Despite the fact that our realities are becoming both increasingly globalized and lived behind screens, there is a simultaneous push to develop community-oriented projects that favor sustainable solutions at home, and it’s these two areas of focus that will be front and center at the Leadership Innovation & Future Thinking (LIFT) High School Forum.

Hosted by Yale Center Beijing and Philanthropy in Motion (PIM), LIFT will run from October to December, during which time students will develop a project that addresses the issues laid out under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The program requires one session each month at Yale Center Beijing, which is further supplemented by online mentorship sessions.

By the end of the forum, the teams will have completed a project design, presented it to a panel of judges, and received critical feedback, culminating in a program certificate and/or letter of recommendation for those ideas that are truly exceptional. Additionally, students will have the chance to enter their projects in some of the biggest international and domestic competitions such as “China Thinks Big.”

Though there is an application process, and space is limited, selected students can expect Ivy League-level instruction through workshops led by PIM Co-Founder and Yale graduate, Jasmine Lau, as well as Yale’s Tsai City Program Director, Onyeka Obiocha. What’s more, students will be working under the mentorship of members from Harvard, Columbia, Oxford, and more.

PIM Co-Founder and Yale graduate, Jasmine Lau

The deadline to apply is September 16, and requires an application, a deposit of RMB 2000, and two short-answer essays.

Eligible applicants should be in grades 9-12, be proficient in English (scores of 80 or higher on TOEFL and similar English level tests are recommended), be able to contribute to discussions and work in a team setting, and are self-motivated with a desire to challenge oneself.

If selected, the overall program fee is RMB 26,800, and includes participation in the forum for both online and offline sessions, as well as lunch during the on-site sessions. For an additional fee, Yale Center Beijing can arrange hotel accommodation near the campus. And for friends who want to apply together, there is a 5% “buddy discount.” Last, but certainly not least, one lucky candidate who demonstrates financial need will be awarded the merit-based PIM Fellowship, a full fee waiver on the entire program.

While acceptance to the program is contingent on each applicant’s abilities, enrollment is first-come, first-served. So hurry up and get those applications in.

For more information, and to apply, visit https://pimchina.org/en/lift/

Photos: PIM, Phi Foundation

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page.

Family Fun

Samajam Kids Show -You Are the Show! In Beijing, Fri-Sun until Jul 1
All ages. Samajam Kids Show is a new concept, a participatory musical show, in which all participants receive several musical instruments during the performance. RMB 180-350 (visit this page to buy tickets). 10.30am. Tianqiao Arts Center. (400 610 3721, 1010 3721, ponypiao@aliyun.cn)

America’s Backyard BBQ: AmCham China 2018 Independence Day Party, Jun 30
All ages. AmCham China invites everyone to celebrate American Independence Day on Saturday, June 30 at JW Marriott Hotel’s buffet restaurant, terrace and newly renovated garden. This Saturday backyard BBQ lunch offers America’s best treats and snacks to celebrate the 242nd Independence Day of the US. RMB 550 (adult), RMB 250 (child). For tickets, visit this page. 11am-8pm. JW Marriott.

Little Kickers Beijing Football Trial Class, until Jun 30
Kids 1.5+. These trial sessions take place every Saturday and are play-oriented for kids aged from 1.5 to 5. Everybody is welcome to experience a series of football games in a fun environment. Class times: 9.15-10am (ages 1.5-2.5), 10.15-11am (2.5-3.5), 11.15-noon (3.5-5). Ivy Nursery Sanlitun. (WeChat ID: LK-BJ-10001)

Work Your Body Out

Flowing into Femininity Circle, Jun 27
Adults. When women hold trauma in their bodies, it will be manifested in different ways. When trauma is healed and released, a shift happens in life and we can begin to embody our own truth. Andreia Peres invites women to a morning of love where we will use different techniques to release stagnant energy, connect with the earth, work our primal source of energy, our sexual energy, embody our emotions through intuitive dance and release trauma through drumming therapy. RMB 200. 10.30am-12.30pm. OASIS International Hospital.

