without your help.

Your kindness not only changed my life, but also taught me the true meaning of paying it forward. Wherever my future path leads, I will follow your example and do my best to give back to society and support others who, like me, need a helping hand.

Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude once again for your selfless support. I hope one day I will have the opportunity to thank you in person. I have enclosed my graduation photo to share this joy with you.

Wishing you good health, success in all your endeavors, and lasting happiness!

Sincerely,
Simon

—Letter ends—

On behalf of SOAR team, we thank every donor for your continued support and dedication to our cause!

We wish you and your loved ones a warm and joyful holiday season ahead!

Warm Regards and Cheers,

Shang Su

Fundrasing Project Leader & Previous SOAR Awardee

SOAR Foundation

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Jul 24, 2025
Reflections on SOAR 30: Thirty Years and Thriving- Onward to the Future!

By SOAR | SOAR Foundation

Dear Friends,

How time flies! The SOAR Foundation has been actively supporting talented students in China for 30 years, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to continuing this vital work. In this report, we are pleased to share reflections from SOAR Board Chair Mr. Davy Kao in honor of our 30th anniversary.

On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the renowned charitable organization based in Fremont, California—the SOAR Foundation—held a grand banquet in San Jose to celebrate its 30th anniversary. With 45 tables and over 450 guests, the event was a joyous gathering. Over 2,000 years ago, Confucius encouraged his students to be “established at thirty.” True to that ideal, SOAR, like a diligent student, has stayed the course and stood tall after three decades of tireless effort.

Back in 1995, Ms. Siu Fong Huang, the foundation’s founder, was deeply troubled by the sight of many young people in China who were neither attending school nor working, forming part of the so-called "floating population" in urban areas. After returning to the U.S. from a visit to China, she sounded the call to action and established SOAR—dedicated to raising funds to support underprivileged but outstanding primary and secondary school students. Over time, this support expanded to include high school and university students, helping them complete the essential education they need and deserve.

Over the past 30 years, SOAR has assisted more than 17,000 students and distributed nearly 40,000 scholarships. These efforts have not only enabled students to complete their basic education, but in many cases, have transformed lives—uplifting not only individuals but the hopes and happiness of entire families.

These accomplishments would not have been possible without the support of nearly 1,000 generous, kind-hearted donors. For three decades—without major corporate or institutional backing—SOAR has relied solely on the compassion of friends and supporters. Yet, the foundation has remarkably raised tens of millions of dollars. Without this powerful "fuel," SOAR's journey to its 30th anniversary could not have run so smoothly.

Equally vital are the hundreds of dedicated volunteers who have tirelessly “driven” SOAR’s operations day in and day out. For 30 years, they’ve worked without pause—meeting challenges and solving countless problems. Throughout this time, SOAR has never paid a cent in volunteer wages. Like our donors, these volunteers give both time and resources. They not only keep SOAR running but have also fueled its growth, development, and resilience. This includes our dedicated volunteers in China.

In recent years, SOAR has expanded its early childhood education programs. In addition to providing subsidies for preschool children and teachers, the foundation has donated books, improved learning spaces, and trained over 60 preschool teachers through both “inviting in” and “going out” initiatives. These efforts offer timely support and fill critical gaps—helping today while planting seeds for tomorrow. It’s a meaningful new direction that deserves continued donor attention.

Together, SOAR sincerely invites more compassionate and ambitious individuals to join our cause—to learn and grow together, and to work hand in hand in building a brighter future for underprivileged students, helping them realize their youthful dreams.

Warm Regards and Cheers,

Shang Su

Fundrasing Project Leader & Previous SOAR Awardee

SOAR Foundation

Below you can find the link to the latest SOAR newsletter where you can read the bilingual versions of Mr Kao's reflections.

Links:

SOAR Newsletter

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