U.S. Southwestern Chinese Students and Scholars Association (SWCSSA)

The Southwestern Chinese Students and Scholars Association (SWCSSA), abbreviated as “美西南学联” in Chinese, covers more than 40 universities and colleges across the southwestern region of the United States, including Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, Utah, Colorado, and the Pacific Islands. In 2016, it officially became a federally recognized nonprofit organization under IRS 501(C)(3).

About SWCSSA

US Southwestern Chinese Students and Scholars Association

The Southwestern Chinese Students and Scholars Association (SWCSSA) aims to unite local Chinese student and scholar associations to serve the Chinese student community, promote Chinese culture, and foster educational and cultural exchanges between China and the United States. It serves as a bridge for student communication and a link connecting Chinese students and scholars across the southwestern United States.

SWCSSA’s main events are divided into two categories: recreational and practical. Signature events include the Southwestern Regional Intercollegiate Basketball Tournament, Chinese New Year Campus Gala, Entrepreneurship Competitions, and more. These activities are designed to help students adapt to life in the United States, immerse themselves and connect with local culture, and discover their future paths with confidence.

SWCSSA is committed to building a platform centered on community engagement and growth, striving to be a beacon of light that guides Chinese students and scholars on their journey forward.

Associated School List

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
University of California, Irvine(UCI)
University of California, Riverside (UCR)
University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
University of Southern California ( USC )
Pasadena City College (PCC)
El Camino College (ECC)
New York Film Academy (NYFA-LA)
Cal Poly Pomona (CPP)
Pepperdine University (PPD)
California State University, Long Beach ( CSULB )
California State University, Northridge ( CSUN )
California State University, Fullerton( CSUF )
Citrus college
Mt. San Antonio College(Mt Sac)
Riverside City College (RCC)
Orange Coast College (OCC)
Glendale Community College (GCC)
Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)
Santa Monica College (SMC)
Irvine Valley College (IVC)
San Diego State Univeristy (SDSU)
California State University, San Bernardino ( CSUSB )
University of San Diego (USD)
California State University, Los Angeles ( CSULA )
Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
University of La Verne (ULV)
The California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech)
East Los Angeles College (ELAC)
Occidental College (OXY)
Brigham Young University
Claremont Colleges
Northern Arizona University (NAU)
University of Arizona (UA)
Arizona State University (ASU)
University of Hawaii (UH)
Utah Valley University
Weber State University

SWCSSA Stats

2003+

Aiming to Provide a Long-Term Development Platform for International Students with multi-faceted approach

Since 2003, SWCSSA has been committed to providing comprehensive support for international students and scholars in the United States, encompassing academics, daily life, career development, social connection, and entertainment. Its mission is to help students navigate and overcome real-world challenges during their academic journey in the U.S.

42+

Supporting Diverse Growth and Enriching Cross-Cultural Experiences

As its regional presence has expanded, SWCSSA now spans seven states across the southwestern United States, connecting with 42 universities and colleges. It is dedicated to helping international students and scholars immerse themselves in diverse cultures and expand their global perspectives. Through various events and resources, SWCSSA fosters mutual understanding and cultural exchange between China and the United States, building bridges of friendly communication.

100+

Building an Interactive Platform to Empower Student Growth

Every year, SWCSSA and its local chapters organize more than 100 diverse events covering a wide range of areas, including culture, academic, sports, entertainment, and career development. Signature events include:
  • Intercollegiate Basketball Tournament: Involving over 20 universities, offering students opportunities to showcase their skills and practice teamwork.
  • Entrepreneurship Competition: Collecting over 200 projects to date, inspiring innovative thinking and hands-on experience among students.
  • Chinese New Year Campus Gala: Hosted by more than 15 universities, strengthening cultural identity and a sense of belonging among Chinese students.
  • Career Development Job Fairs: Attracting participation from over 100 companies, providing students with valuable internship and employment opportunities.
Read More

Event Highlights

SWCSSA 2025 Lunar New Year Temple Fair – Year of the Snake
Spring Festival Greetings from SWCSSA – 2016
SWCSSA 2025 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition
Spring Festival Greetings from SWCSSA – 2014
SWCSSA 10th Annual Intercollegiate Basketball Tournament
Traditional Imperial Costume Showcase – 2016

SWCSSA News

以赛场昂扬展学子风采,以青春热血铸诸校友谊。由美西南学联SWCSSA主办的第十届美西南地区高校篮球联谊赛总决赛于2025年5月18日在NBA洛杉矶快船队和湖人队的主场——洛杉矶Crypto竞技场落下帷幕。
由美西南学联与SparkHub联合主办的第五届“创新创业大赛”加州站于2025年3月22日在洛杉矶市中心777 Tower盛大举行。此次大赛以“梦想改变我们 我们改变未来”为主题,汇聚了来自各行各业的青年创业者、投资人、行业专家及高校精英,共同见证了一场思想碰撞与创新绽放的盛会