Comprised of 20 young American China scholars, the Public Intellectuals Program expands and deepens the scholars' knowledge of aspects of China beyond their own specialties and encourages their active engagement as public intellectuals both within and beyond their professional and geographic communities.

Two years before normalization of relations, program provides young American elected officials and others involved in local and state politics with an opportunity to meet with their counterparts and increase their understanding of China.

Two-way exchange seeks to help raise the level of discourse in Chinese news media about HIV/AIDS and related issues, call attention to society’s attitudes towards marginalized groups, encourage community involvement in finding solutions, and stimulate policy debates on a national response.