After earning a master's degree from Princeton University and serving as President of the Chinese Students Christian Association, Yen returned to China in 1921 to head national mass literacy campaigns under the Chinese National YMCA. In 1923, Yen and leading intellectuals such as Liang Qichao, Hu Shih, and Tao Xingzhi formed  the National Association of Mass Education Movements (MEM).
After acquiring a master's degree from Princeton University and serving as President of the Chinese Students Christian Association, Yen returned to China in 1921 to oversee nationwide adult literacy initiatives under the Chinese National YMCA. In 1923, Yen and prominent intellectuals such as Liang Qichao, Hu Shih, and Tao Xingzhi established the National Association of Mass Education Movements (MEM).