About

Our Story

Ricci Scholars initiates friendships among young people in China and the US, leading to alliances to solve global challenges in their future.  An act of friendship in 2008 from the citizens of New York offered free study at campuses of their State University to 150 Chinese students after an earthquake devastated Sichuan Province.  In return, these students invited New Yorkers to China.  Based on a unique 16th Century friendship between Jesuit missionary Fr. Matteo Ricci and his Chinese partner Xu Guangqi, Ricci Scholars puts friendship before rivalry, and guides our scholars to learn and understand across cultural lines.

Our Expertise

The Ricci Scholar team collectively has 100+ years experience in international partnerships and educational exchange, especially between China and America.  Partner schools Regis High School and Dominican Academy in New York City, and Nanjing Foreign Language School are among the best in their nations.  Our unique 2-week travel exchange program was created after four years of virtual collaboration, and was highly regarded by schools and scholars alike.

Our Mission

At Ricci Scholars, we strive to bridge cultures and shape futures by empowering young leaders from China and the United States to build lasting friendships, foster mutual understanding, and collaborate on solutions to global challenges. Inspired by a truly historic partnership between Ricci and Guangqi, we believe in the transformative power of intercultural education and human connection.

Through immersive experiences, collaborative projects, and leadership development, we will equip our scholars with the skills, values, and relationships to navigate an interconnected world. Together, we honor the spirit of unity and shared purpose, creating a future where cultural boundaries give way to enduring partnerships.

Partner Schools

Regis High School

New York, US

Dominican Academy

New York, US

Nanjing Foreign Language School

Nanjing, China