Ballet for Fun, Fitness, and Fineness, until Jun 29
Ages 4-7. Prima Ballerina aims to bring passion, fun, and creativity to every class, nurturing each students’ love of the art form through their practice, dedication, and creativity. This form of ballet training breaks through classical teaching methods and builds children’s passion for dance through a variety of games, sounds, and musical styles. The classes take place every Friday and will be taught by Elyn Wang, an ex-soloist ballerina for the National Ballet of China, who has over five years experience teaching children at the National Ballet and at private ballet studios around Beijing. RMB 160-220 per class. 4.30-5.20pm. Prima Ballerina at Beijing Language and Cultural Center for Diplomatic Missions in Sanlitun. (WeChat ID: Elyn0318, 139 1158 8951)

Yoga with Mulang, every Wed and Fri until Jul 13
Adults. Join instructor Mulang for a positive flow yoga class at Ramo on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Bring your own yoga mat and your friends to this fun class. RMB 60 (sign up via the QR code on the poster). 10.30-11.30am. Ramo Restaurant & Bar.

Adult Gymnastics, every Tue and Thu until Jul 19
Adults. Sports Beijing will launch a very interesting program of adult gymnastics, which can help us stretch the body, shape muscles, and enhance physical coordination. This project will combine the gymnastics and yoga, and participants will learn some gymnastics movements like rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. RMB 160 per week (visit this page to register). 1.30-2.30pm. Sports Beijing.

State of the Arts

St. Florian Boys’ Choir at the NCPA, Jun 29
All ages. The St. Florian Boys’ Choir in Austria is one of the world-renowned choirs with the most tradition. Production of sacred music is still one of the most important functions of the boys’ choir. Apart from this, they are also musical ambassadors for Austria everywhere in the world. See them at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on June 29. RMB 80-400 (buy tickets here). 7.30pm. NCPA.

Yale Midsummer Night’s Concert, Jun 29
All ages. This chamber concert will feature four representative masterpieces from the Classical, the Romantic, and the Modern period. Experience the whole range of Western classical music from France, Russia, Germany and Austria at an extraordinary evening of chamber music with two Yale alumni and a Yale student. RMB 120, RMB 60 (students). Visit this page for more info. 6.30-8.30pm. Yale Center Beijing.

Art Book in China at M Woods, Jun 29-Jul 6
All ages. Check out abC Art Book Week at M Woods where everybody can find magazines and art from a variety of imprints and artists with special spotlights on Indiemags from Germany, Japanese photo editions from Einstein Studio, and the Desktop Art Fair. See this page to register and see the list of publishers and organizations. Noon-7pm. M Woods.

Learn Henna With Yeyin at Yichang Café, Jul 1
Kids 12+. Yichang Cafe is hosting classes in henna painting, taught by Ye Yin. The last class of the course explores and discusses the infinite possibilities of making home decorations with henna decoration. RMB 300. 2-4pm. Yichang Cafe.

Film and Stage Acting Workshops by Beijing Fringe Theatre, until Jul 7
All ages. Beijing Fringe Theatre offers various acting classes and specialty acting workshops for stage and film, with a focus on monologues, audition, scene work, and accent dilution. The theatre produces live shows, which give actors opportunities to practice and hone the craft of acting. No experience is necessary, but a passion for the world of acting and a desire to learn and succeed is preferred. Contact  137 1791 3029 or info@beijingfringetheatre.org for more information about the time and fees.

Feed Your Mind

Alpha Course – Explore the Big Questions of Life, Jun 27
All ages. Alpha is an opportunity to freely explore your unique questions about life, faith, and God. It is a series of interactive sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. The summer season goes from June 20 through August. New guests are welcome to visit until July 11. Free admission but the event is open to foreign passport holders only. Scan the QR code on the poster for more info. 7-9.15pm. Beijing International Christian Fellowship (BICF).

