Hanover, Asia Institute-Crane House expand partnership
Starting in the fall of 2022, Hanover College students began to work with the Asia Institute-Crane House (AICH) to support its Lunar New Year education efforts and activities. This year, the relationship will take a significant step with the addition of two educational opportunities for high school students in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Founded by Helen Lang in 1987, the Asia Institute-Crane House is a Louisville, Ky.-based community resource that promotes understanding of Asian cultures and heritage through education, outreach and the arts. AICH has developed into the premier Asian cultural center in mid-America, annually reaching more than 50,000 regional schoolchildren and adults through educational and business programs, lectures, exhibitions, performances and organizational partnerships.
A newly created Hanover-Crane House scholarship program will provide full-tuition scholarships for two high school seniors who complete select programs at the institute, such as the STARTALK Mandarin language program. In addition, the College will offer waived enrollment fees for six students to attend the 2024 Hanover Summer Academy, which provides a weeklong opportunity for qualified high schoolers to experience residential college life with courses taught by current professors.
Hanover’s support of the Crane House began through a unique micro-internship program sponsored by the College’s Levett Career Center. Students enrolled in a modern politics course were able to network and explore potential careers in the arts, education and community fundraising while learning about East Asia.
Initially, the interns provided support for the institute’s Lunar New Year Gala, a vital annual fundraising event, by developing educational tutorials and informational flyers. The Hanover students have earned a greater role in this year’s gala, scheduled for Feb. 17. The interns are slated to serve numerous roles, ranging from greeting guests and valet parking to hosting an online auction and assisting musical performers and dancers.
Along with the Lunar New Year Gala, Asia Institute-Crane House’s outreach continues to promote awareness of Asian heritages and culture in the region. AICH now provides programs on China, Japan, India, Korea, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bhutan, Nepal, Taiwan, the Philippines and Central Asia.
