Olga May Wong Memorial Public Service Scholarship Fund

As of 2024, the Olga May Wong Memorial Public Service Scholarship Fund is no longer available. It has been re-established as the Olga May Wong Policy Fellowship. Learn more about the fellowship here.

The Wong family is creating the Olga May Wong Memorial Public Service Scholarship Fund that will benefit Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander college students in their pursuit of public service, in honor of their family matriarch, loving wife, mother and grandmother, Olga May Wong, who passed peacefully on August 3, 2022, at the age of 94, surrounded by her husband, children, in-laws, and grandchildren.

One college student with an unpaid internship at a government office, federally or locally, in the U.S. will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship.

If you have any questions please contact kent.tong@ocanational.org.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must identify as an Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander.

  • Applicants must be a college/university student.

  • Applicants must have accepted an unpaid internship with a government office, federally or locally, in the U.S. with a start date between May 1, 2023 and December 1, 2023.

  • Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

  • Applicants must not be a child or dependent of:

    • an OCA National staff,

    • an OCA Executive Council member,

    • or OCA Business Advisory Council.

Application Requirements

  • Short Bio (in PDF format, 300 words max)

    • This should include your background, identity, school, major/minor, work/experience, interests, etc. This info will be used on our website and press release if you are selected. See examples here.

  • Academic Transcript (in PDF format; unofficial transcripts are acceptable)

    • The transcript must show your grades and GPA.

  • Resume (in PDF format)

    • One page front and back, i.e. two single-sided pages.

  • Letter of Recommendation (in PDF format)

    • This letter must not be from a friend or family member.

  • Internship Acceptance Letter (in PDF format)

    • This letter must be from the government office you have accepted an internship from with a statement in writing that the internship is unpaid.

    • The internship start date must be between May 1, 2023 and December 1, 2023.

  • Essay Response (in PDF format)

    • Essay Prompt: Olga May Wong was taken out of school when she was 8 years old and has always stressed the importance of education above all else. Why is education so important and how does access to educational opportunities allow the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community to advance in society? (500 words max)

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I receive the scholarship if I am selected as a scholarship recipient?

The scholarship will be sent directly to the student via check, and it will be considered taxable income, meaning you will be required to report it as income when you file taxes next tax season.

When will applicants be notified if they’re selected for this scholarship?

All applicants will be notified of their status by July 2023.

About Olga May Wong

Born in Jamaica, Olga came from very humble beginnings with no formal education. She met and married Bertie Wong, her husband of 65 years, in Kingston, Jamaica. A devoted mother to her children, she continually stressed the unity of family and cultural values, and improving one’s self and life through the pursuit of education. Seeking a better life and opportunities for her family, she made the difficult decision to move to the United States. Olga’s tenacity and resilience during those years were rewarded as she witnessed her 6 children attaining Masters or higher degrees, and all her grandchildren similarly on the same path. Her greatest joy was sharing in their accomplishments and successes, and spending time with her family.