Mindful Mothers, every Wed until Jun 27
Adults. Join the Beijing Mindfulness Center for the Mindful Mother meditation series; three maternal meditations which focus on rejuvenating the woman’s body, mind, and spirit. If you are a first-time expecting mother or a mother of many years, it is essential to maintain your energy and life balance. Join a community of mothers who desire to renew their life source from within. RMB 150 per session. 10-11.30am. Beijing Mindfulness Center, No.44, Qian Yong Kang Hutong, Dongcheng. 北京市东城区前永康胡同44号 (6403 4923, hello@beijingmindfulness.com)

More Events

Caterpillar Chinese Reading Club, every Tue until Jun 26
All ages. The Caterpillar Chinese Reading Club is a book club for those who are English-speaking and trying to learn Chinese, and need some friends! The club invites Chinese learners of all levels and everyone to bring their own learning goals. The session will start with a fluent Chinese community member sharing about a book they recently read and help others practice listening and communication. In the next portion, the group members will share personal goals, and then try and converse about what everyone read and learned in Chinese. Free to attend. From 8pm. Bookworm. Scan the QR code on the poster for more details.

Beijing Coffee Wine Festival, Jun 27-29
Adults. An annual coffee and cocktail event in Beijing, the 2018 Beijing Coffee Wine Festival is a social gathering for coffee and cocktail lovers from around the country. With over 30 popular cafes and bars, the festival-goers can expect a smorgasbord of immersive experiences. Experience classic flavors and new concoctions, intense competitions, exciting activities and promotions all at the 2018 Beijing Coffee and Wine Festival. RMB 20 (visit this page for more info). 9am-5pm. China National Convention Center.

River Blue Documentary Screening, Jun 28
Adults. River Blue, narrated by Jason Priestly, brings awareness to the destruction of some of the world’s most vital rivers through the manufacture of our clothing, but it will also act as a demand for significant change from in the textile industry from top fashion brands. Free admission. For more information, scan the QR code in the image. 7pm. Crossboundaries.

Conscious Africans Cultural Day Event, Jun 29
Adults. Conscious Africans Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization based in Beijing with the sole objective of harnessing the potential and resources of the Africans in China and beyond for the benefit of the motherland. The network celebrates their first anniversary with the best of African culture and razzmatazz. Free admission. Scan the QR code on the poster for more details. 5-10pm. The Bookworm.

British University Pub Quiz, Jun 29
Adults. Ever faced off with friends and colleagues about whose university was best? Now it’s time to show them who’s boss and win the title University Pub Quiz Champion! Get your university team together and come on down to the British Embassy on Friday, June 29 to compete in the ultimate British University Pub Quiz. RMB 50. See poster for more details. The Bell (in the British Embassy). (soasaab@outlook.com).

Didn’t see your event here? Make sure to upload your family-friendly activities on our website. See this page for more info on how to upload your event.

Photos: Courtesy of Yichang Cafe (featured photo) and events organizers.

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our event page.

Spring Fairs and Pre-Summer Parties

For a list of upcoming similar activities, visit Your Spring Fair Calendar: Celebrate the Season of Blossom and Sunshine at These Schools

INN Spring Bazaar – Take 2 and Fashion Show, May 16
All ages. Join the International Newcomers Network (INN) on May 16th at the Hilton Beijing rooftop in Liangmaqiao for the INN Spring Bazaar – Take 2! There will be 30+ fabulous vendors on hand and DJ Mookie-She to rock out the tunes. World-renowned fashion designer Chen Bei of Bei Garden fame along with her Beistyle brand will also attend the bazaar to share her fashion designs with everyone. 10am-3pm. Free to attend. The Hilton Beijing, Liangmaqiao. (WeChat ID: JulesBeijing)

Jazz in the Park & Identity Film Festival, May 18
All ages. Make your way to Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) for a jazz music festival featuring student, staff, and professional bands! There will be plenty of activities going on while you tap your toes to all of the live music going on. Bring along your picnic blanket and settle in under the stars as the silver screen lights up with films made by Beijing’s best international school student directors, producers, and actors. Free. 7-9pm. WAB (5986 5588; wabinfo@wab.edu).

Rock in the Park & WAB Fun Fair, May 19
All ages. Join the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) community at the biggest outdoor event of the school year! The WAB Fun Fair features games, water attractions, and activities for the little ones, while Rock in the Park is an all-day music festival for everyone. Rock out on the WAB campus while enjoying food and drinks from your favorite Beijing vendors, as well as booths from dozens of local businesses and organizations. Free. 9am-5pm. WAB. (wabinfo@wab.edu; kjiao@wab.edu).

