History of YBB

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Sichuan Province in 2008, the Youth Building Bridges program was founded to bring students to assist in the city's post-disaster education guidance and city reconstruction efforts. With only a small handful of students initially, the impact they made may be considered minor by others, but the influence of the students' own actions resonated deep inside them. The spirit of YBB was born, and the helping, giving nature of its participants ignited. ​

YBB was then formally established in 2009. Since then, the program has grown to include hundreds of American high school and college students, American college students, and Chinese college students, and has touched the lives of thousands more throughout the world. Each student either has or is acquiring the many characteristics of a mature and developed member of society. 
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The First YBB Pioneers - 2009

As the program extends an increasingly diverse reach throughout East Asia, the participants' worldly-wise perspective and social experience continue to deepen. YBB is signified through its yearly program of bringing American high school students on a trip to travel to rural, poverty stricken areas in China, teaching and sharing their knowledge within the primary and secondary education systems. Through a unique education and social experience, American students develop an international perspective and gain an exceptional understanding of the power of education within the global community.

Now, through the cultural exposure they gain and the leadership positions they fill, YBB participants grow into people of the community and of the world. 

Past Destinations

2018 - Nanhua, Gan'su
2017 - Nanhua, Gan'su 
2016 - Jishishan, Gan'su
2015 - Jishishan, Gan'su
2014 - Jishishan, Gan'su
2013 - Jianxian, An'hui
2012 - Jingxian, An'hui
2011 - Heshangzhen, Zhejiang
2010 - Lin'yi, Shandong, 
​2009 - Sichuan, Shi'fang