Livingston Students Donate $1,000 To Local Education Groups

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of FuturePath Academy. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

FuturePath Academy, a student-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has formally announced a $1,000 charitable contribution to support local education and cultural enrichment. On December 6, the organization presented donations of $500 each to the Livingston Huaxia Chinese School (LHXCS) and the Livingston Chinese Association (LCA).

These donations mark a significant milestone for FuturePath, symbolizing its transition from a grassroots summer project into a community fixture capable of significant philanthropic impact. The funds were presented to the distinguished leadership of both organizations. Accepting on behalf of the Livingston Chinese Association were President Xiaoshan He, Vice Chair and LBOE member Fang Gong, and Board members Liwei Fang, Xiaojia Wang, and Larry Gao. Representing the Livingston Huaxia Chinese School were Principal Jim Wang, Chair of the Board of Trustees Daphne Wang, Vice Principal Jian Ye, and Vice Dean Cailuo Fang.

“We view the LHXCS and the LCA as pillars of our community,” said Claire Gao, Founder and Executive Director of FuturePath Academy. “Their long-standing dedication to spreading knowledge and culture has paved the way for student organizations like ours. This donation is our way of contributing to that shared mission of educational excellence and ensuring that learning continues to thrive in Livingston.”

From a Single Class to a Community Movement The ability to make such a significant contribution is the result of FuturePath’s rapid evolution over the last two years. The organization was founded in the summer of 2023 with humble beginnings and a simple premise: students teaching students.

At its inception, FuturePath was a one-person operation. Founder Claire Gao launched the initiative by teaching a single debate curriculum to two small sessions of six students each. However, the success of those initial classes sparked a realization that youth-led education could be scaled to serve a much wider audience.

Driven by this vision, the initiative expanded exponentially. In just two years, FuturePath has grown from that solitary classroom into a federally recognized 501(c)(3) organization. This massive growth was driven by a core team of student leaders who helped Gao scale the vision into reality; key contributors Jack Klein, Yug Shah, Alan Li, Anna Zhu, and Olivia Mei have been instrumental in building the infrastructure that allows the organization to operate at this level. Today, the operation runs a comprehensive, full-day summer camp involving over 40 student-teachers and serving more than 30 elementary-aged students.

A Model of Student Leadership The modern iteration of the camp, which generated the funds for these donations, is a far cry from its small beginnings. It now features a robust structure including provided snacks and full lunches sponsored by local businesses. The curriculum has broadened beyond debate to include science, art, and hands-on activities, ensuring every child finds a subject that sparks their curiosity.

As FuturePath Academy continues to grow, it remains committed to the core value established during that first summer: empowering youth to lead. The donations to the LHXCS and LCA are a testament to what motivated students can achieve—not just for themselves, but for the betterment of the entire Livingston community.

FuturePath Academy is a student-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Livingston, NJ. Dedicated to educational enrichment, the organization offers summer camps and mentorship opportunities designed to empower high school leaders and inspire elementary students. To learn more about supporting the organization, making a donation, or joining the team as a volunteer, visit www.thefuturepathacademy.org.

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