About Us

The Blue Sky Student Association is a new, student-run organization dedicated to uniting Mandarin learners across Utah. Independent from any specific university, school, or institution, our mission is to create one connected community for all who share a passion for the Chinese language and culture.

The idea began with Founder Cade Young, who, while searching for meaningful ways to apply his Mandarin skills beyond the classroom, noticed something missing — a statewide community linking Mandarin learners with real-world opportunities. He envisioned a network where students could connect, collaborate, and gain hands-on experience using their language skills in academic, professional, and cultural settings.

In 2025, this vision took shape when Cade led 36 Utah-based college students to China in collaboration with Shandong University, giving participants the chance to bring years of study to life through immersive, on-the-ground experiences.

That journey sparked a bigger realization: Utah already has one of the strongest Mandarin pipelines in the country. With over 100 K–12 schools offering Chinese immersion or language programs and hundreds of university students pursuing Mandarin across the state, Utah’s Mandarin community is vibrant and growing — yet previously disconnected.

The Blue Sky Student Association was founded to change that — to bring Utah’s Mandarin learners together, connect them with meaningful opportunities, and propel this incredible statewide talent into the world through collaboration, cultural exchange, and global engagement.