OAKLAND, Calif. -- English-language learners have the lowest scores on the California High School Exit Exam and the lowest rates of college attendance in the state. Zhuanyi Deng hopes to change all that.

New America Media Education Editor Carolyn Ji Jong reports.

New America Media, News Report, by Carolyn Ji Jong Goossen, Posted: May 28, 2009

OAKLAND, Calif. -- English-language learners have the lowest scores on the California High School Exit Exam and the lowest rates of college attendance in the state. Zhuanyi Deng hopes to change all that.

Deng is part of a group of Cantonese-speaking low-income students who went to high school largely unaware that they had to take a certain set of courses to be eligible to attend the University of California or California State University. They are determined not to let other students meet the same fate.
Zhuanyi Deng and MuTing Cen, members of Asian Immigrant
Women Advocates youth group, work on their speeches.

Nationwide Vigils held for Journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee in court June 4 in N. Korea

Vigils for Asian American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee will be held in cities across the U.S. on Wed., June 3.

The two employees of San Francisco-based Current TV - a media venture founded by former Vice President Al Gore - were arrested March 17 near the North Korean border while reporting on refugees living in China.

Both women, allegedly accused by North Korea of crossing into the country illegally from China and committing "hostile acts," will be tried on criminal charges on June 4th.

The organizers of the vigils hope to help influence a positive outcome for Laura and Euna. Supporters are asked to please bring candles to the vigils.

Vigil Locations

New York, N.Y.
Washington Square Park (The Fountain)
6:00 pm 8:00 pm

Washington, D.C.
Freedom Plaz
14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue
6:00 pm 8:00 pm

Chicago, Il.
Chinatown Square Plaza
Cermack and Wentworth Streets
7:30 pm 8:30 pm

Birmingham, Al.
Linn Park (tentatively)
223 Carrington Lane
7:00 pm 10:00 pm

Portland, Or.
South Park Blocks
SW Park Avenue from Salmon Street to Jackson Street
6:30 pm 8:00 pm

San Francisco, Ca.
Front Steps of San Francisco City Hall
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
6:00 pm 8:00 pm

Santa Monica, Ca.
Wokcano
1413 5th Street
7:00 pm 9:00 pm

Sacramento, CA.
L Wine Lounge & Urban Kitchen / California State Capitol Park
1801 L Street

Larry King talks with Lisa Ling and the families of detained U.S. journalists held in North Korea.

Embedded video from CNN Video

Candlelight vigils were held in 9 cities June 3 as American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee are in court in North Korea facing charges of "illegal entry" and "hostile acts."