ABOUT US

Upward Bound Study Center (“UBSC”) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to serve low-income immigrants in the San Gabriel Valley of the Greater Los Angeles area since 1990.

With the support of local schools in the Alhambra and Garvey School Districts, UBSC has provided educational services to the community mainly through our after-school programs for students from 3rd to 12th grades, and also through adult education in the evenings for working adults.

With the growing population of Asian Americans in the San Gabriel Valley, UBSC will continue its commitment to empower underprivileged immigrants to build a harmonious and loving community whose members achieve their American dreams and contribute to society.

UBSC strives to empower new immigrants to address their needs holistically and build a community of self-sufficient individuals and families who will contribute to society. UBSC provides quality after-school tutoring programs to elementary, middle and high school students to help them meet their academic needs, and prepare them for college. As well as, evening programs for working adults to help enrich their skills.

UBSC offers summer programs and weekend activities to help cultural assimilation, such as college exploration tours and visitating museums and landmarks. UBSC also holds workshops for the community that cover topics like “The Affordable Healthcare Act and Enrollment through the Covered California Exchange,” “Preparing for Tax Filing,” “Meeting Local City Council Members,” and “Traffic Regulations in the US and Basic ‘Know-Hows’ for New Immigrants.” These topics provided crucial and valuable information to new immigrants.

Andrew Kwong

Chairperson

Andrew Kwong came to the United States from Hong Kong in 1972. After receiving a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Southern California, he has been an active community pharmacist for over 40 years. Andrew constantly looks for opportunities to serve the community beyond his profession. He believes education is one of the best ways to help new immigrants and has been involved in Upward Bound Study Center since 2000.

Kevin Hu

Secretary

Kevin Hu, after graduating from USC with a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Kevin Hu spent 18 years as a design engineer and a manager in the defense, semiconductor, and consumer electronics industries. Responding to God’s calling in 2012, Kevin started his theological studies while serving at Upward Bound Study Center as a volunteer teacher and a board member. He joined the church-planting effort by FEC-Arcadia church in Monterey Park in 2013. Kevin serves the new immigrants through listening, teaching, consultation, and community building. He teaches at Upward Bound Study Center and is a minister at the new church plant GCDC in Monterey Park.

Howard Yang

Terasurer

Howard Yang joined UBSC and served at board member for over twenty years. He works as IT Director with California Medical Business Services. He is member of FEC Arcadia church and married for 35 years and have two children.

Jonathan Fung

Board Member

Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Southern California, with a BS in Accounting, and the University of Michigan Law School, where he earned his JD. Currently, he serves as the Director of Legal Services of the Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley (IRCSGV), a nonprofit ministry of Mountainside Communion. The IRCSGV assists local immigrant families who are undocumented or survivors of crimes in their process of becoming US citizens. Jonathan attends Church of the Redeemer with his wife Liz and had spent his earlier years with First Evangelical Church, Arcadia. He is passionate about welcoming immigrant families into the community.

Lynn Du Tran

Board Member

Lynn Dutran was a Vietnamese refugee. She had been a former banker for 22 years. Lynn is a realtor since 2005 plus financial services professional since 2014. Responding to God’s calling in 2012, Lynn has joined Upward Bound Study Center as a volunteer for the listening campaign, annual fundraising campaign, and board member. As an immigrant to the USA, it took her years to learn English, adopt the culture, achieve American dreams, and contribute to society. The mission of UBSC has carried on for 30+ years and has a profound impact on her. She wants to serve those new immigrants who eventually can adopt the culture, achieve their American dreams and build a better community. Praise to the Lord!

Sandy Chan

Board Member

Sandy Chan is a dedicated board member with a passion of education and community service. As a mother of three, she deeply understand the importance of quality of education and the needs of students. Sandy’s commitment to helping others began as a volunteer adult English teacher at the UBSC study center. After graduated in Computer Information System at Cal Poly Pomana, she became an application developer in a financial sector. In 2016, Sandy made a career transition and became a realtor.  She is gratitude for the UBSC community inspired her to give back in a meaningful way. She volunteered to rebuild UBSC website, creating a fresh and user-friendly online platform for students, parents, and staff. 

David Lam

Director of Operations

David Lam was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a double major in Economics. After earning extensive operation management woring as a General Manager at Panda Express for over seven years, David responded to God’s calling by serving at Upward Bound Study Center as a TechMission Intern (AmeriCorps) in 2011 under the direction of Mary Liang-Shu before becoming the Director of Operations in 2014. David likes to go on road trips to different parts of the world in his spare time. 

Connie

Center Coordinator 

Connie and her son immigrated from China and joined UBSC in 2019. Connie was a teacher in China for over 20 years, and she became one of UBSC teachers in 2020. She feels satisfied and joyful when the students make progress in their study.