Report reveals extensive Chinese government-run exchange program in U.S. schools

Defending Education’s latest report uncovers that a wide network of American higher-education and K-12 schools has joined the Young Envoys Scholarship, an exchange scheme created by President Xi Jinping in 2023. The China Education Association for International Exchange runs the program, which is framed around Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and Xi Jinping Thought, and targets 50,000 U.S. participants within five years.

The study documents involvement by at least 83 colleges and 26 K-12 schools in 30 states, highlighting trips such as a Chicago high-school group’s visit to Xinjiang that showcased cultural activities while omitting reports of genocide. Experts like Michael Lucci of State Armor describe the effort as “cognitive warfare” aimed at reshaping American perceptions of the CCP. The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., maintains the exchanges are apolitical and promote friendship. Congressional leaders, including House Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar, have warned that the initiative could be used to spread propaganda among American youth.