Gene and Sharon Chang Centennial Scholars Fund for Summer Research in China

Award Amount: Scholarships supporting 10 UCLA students annually (expanded from 3 per year)

Geographic Scope: UCLA students conducting research at Peking University through the PKU–UCLA Joint Research Institute

Focus Areas:

• Summer research in science and engineering at Peking University
• International research experience for UCLA students
• Faculty mentorship at PKU laboratories
• Chinese language instruction

Program Details:

• Three-month summer research program
• Students conduct research at Peking University laboratories under mentorship of PKU faculty
• Participants take Chinese language classes
• 85% of recent participants ranked it as their top or among their top experiences at UCLA

Background: Gene Chang is an alumnus of Peking University who studied atmospheric physics. He is the managing director and chief operating officer of Himalaya Capital (Seattle-based investment firm). He previously served as chairman of the Peking University Alumni Association of Washington and was a member of the board of directors of PKU's Global Alumni Association.

Initial Gift: $75,000 in 2019
Recent Gift: $1 million in 2020 ($500,000 for scholarships + $500,000 for administration; triggered additional $250,000 from UCLA Chancellor's Centennial Scholarships Matching Fund)

• Email: info@pkuefusa.org
• Phone: (650) 315-2880
• Address: 1650 South Amphlett Boulevard Suite 118, San Mateo, CA 94402