Grantee Database
SHOONG FAMILY CHINESE CULTURAL CENTER
Grant Year
2025-26
Grant Program
Impact Projects
Award Amount
$20,750.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, SHOONG FAMILY CHINESE CULTURAL CENTER will launch the “From Source to Future” Community art project, which will culminate in a large-scale mural on its historic building in Oakland Chinatown. The project includes multi-generational, bilingual storytelling and calligraphy workshops with our community. The contributions of local youth, artists and elders will shape a collective narrative spanning the Center’s past, present, and future, as a community center in Chinatown since 1953. This creative intervention reclaims space for cultural pride, visibility, and belonging. It aims to amplify underrepresented voices, foster intergenerational connection, and spark civic revitalization in a neighborhood impacted by systemic inequities and the pandemic. The mural will stand as a lasting symbol of resilience and healing—strengthening community ties and anchoring Oakland Chinatown’s cultural identity for future generations.
Organization Summary
We serve over 500 youth per week through these programs:
Chinese Language After-school Program (Monday through Friday) — Students receive daily Cantonese and Mandarin language instruction combined with arts and culture activities. We offer a comprehensive and rigorous language education. Our graduating students are well-prepared for the AP Chinese Language Exam. It is notable that we are one of the few language schools in the East Bay offering Cantonese instruction, helping preserve a heritage language underrepresented in academic institutions and to meet the needs of a diverse student body.
Saturday School — Weekend classes reinforce Chinese language skills and deepen arts and cultural learning.
Arts and Cultural Programs: We teach dance, music and traditional Chinese arts such as paper-cuts and calligraphy. In our annual calligraphy presentation, students showcase their skills in brush and ink, honoring a vital cultural art form that incorporates poetry and literature.
Storytelling and Speech Presentations: Students practice public speaking and storytelling. During this annual event language mastery is celebrated promoting student confidence and pride.
Traditional Dance Classes — Students learn and perform traditional Chinese dances, connecting to cultural heritage through movement.
Field Trips for the Arts — Educational outings to important cultural sites, such as Angel Island and the Oakland Museum of California deepen students’ understanding of poetry and visual arts in Chinese American history.
Summer Camp: Our full-day summer camp provides language immersion, arts, STEM activities, and field trips, supporting working families with affordable, high-quality care and education.
Youth Sports and Leadership Development: Since our founding, we’ve offered safe, supportive spaces for Asian Americans in youth sports.
East Bay Cardinals Competitive Team — Our basketball program serves a diverse group of players, including those from Tibetan, Vietnamese, Yemeni, Chinese, Laotian, and Cambodian backgrounds. Seasoned players mentor younger athletes, teaching discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
Organization
Shoong Family Chinese Cultural Center
Address
316 9TH ST
OAKLAND
94607-4212
County
Alameda
Region
Bay Area – Other
Phone
(510) 452-1204
