On July 31, 2009, the Education Economic Seminar Series held its first meeting at the Center for Chinese Agricultural Policy (CCAP). Professor Linxiu Zhang moderated the meeting, while Doctor Yingquan Song jumpstarted the series by presenting his research on the "Information and Educational Choices of Junior High Students in Rural China."

The meeting was attended by various professors and graduate students from universities and research institutions in both China and America, including CCAP, Stanford University, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Peking University, Beijing Normal University, and Renmin University. Doctor Song's presentation was followed by a heated and in-depth discussion. Attendees debated and brainstormed ideas for the next step in Song's research.

During the meeting, Professor Linxiu Zhang, the co-director of REAP and the deputy director of  CCAP, introduced the idea behind the Seminar Series. Jointly founded by REAP, CCAP, Peking University's China Institute for Educational Finance Research, and Beijing Normal University's School of Economics and Business Administration, the goal of the Seminar Series is to foster creative dialogue among researchers on the development of Education Economics and its role in society. They plan to meet each quarter to discuss fresh ideas and exchange research results. Professor Scott Rozelle from Stanford University, also the co-director of REAP, stresses that once the Seminar Series has started, it needs to continue in order to provide a platform for continuous dialogue among those in the field.

REAP Director Scott Rozelle gave a talk to investment group Dodge and Cox Investments entitled "China’s Shifting Economy, the Plight of Migrant Workers and Shaping the Hope for China’s Recovery/Future Development: China’s Education Challenge."