On September 6, the CI helped to co-sponsor the 3rd Biennial Summit on U.S./China Education. The first summit, held in 2008 centered on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the North Carolina State Board of Education and the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education. As a result, there have been incredible strides made in increasing educational opportunities and initiatives between NC and China. In 2008 2,352 K-12 students in NC were enrolled in Chinese language. In 2011, over 6,200 students were enrolled. It is these types of efforts that are helping to make North Carolina a national leader in global education and engagement.

This year's conference focused on "Celebration and Sustainability of Educational Initiatives"between NC and China. We had over 150 people in attendance including University Presidents, Politicians and Business leaders.Some of our VIP guest speakers and guests included:Tom Ross, President, University of North Carolina System��Mr. Wang Guangfa, Chairman of Fazheng Industries Group and Principal of Beijing Royal School��Dr. Randy Woodson, NC State University Chancellor��Dr. Warrick Arden, NC State University Provost��Keith Crisco, Secretary of Commerce��Lin Yue, Director, Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education��June Atkinson, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction��Bill Harrison, Chairman, North Carolina State Board of Education.

The University of North Carolina System is working on a system wide China-Strategy to help promote Chinese language and culture through the 16 university campuses. NC State's CI will be a leader in helping to make this possible.The CI will continue to work with these organizations throughout the year to ensure new policies and programs are created to encourage the spread of Chinese language and culture throughout NC.