On August 3, the first batch of scholarships for the 2025 Chongqing “Hope Project·Dream Realization Action” were officially awarded. Twenty-nine incoming university students received award certificates from Deng Wenzhong, a foreign academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, with scholarships ranging from 8,000 to 30,000 yuan under the “Deng Wenzhong Scholarship” program.
The “Hope Project·Dream Realization Action” is a series of public welfare initiatives launched by the Chongqing Communist Youth League Committee and the Chongqing Youth Development Foundation to help students from underprivileged families achieve their university dreams.
The “Deng Wenzhong Scholarship” was established in 2007 by Deng Wenzhong, a world-renowned bridge expert and honorary chairman of T.Y. Lin International Engineering Consulting (China) Co., Ltd. Every year after the national college entrance exams, the Chongqing Communist Youth League Committee and the Chongqing Youth Development Foundation jointly initiate the scholarship program. The foundation collects applications from eligible students through regional youth organizations. Deng Wenzhong personally interviews each shortlisted candidate to assess their overall qualities. After two days of individual interviews, group discussions, and presentations, the final award rankings are determined.
“I understand that students need substantial support during their academic journey, especially during the critical transition from high school to university. The scholarship was created to help more underprivileged students from Chongqing pursue higher education,” Deng Wenzhong stated. Since arriving in Chongqing in 1994 to start his business, he has developed deep ties with the city and views this initiative as a way to give back to his “second hometown.” By personally reviewing applications, designing assessments, and conducting interviews, he ensures rigorous and fair scholarship distribution while emphasizing that “grades are not the only requirement”—students must also cultivate diverse learning abilities.
Yuan Jing, an incoming Tsinghua University student from Dianjiang Middle School in Chongqing, received this year’s top “Deng Wenzhong Scholarship” award of 30,000 yuan. She said the scholarship is not just financial support but also motivation to keep striving. “In the future, I will focus more on mastering my field, honing my skills through practice, and sharing knowledge with peers—just as others have helped me.”
Over the past 18 years, the “Deng Wenzhong Scholarship,” a flagship initiative under Chongqing’s “Hope Project·Dream Realization Action,” has awarded over 6.5 million yuan to more than 560 outstanding university students in the region.
Chinese Academy of Engineering
The Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) is a national academic institution established in 1994 to advance engineering and technological sciences in China. It provides strategic consulting, conducts research, and promotes innovation in key fields such as infrastructure, energy, and information technology. Comprising elected members from top engineering disciplines, the CAE plays a vital role in shaping China’s technological development and industrial policies.
Deng Wenzhong Scholarship
The **Deng Wenzhong Scholarship** is an academic award established in honor of Deng Wenzhong, a notable figure (often linked to education or philanthropy in Chinese contexts). While specific historical details may vary, such scholarships typically support outstanding students, reflecting Deng’s legacy in promoting education and excellence. The award is commonly associated with institutions in China, particularly those with ties to Deng’s contributions.
Chongqing Communist Youth League Committee
The Chongqing Communist Youth League Committee is a local branch of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC), responsible for guiding and organizing youth activities under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Established to promote socialist values and youth development, it plays a key role in political education, volunteer work, and talent cultivation in Chongqing. Its history is tied to the broader CYLC, founded in 1922, and reflects the party’s long-term focus on youth engagement in national construction.
Chongqing Youth Development Foundation
The Chongqing Youth Development Foundation is a non-profit organization established to support the growth and well-being of young people in Chongqing, China. It focuses on education, health, and social welfare initiatives, often collaborating with government and private sectors to empower youth. While its exact founding date is unclear, it aligns with China’s broader youth development policies, promoting opportunities for underprivileged and at-risk youth in the region.
T.Y. Lin International Engineering Consulting (China) Co., Ltd.
T.Y. Lin International Engineering Consulting (China) Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of the global engineering firm T.Y. Lin International, known for its expertise in infrastructure and structural engineering. Established to serve the Chinese market, the company has contributed to major projects, leveraging its parent company’s legacy of innovative engineering solutions since its founding in the 20th century. It specializes in bridges, transportation systems, and sustainable urban development, aligning with China’s rapid infrastructure growth.
Tsinghua University
Tsinghua University, founded in 1911 in Beijing, is one of China’s most prestigious universities, originally established as a preparatory school for students sent to study in the U.S. It played a key role in China’s modernization and is renowned for its strong emphasis on science, engineering, and technology, while also excelling in humanities and social sciences. Today, it is a leading global institution, known for its academic excellence and influential alumni, including many prominent Chinese leaders and scholars.
Dianjiang Middle School
Dianjiang Middle School is a well-known secondary school located in Dianjiang County, Chongqing, China. Established in the early 20th century, it has a long history of providing quality education and has contributed to the academic and cultural development of the region. The school is recognized for its strong academic programs and has nurtured many notable alumni over the years.
Hope Project·Dream Realization Action
The *Hope Project·Dream Realization Action* is a Chinese public welfare initiative launched in 1989 by the China Youth Development Foundation to support education in impoverished rural areas. It focuses on building schools, providing financial aid to students, and improving educational resources to help underprivileged children realize their academic dreams. Over the decades, it has become one of China’s most influential charitable programs, benefiting millions of students.
