From 1872 to 1875, 120 Chinese children were chosen and sent for the scheduled 15-year program, which aimed to transfuse new blood into the dying empire.

They became the first group of Chinese students to be officially sent abroad by reform-minded officials in the government. The program was named "The Chinese Educational Mission".

The history was little known by the public until a TV documentary titled Boy Students was released in 2004 by China Central Television.

In contrast to the anti-Chinese immigrant climate years later, when riots and even lynching occurred, the boys were warmly welcomed. On average, 60 local families applied to host each of the Chinese visitors.

One boy wrote in his diary: "A kind white lady came to pick me up, and she hugged and kissed me. My friends burst into laughter and I turned flushed - it might be the first time I was kissed by another person except my mother."

Most of the boys overcame language and cultural barriers.

Wu Yangzeng was a bright student who absorbed knowledge like a sponge. Curious about mechanisms, Wu was among the earliest people in Hartford to ride on the newly invented bicycle.