Khmer language has survived genocide, imperialism, and globalization. Now it needs your help to survive in our universities.

The only public university offering all three levels of Khmer does not have funding past the 2026-2027 academic year to keep the program running. For the 2026-27 academic year, the Khmer Language Program at the University of Washington has been reduced from a full-time program that once offered courses at all three levels to only offering Beginner Level Khmer due to federal budget cuts. If we lose this program, it will be much harder to bring it back, especially as universities and learning institutions across the country are facing cuts in funding.

We need to raise $100,000 by June 2027 for one full year of the Khmer Language Program

We are raising money equivalent to the funding needed for one full year of Khmer Language Program at UW to demonstrate community demand while also working with other community leaders who are advocating for funding at the state level to keep the program going for future generations. Donating to us sends a message to the university of how much the community values this program and makes your contribution part of something larger.

Help us preserve the Khmer language program at the University of Washington by donating to our cause

ងើបឈរដើម្បីភាសាខ្មែរ

This is a grassroots, community-led campaign to preserve the Khmer Language Program at the University of Washington through advocacy and fundraising. We are members of the Khmer diaspora and children of survivors of the Khmer Rouge genocide working to preserve our cultural identity and pass it on to future generations. We believe that the Khmer language connects us to our roots, heals generational wounds, and allows us to tell our stories.

We believe that without this program, Khmer Americans lose access to formal language education that is crucial to keep the language alive in the diaspora.

Follow us on Instagram @savekhmeratuw for updates and ways to support this cause

If you prefer to donate using check or cash, please send us an email at savekhmeratuw@tutamail.com for more information. You may also contact our fiscal sponsor, Cambodian American Community Council of Washington (CACCWA), at info@caccwa.org or 253-459-9522, or check out their donate page and let them know you want your donation to go towards Save Khmer at UW.

***We are not affiliated with the University of Washington, and all funds collected will be directly invested towards preserving the Khmer Language Program at the University of Washington***

Save Khmer at UW

Community-led fundraiser to help us preserve the Khmer Language program at the University of Washington