Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN), the summer and after-school Mandarin language immersion program in Manhattan, celebrates the diversity, rich culture and contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities during May which is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. SWAN located in NYC on the Lower East Side helps students from varied social, economic and ethnic backgrounds develop proficiency in Mandarin and acquire a greater understanding of Chinese culture. As part of this year’s celebrations, the organization will hold a Cultural Fair on May 24 at PS184M in Lower Manhattan open to students and parents.
SWAN’s mission is to raise awareness of Chinese culture and language by providing a Mandarin immersion after-school program at PS184M as well as operating its summer program open to all Pre-K to 7th grade children from all 5 boroughs, NJ, PA and CT. SWAN’s immersion programs offer a strong balance of academics and cultural learning, as well as a variety of sports activities.

Founded in 1996 by a group of education, civic and business leaders from the Chinese American community, the SWAN Board helped the NYC Board of Education (now the Department of Education) establish the Shuang Wen School, Public School 184M, in 1998 as the first dual-language public school.

Nora Chang Wang, SWAN’s Board Chair said: “SWAN pays tribute to the contributions of generations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have enriched our history. We always take pride in our Mandarin language and culture instruction to raise awareness of the Asian American culture, tradition and history,” she added.

Today, SWAN works with an average of 630 students from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade. Upon graduating from SWAN’s middle school program, the average SAT II Mandarin score of a SWAN student is 620/800. These standards have helped set SWAN apart as the leading educational institution among New York City’s Mandarin language programs.

Every day SWAN students not only acquire a new language skill but also have the unique opportunity to learn about the cultural heritage of China, the inventors of the compass, kite and silk, the significance of Chinese New Year and the importance and meaning of traditional Chinese food such as dumplings, Chinese Opera and the fan dance.

SWAN’s Cultural Fair on May 24, 2012 at PS184M is open to students and parents and is sponsored by Taipei Economic Cultural Office. Professional Chinese artists from Taiwan will share their art work of dough figurines in Chinese folk art, Chinese calligraphy in scroll painting, and Chinese crafts and traditional toys with students. By arranging such interactive and educational events, SWAN continues to raise awareness of the Chinese culture through innovative approaches.

About Shuang Wen Academy Network (SWAN):
Founded in 1996, the mission of SWAN is to develop proficiency in Mandarin Chinese language and awareness of Chinese culture in individuals, preparing them as global citizens in an increasingly competitive and demanding international environment. The organization operates an everyday after-school program during the school year and since its inception, has been giving students an opportunity to master Mandarin. SWAN is a community based 501-(C) 3 not-for-profit organization. Visit www.swan-nyc.org.