BIBA Family Fair, May 19
All ages. Come and join in all the fun at Beijing International Bilingual Academy’s (BIBA) 2018 Family Fair. Open to the public to enjoy games, shopping, food, student performances, and a day of fun that’s suitable for the whole family. Free. 9.30am-3.30pm. Beijing International Bilingual Academy (8041 0390; adam@bibachina.org).

ISB Spring Fair 2018, May 19
All ages. The annual International School of Beijing (ISB) Spring Fair is a community event and expat fair full of games, raffles, shopping, and food. Pulled together by Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) volunteers, more than 5,000 visitors will attend the event and over 200 sponsors and vendors are slated to participate. The Spring Fair offers child-friendly carnival games, shopping with unique and artisan vendors, grand prize raffle draws, delicious food from a wide variety of Beijing and international cuisines, and of course, live entertainment. Free. 10am-5pm. International School of Beijing (springfair@isb.bj.edu.cn).

Unity Day at Daystar Academy, May 19
All ages. This year’s Unity Day, hosted by Ivy Education Group, promises to be its most celebrated one yet! Highlights include a marquee performance by Yale University’s all gender a cappella group the Redhot & Blue, Beijing’s award-winning soul/funk/R&B band Tavey Lean & the Solid Gold Dream Machine, bouncy castles, activity booths, delicious food, and much more! Free. 3-8pm. Daystar Academy (8446 4189 ext. 817; Lindsay.bian@ivygroup.org).

Vegan Outreach Dinner @ ARORA, May 16
All ages. Vegans of Beijing holds an outreach dinner with Israeli dishes from guest chef Sharon Dekel. The dinner takes place on May 16. Starts 7pm. RMB 160 (includes a five-course meal and a drink). Extract the QR code on the poster above to book tickets. Vegans of Beijing. ARORA No. 110, Tower 11, Central Park, No. 6 Chaowaidajie, Chaoyang. (WeChat ID: S12sherr, 151 1014 0741, sarah.lovatt@hotmail.com).

Italian Summer Party on Annie’s Ritan Rooftop, May 19
Adults. Annie’s Ritan presents an Italian summer party on their rooftop. Don’t miss the cold cuts, hot buffet, free-flow beer and wine. Bring your favorite dance moves and dance together with Annie’s special DJ, Party Party. 6.30-9.30pm. RMB 150 (entrance fee). Annie’s. (RSVP 8569 3031, 8569 3013, WeChat ID: anniesmarlon)

Bloom with These Workshops 

Women’s Retreat Beijing: Be You, May 19-20
Adults. Give Mom a break this May and send her off for a women-only retreat which promises to nourish body and soul. “Be You” takes place on May 19-20 in the luxurious surroundings of East Hotel, and includes an icebreaking hula hoop session, spa time, a workshop with a life coach, a comedy show, and a goodie bag. RMB 2,100 (solo package), RMB (1,800 per person for a duo package). East Hotel Beijing. (WeChat: BerryThoughtfulLife, paulus155, pflivanhasselt@yahoo.com)

Volunteering: How Helping Others Helps You, May 16
All ages. BeHive and SCO Countries Youth League invite everyone to their co-hosted workshop on May 16. Participants at the workshop will explore why volunteering matters for personal and professional development, and hear from an experienced community leader on how to make the most of your volunteer experience. RMB 40 (RMB 20 for students with an ID card), inclusive of food and light refreshments. University of International Business and Economics, Qiu Zhen Building, International Students Library, 1st floor. For more info, scan the QR code on the poster above.

