The Kentucky Center for Mandarin Language and Culture’s goal is to foster globally competitive students by providing access to second language opportunities and cultural exchange with China. Through their participation in the program, local school districts can host highly qualified, licensed, native Chinese-speaking educators to provide Chinese language instruction at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The Center has been part of NKCES since November 2021. Elementary schools offer push-in Chinese language lessons at each grade level. Middle schoolers can take Chinese 1 for high school credit or take more basic introductory language courses as their interest allows. Students with this instructional foundation are prepared for more advanced study in high school including AP Chinese. This model allows for student success and supports learning at all levels.

The program is funded through a combination of startup funding from Beijing Language and Culture University and the membership fees of schools that partner in the K-12 Chinese Language and Teacher Program. We have partnered with Kenton County in the past and are currently partnering with Beechwood Independent, Bellevue, Covington Independent, and Ludlow school districts. Outside of NKY we partner with Frankfort Independent, and Fayette County school districts.

The Kentucky Center for Mandarin Language and Culture (KCMLC) has been part of NKCES since 2021.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Mike Stacy, Program Director: mike.stacy@beechwood.kyschools.us

Michelle Klein, Director of Learning and Empowerment: michelle.klein@nkces.org