From the New York Sun, another article (link) about the rising popularity of studying Chinese language:
What do a growing number of grade school students have in common with Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs? They all realize that China is the next big thing.
Just blocks from Wall Street, students at Manhattan’s newest private school, Claremont Preparatory, are busy sharpening their Chinese language skills…
“People who speak Chinese in the business world are getting the jobs quicker,” the head of Claremont, Shari Silverstein, said. “The Chinese economy and Chinese culture is becoming so prevalent and so strong and we do our best to prepare students for high school and college and then the world in general.”