Long Beach, CA — What began as a creative solution to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has blossomed into one of our most impactful and enduring programs. Now in its 5th year, the Digital Pen Pal Program (DPPP) has connected more than 500 high school and college students from Long Beach with peers across the globe, fostering friendships, cultural literacy, and future-ready leadership.

Launched in 2020 as a partnership between the Long Beach–Qingdao Sister City Association, California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and Qingdao University of Technology (QUT), the program was initially developed to maintain international connections when travel came to a halt. Since then, it has expanded to include Sister City partners in Mexico, China, and Cambodia.

The program pairs students based on shared interests and guides their virtual exchanges with creative prompts exploring daily life, global issues, and the role of port cities in international trade, linking local identity with global awareness. Students also complete final creative projects that reflect their cross-cultural dialogue. In 2024, the program awarded over $5,000 in scholarships to students with outstanding submissions, recognizing excellence in reflection, expression, and international understanding.

“This program gives our students a global lens,” said Program Managers. “It’s more than just writing letters, it’s about learning to lead with empathy and seeing the world beyond your neighborhood.”

The program culminates in an annual recognition ceremony at Long Beach City Hall for high school students, and an awards event hosted by LBCC for college participants. Dignitaries from partner institutions, the Mayor of Long Beach, state officials, and representatives from global ports and education sectors have praised the program’s innovative approach to diplomacy.

Sponsored by the Miller Foundation, Qingdao Port, and the Port of Long Beach, DPPP has become a scalable model for citizen diplomacy, especially in port cities like Long Beach where local industries, education, and international trade are deeply connected. Students have gone on to meet their pen pals during official delegations, volunteer with Sister Cities of Long Beach, and pursue careers inspired by the connections made through this program.

In a time of growing international complexity, the Digital Pen Pal Program remains a beacon of hope for the next generation of global leaders, one message at a time.