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Iu Mien Student Conference

Honoring 25 Years of the Iu Mien Student Conference

Our Mission

Founded in 1999 by Dr. Chiem-Seng Yaangh, the Iu Mien Student Conference (IMSC) was created with an ambitious mission — to empower and uplift Iu Mien youth through higher education, leadership, and cultural preservation. Through motivational speakers, interactive workshops, and community collaboration, Iu Mien youth were inspired to embrace their cultural identity, strengthen leadership skills, and envision themselves thriving in college and beyond.

Collaboration and Leadership

The success of IMSC was built on the power of partnership. Over the years, school districts, local colleges, community businesses, and countless volunteers came together to make this vision a reality. The conference was primarily hosted at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), with a short run at UC Davis (IMSC 13–16) and one year at the Sam Pannell Community Center (IMSC 21) during the pandemic. Two local public school districts played a vital role by recruiting students, providing chaperones, and coordinating transportation. Organized and led entirely by volunteers—many of whom were once IMSC participants—the planning committee handled logistics, developed workshops, built partnerships, engaged community leaders and businesses, and raised funds through grassroots efforts such as car washes and food fairs.

25 Years of Impact

  • 22 unforgettable conferences
  • 8,000 students empowered
  • 700 parents reached
  • 1,000 volunteers engaged
  • $50,000 in scholarships awarded

Mission: COMPLETE

After 25 years and 22 conferences, the IMSC mission is complete! On October 9, 2025, during the Iu Mien Community Services (IMCS) “Honoring Our Journey” Banquet, we reflected on our shared journey and celebrated the incredible conference chairs whose leadership, dedication, and unwavering support made this milestone possible. If you’ve ever attended, volunteered, or supported IMSC — you are part of this legacy. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. While this conference chapter closes, the IMSC legacy will live on through the continued promotion of Iu Mien culture and scholarship opportunities for future generations.

Stay Connected

  • Check back here in early 2026 for scholarship applications.
  • Donate today to help fund future scholarships and continue empowering Iu Mien youth.
  • imscscholarship@gmail.com

More information: IMSC History and IMSC Past Committees