Joe and Loanne Chiu Scholarship for first-generation undergraduate students.
Today, we are excited to announce the launch of the Joe and Loanne Chiu Scholarship! This award supports first-generation undergraduate students, who often face unique barriers in their pursuit of higher education, to help them overcome these challenges and thrive in college. Deadline to Apply: May 22, 2026
What to Know:
- $5,000 will be awarded to one current high school senior who will be a first-generation college student entering their first year of undergrad in Fall 2026.
- Scholarship recipients will be required to complete one report per year during their undergraduate studies providing updates on their academic progress. Reports will be submitted via a form provided by OCA.
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be currently enrolled as a high school senior and be an undergraduate college student in Fall 2026. Awarded scholars will be required to submit proof that they’ve been accepted into one or more undergraduate education institutions before receiving the scholarship.
- Applicants must be first-gen, meaning their parent(s)/guardian(s) did not complete and receive a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status in the U.S.
- Applicants must not be a child or dependent of:
- an OCA National staff member,
- an OCA Executive Council member,
- or an OCA Business Advisory Council member.
Application Requirements:
- Short Biography(in PDF format, 300 words max)
- Academic Transcript (in PDF format)
- Descriptions of leadership, community service, and/or work experiences (in PDF format)
- One (1) Essay Response (in PDF format, 500 words max)
- Essay Prompt: Describe the individuals and/or experiences that have shaped you into the person you are today. What did you learn from them, and how have they influenced how you navigate the world today and in the future?
- Two (2) Short Answer Response (300 words max)
- Short Answer Prompt 1: As a first-gen student who is about to enter college, what challenges have you faced, or anticipate you’ll face, as you navigate undergrad?
- Short Answer Prompt 2: What are you intending to study (as your major/minor) in college and what are your plans/goals after you graduate
- Two (2) References
Deadline to Apply: May 22, 2026
Questions? Contact kent.tong@ocanational.org
Click HERE to Learn More.
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