You at YOUR BEST: A Beijing Women’s Network Health Living Series Event, May 17
Adults. Join the Beijing Women’s Network Healthy Living Series workshop “You at Your Best,” as they hope to inspire women to wake up the BEST YOU and have fun! There will be some time allocated for participants to reflect on their personal life and painting it out (no need to be skilled). The workshop is divided into: (1) mindfulness meditation (sit quietly and focusing on natural breathing), (2) mindful painting (meditating with the brush in hands), and (3) group reflection, sharing, and Q&A. 7-9pm. RMB 60 (book tickets here). Beijing Women’s Network. TIE Family Club, Rm 102, Unit 1, Bld 9, Yard 2, Guomeidiyicheng Compound, Qingnian Rd, Chaoyang District (5 mins biking from Metro Line 6, Qingnian Road, Joy City Shopping Mall, Exit B) 北京朝阳区青年路国美第一城2号院9号楼1单元102. (gianinacornea@yahoo.com).

Tea Talk-Understanding and Helping Children with Anxiety, May 18
Adults. 3e International School’s “Tea Talk” for May helps parents learn how to understand, support, and help their children grow to become emotionally resilient. Children growing up in the current environment continue to experience many daily pressures and may have difficulty dealing with or expressing their anxious feelings. This workshop will help parents identify when their children need support and help parents guide children through effective communication and tools for their life journey ahead. Presented by Dr Yun-Ju Wang, LIH Olivia’s Place Psychology consultant. Free. 9am-10:30am. 3e International School (community@3einternationalschool.org).

More Upcoming Events

Music Under the Stars Musical Series at Daystar Academy, May 15 and 22
All ages. Ivy Education Group presents the sounds of an all-cello rock ensemble, the Low Strung from Yale University. Hear up close and personal insights from Yale students, along with their recommendations and takeaways from life at Yale, followed by a performance from the all gender a cappella group the Redhot & Blue (May 22, 6.30-8.30pm). RMB 60-100. Daystar Academy (8446 4189 ext. 817, Lindsay.bian@ivygroup.org).

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning at BSB Shunyi, May 17
Adults. The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi is hosting this months’ International Newcomers Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning. Join them on May 17 “where new and seasoned expats connect.” 10am-noon. Free to attend. The British School of Beijing (BSB), Shunyi, Chatterbox Cafe (8047 3588, www.bsbshunyi.com)

The Rescue: A Live Film-Concerto, May 16
All ages. Chabad Beijing presents The Rescue, the story of Jose Arturo Castellanos, a Salvadoran diplomat who saved tens of thousands from the Holocaust in Nazi Germany. There will be a screening of the documentary film by Alvaro and Boris Castellanos, with a special live musical soundtrack performance by the Castellanos ensemble. The film will be followed by a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting the Jewish History of China Museum in Beijing. Starts 7.30pm. For info about ticket prices, email info@chabadbeijing.cn. Beijing United Family Hospital Auditorium.

Kentucky Derby: The American Ball, May 19
Adults. AmCham China’s famous Silent and Live Auction returns with an array of luxury, home, travel, fashion and dining bargains for one night only! Proceeds from the ball will support local charitable causes, including NBA Cares. The program starts from 5.30pm. RMB 1,450 (individual ticket; book here). AmCham China. China World Hotel, Beijing No. 1 Jianguomen Outer Street. (Su Cheng Harris-Simpson, 5869 3772, theamericanball@amchamchina.org).

World on Campus: 2018 Beijing Normal University International Culture Festival, May 20
All ages. Beijing Normal University, located north of the Second Ring Road, holds its International Culture Festival on May 20, which begins with a national flag parade followed by cultural performances on stage. Attendees will have the chance to explore the international booths set up by students, play carnival games, or even learn how to make a bowl of lamian. Free to attend. 9am-5pm. Beijing Normal University.

The True Cost Documentary Screening, May 24
Adults. The Beijing Clothing Auction Network, Live With Less, and The Bulk House are hosting a screening of The True Cost, a documentary film about clothing. Filmed in countries all over the world, from the brightest runways to the darkest slums, and featuring interviews with the world’s leading influencers including Stella McCartney, Livia Firth, and Vandana Shiva, The True Cost is a project that invites us on an eyeopening journey around the world, and into the lives of the many people and places behind our clothes. RMB 60, RMB 40 (advance). 7-9pm. The Bookworm (130 7116 2353).

Photos: TheDigitalArtist via Pixabay; courtesy of event organizers