Alex Chen is a student at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in the United States. He has demonstrated strong interests in economics, debate, and community service. Through academic competitions and charitable initiatives, he combines his leadership skills with a commitment to creating opportunities for others.
Academic Achievements in Economics and Debate
Alex has earned recognition in several economics and debate competitions. In 2024, he led his team to 1st place in the Northwestern Economics Tournament. He also guided another team to a 4th-place finish in the State Finals of the National Economics Competition.
Beyond economics, Alex has demonstrated his public speaking and debating abilities. He qualified for the 2024 Catholic Nationals (NCFL), a national speech and debate tournament. These achievements reflect his ability to analyse complex topics, develop arguments, and work effectively with teammates.
Leadership and Community Service
Beyond academics, Alex is passionate about expanding educational opportunities for students. In May 2023, he founded Connect and Learning, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to connecting students through education.
As its founder and CEO, Alex established a programme that connected 125 students in the United States with 153 students in China. Through this initiative, participants completed more than 1,000 English as a Second Language (ESL) learning sessions. The programme created opportunities for students to practise English and learn from peers in another country.
In addition, Alex organised a fundraising campaign that raised more than $5,000 to support charitable organisations in China. The initiative also directly sponsored 22 high school students in rural China.
Through Connect and Learning, Alex has demonstrated how student-led initiatives can support education and international collaboration. Moreover, his fundraising efforts reflect his commitment to helping communities with limited educational resources.
Alex’s experiences highlight his interests in economics, communication, and social impact. By combining academic achievements with nonprofit leadership, he continues to use his skills to create educational opportunities and support students across different communities.
Ready to explore research in economics, education, and social impact?
Turn your interests in economics, international development, and education into an original research project with guidance from experienced professor mentors at CCIR Academy.
Download the CCIR Research Programme Prospectus to explore our 170+ research areas, learn about our professor mentors from leading universities, and discover our Cambridge Future Scholar and 1-on-1 Research Mentorship programmes, student outcomes, and application process.
