Chinese Immersion Program students from Braddock Middle School and Allegany High School juniors celebrated Lunar New Year with students and faculty from Chinese international joint program at Frostburg State University on January 31. The students performed Chinese songs, exchanged New Year greetings, and participated in traditional New Year crafts—all while communicating entirely in Chinese with FSU staff and students. As part of the Lunar New Year tradition, each student received a "Hong Bao" (a red envelope gift for children) from the FSU staff. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for everyone to build connections with people from both the local community and around the world.

Founded in 2012, the Chinese Immersion Program is now in its 13th year of operation. To date, seven students in this program have earned the Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating fluency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in Chinese. This language ability has given many students an advantage in their college applications and career prospects.

"The Chinese Immersion Program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to achieve a level of fluency in Chinese that would be hard to match in a traditional classroom setting,” says Joe Brewer, Supervisor of World Languages. “After observing the program at the secondary level, I’m impressed by the fluency of the students and the high level of engagement from both the students and the teachers. Allegany County is truly fortunate to be able to offer this program to its students."

The program begins recruitment at the kindergarten level. Registration opens Monday, April 14, 2025. Applications must be returned to your child’s home school no later than Friday, May 16, 2025. Parents will be notified via email of acceptance or waitlist status on Friday, May 30, 2025.