Ian Chao

Community engagement leader and trilingual educator with 3+ years teaching K-3 and ESL learners. Mobilized 40+ students and raised $2.5k+ to deliver 1,500+ sandwiches, 200 coats, 200 lb of clothing, 900 lb of supplies, and 2,000+ books to local families. Recognized with the UNA Ambassador Award and the Minnesota Seal of Biliteracy. Builds school and nonprofit partnerships that turn plans into measurable results.

Lifeguard, 11-12, YMCA, Monitor pool activities and patron behavior to ensure safety, Work 4-5 hours per week

• Individual National Community Service Awards sponsored by the UNA, Ambassador Award (highest honor)
• The Minnesota Seal of Biliteracy Award, Gold Seal in Chinese (ACTFL Intermediate High)
• AP Scholar with Distinction
• National Merit Commended Scholar (PSAT)
• Varsity Swim Team Letter (4x)
• National Honor Society Letter (3x)
• Minnesota Association for Korean Americans (MAKA) Scholarship Winner
• Academic Letter of Excellence (4x)

• Assistant Teacher, 10-12, Daegon Korean School; Help K-3rd graders learn the Korean language on Sundays; Organize traditional holiday celebrations; Voted favorite teacher
• Founder and President, 10-12, Better Tomorrow Club, East Ridge High School; Invited guest speakers and shared statistics to raise homeless awareness; Raised $1,300 through various fundraising events; Led 40+ students on basic needs drives and donated 1,500+ sandwiches, 200 pounds of clothes, and 54 blankets to shelters
• Vice President, 12, National Honor Society, East Ridge High School; Organized Pennies for Patients event and raised $1,200; Administered Essential Items Drive and donated 200 winter coats and 900 pounds of personal care supplies
• Captain, 12, East Ridge High School Varsity Swim Team; Inspire a strong sense of family in the team and coordinate various team events; All conference 9-12; Varsity 9-12; State team 10-12
• Class Representative, 9-12, Asian American Student Union, East Ridge High School; Partner with the school board to help resolve racism issues; Run various cultural events; Modeled for culture fair fashion shows
• Samulnori Teacher, 9-12, Korean Culture Camp; Taught Samulnori (Korean traditional drumming) to 120+ campers who are mostly Korean adoptees; Guided them to foster a sense of pride and confidence in their heritage
• English Tutor, 11-12, East Ridge High School; Tutor English to an ESL student
• Chinese Tutor, 10-12, Zoom learning; Tutor Chinese to an elementary school student
• Youth Group President, 11-12, Laudato Si’ Grant Earth Project, St. Andrew Kim’s Catholic Church; Led a group initiative in summer 2024 to craft a policy paper on the climate change impact on MN BIPOC communities and submitted it to the Governor’s Climate Cabinet; Received a grant from the Vatican/Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
• Member, 5-11, South East Metro Sharks Swim Club; Practiced swimming 18 hours per week for 7 years

Research Assistant, 11, Southwest Minnesota State University, Assisted Dr. Hwang with a research project in the summer of 2024, and devised a survey for data collection regarding the impacts of cultural background on consumer behavior

Community Engagement Liaison, 11, South Washington County School District, Initiated a book drive and donated over 2,000 books to local elementary schools, Collected and distributed basic needs and school supplies to support low-income families in my district