OCA Congratulates 2024 OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship Recipients
For Immediate Release
July 1, 2024
Media Contact:
Socheata Sun, Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org
Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the annual OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarships. This continues a longstanding commitment with the UPS Foundation to support first-generation AANHPI college students who exhibit academic achievement, leadership potential, and financial need.
Twelve high school graduates entering colleges and institutions across the nation will be awarded $2,000 each to cover tuition and school expenses.
The OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors is awarded to:
Jayanna Baptiste; Georgia Institute of Technology
Rchin Bari; Brown University
Kayla Imai; Chaminade University
Pattarin Khajornchaikul; University of California, Davis
Vanessa Kim; University of Michigan
Uttej Kollu; University of Southern California
Mercuri Lam; Yale University
Cody Pham; University of California, Los Angeles
Gracie Saechao; Shasta College
Sharon Sanju; University of Florida
Nive Tokotaha; Brigham Young University
Sky Vang; Minneapolis College of Art & Design
Full scholar biographies can be accessed here.
Additionally, four rising college seniors will each receive $2,500 to cover tuition and school expenses.
The OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship for Rising College Seniors is awarded to:
Kelly Huang; Stony Brook University
Brosnan Ika; University of Utah
Ying Li; New York University
Thy Nguyen; University of Washington - Seattle
Full scholar biographies can be accessed here.
The OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship program was established in 1999 to honor the legacy of Asian immigrants who arrived in the United States in pursuit of golden opportunities, and to honor the dedication of our awardees who also strive to attain a higher education. For over two decades, UPS has graciously funded the program and partnered with OCA to support hundreds of AANHPI students.
“We deeply appreciate UPS for their ongoing partnership in supporting our mission to empower first-generation AANHPI college students in achieving their educational aspirations,” stated OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates President Linda Ng. “The overwhelming number of scholarship applicants underscores the continuing need for financial aid within the AANHPI community, as many students face formidable financial and social challenges on their path to higher education. We are thrilled to sustain the OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship, which not only provides crucial financial support but also serves as a source of inspiration for AANHPI students to complete their education.”
“Many AANHPI students encounter significant barriers in accessing and completing higher education, including financial constraints, academic readiness, language proficiency, immigration status, and cultural expectations,” stated OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates Executive Director Thu Nguyen. “These barriers often go unrecognized, perpetuated by the model minority myth that assumes all AANHPI students excel without assistance. We take pride in our partnership with UPS to continue awarding these scholarships, which offer vital financial aid and encourage AANHPI students to persevere in their educational pursuits.”
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About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates
Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.