What We Do
Three interconnected programs that transform how young people find their voice.
Program 01
Open to non-US students in grades K–12 and US students in grades 3–12, our competition invites young speakers to research, write, and deliver original speeches on meaningful historical and social themes. For many participants — especially non-native English speakers — this is a profound act of linguistic courage.
Program 02
The annual Arts & Cultural Festival is the culmination of each year's program. Student award winners perform alongside international guest artists in a celebration of diverse cultural traditions — through music, visual art exhibitions, and live performances.
The festival is a showcase for the full diversity of the New York metropolitan area — Korean, Korean-American, Indian-American, South Asian, Chinese, African-American, and Latin American families come together on one stage, united by the arts.
Program 03
Leading up to the main event, we host a series of workshops that combine STREAM disciplines (Science, Technology, Reading/wRiting, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) with public speaking, leadership development, and cross-cultural dialogue.
These sessions provide vital networking opportunities for students, educators, and parents, creating connections that build lasting international awareness and community bonds.
Our History
Our inaugural event invited students to explore the meaning of American independence — what freedom means across different cultures, immigrant experiences, and generations. Students delivered original speeches on a world-class stage for the very first time.
The second event explored the enduring legacy of nonviolent resistance movements worldwide — from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to Gandhi — and what these lessons mean for young people navigating today's complex world. Audiences were deeply moved by the courage and depth of student speeches.
Featured artists: Andy Ezrin (piano), Won Gyu Choi (gayageum), Jin Won (dance) with tabla and harmonium, plus youth ensembles including the NYIVY Korean Performing Arts Youth Group, NJ Korea Dance Academy, and Little Feet Dance Company.
View official Carnegie Hall listing →Our upcoming third event will invite students to reflect on peace, dialogue, and reconciliation through the lens of a divided peninsula — one of the world's most enduring examples of a divided nation — helping the next generation understand the value of peaceful coexistence between allied nations.
School Partnerships
Bringing US STREAM to your students is simple and completely free. Here's everything your school needs to know.
Complete our simple school registration form. We welcome schools and groups with non-US students in grades K–12 and US students in grades 3–12, with a special focus on underserved communities.
Register Now →Enrolled schools receive our bilingual arts curriculum package — speech prompts, rubrics, cultural background materials, and preparation guides in English and heritage languages.
Request Materials →Students and teachers are invited to our pre-event STREAM workshops on public speaking, research skills, and cultural dialogue. Transportation support available for qualifying schools.
Learn More →Selected finalists perform at our annual ceremony. All participating students receive Certificates of Excellence. Winners receive trophies presented by invited government officials.
See Past Events →No. Participation is completely free for all students. Our program is fully funded through the generous support of grants, donors, and corporate sponsors, covering registration, curriculum materials, and event costs. Donations of any amount are always welcome and make a real difference in helping us carry out our mission. Donate →
We welcome non-US students in grades K–12 and US students in grades 3–12, with a special focus on students from underserved communities. Contact us if your school has students outside this range — we want to include as many voices as possible.
Absolutely not — and we actively celebrate non-native English speakers. Some of the most moving performances have come from children for whom English is a second or third language, delivering speeches with linguistic courage and cultural pride.
Both individual students and schools are welcome. Once the 2027 competition guidelines are announced, individual students can apply directly through our online registration form, and schools can register a group using the "Register Your School" button above. Registration details → Want to be the first to know? Sign up for updates or email info@usstream.org.
Our third annual event will explore peace, dialogue, and reconciliation through the lens of the Korean Peninsula's division — one of the world's most enduring examples of a divided nation — helping students understand the value of peaceful coexistence between allied nations.
