A Grateful Heart for APIA Scholars – A Life-Changing Blessing
My name is Stefany, and I was born and raised in San Francisco in a low-income household. As a proud Samoan woman and a first-generation high school graduate and college student, I never thought higher education would be possible for someone like me. In my community, we are often forced to put our dreams on hold to take care of our families. Education is seen as a luxury we simply can’t afford—and that was my reality.
But thanks to APIA Scholars, that narrative changed.
As a low-income mother determined to create a better life for myself and my family, the support I received from APIA Scholars helped me achieve the impossible. They not only helped fund my education, they gave me something far more powerful: hope. When life felt overwhelming and I thought about giving up, APIA Scholars reminded me that I wasn’t alone—that I was part of something greater, a community that sees me and believes in my future.
There are very few programs out there that truly uplift Asian Pacific Islander students—especially Pacific Islanders like me. APIA Scholars is the first scholarship I ever encountered that was dedicated to someone like me, and I’ll never forget what that meant. I love APIA Scholars and will always be deeply grateful that they exist. Their work is changing lives.
Because of them, I’m succeeding. I’m breaking generational cycles. And I’m doing it while still caring for my family—with pride and purpose.
Thank you, APIA Scholars. You gave me the strength to keep going.
With love and gratitude,
Stefany
Samoan. Mother. Student. First-gen. Survivor. Dreamer.
Full time Student at CCSF
Without their support, I wouldn't be where I am now. The supports and aid that I am given within this community is abundant, and I am so glad to be a scholar.
As a first generation student, I view APIA as that one older sibling who went to college. As the first person in my family to attend college- it's hard. So many questions run through your mind about how to do certain things or who to ask for help. APIA has been that older sibling for me, they were the ones I went to whenever I needed help, both academically and financially. I can truly say that APIA has made a profound impact throughout my undergrad journey.
I am a multi-year APIA United Health Foundations scholarship recipient where APIA Scholars truly does everything for their target population of APIA scholars, alumni, and community. APIA Scholars has established the precedent for comprehensive financial, educational, and professional development opportunities for the APIA community. Through in-person and financial workshops and events, I felt that APIA Scholars is a steadfast community who takes care of their employees and their social impact. APIA Scholars truly lives, works, and shares with others their message to Educate, Elevate, and Empower.
Hi, my name is Michelle! I'm a rising senior studying aerospace engineering and on a multi-year APIA scholarship. I'm truly thankful to APIA for honoring me with the scholarship as its helped me financially tremendously throughout my undergraduate career. The scholarship allowed me to continue studying without worrying about whether or not I was able to afford it. Additionally, APIA is such a unique organization that truly puts the students first. There's been multiple workshops, in person events, and seminars to support students in the field. There is a supportive community filled with students like me with a healthy focus on mental health as well. APIA is a well-rounded organization that not only fits financial needs but social and academic as well! I'm grateful to be considered an APIA scholar and a part of this community.
The APIA organziation is amazing and I was very lucky to get accepted. They are more than a scholarship and are like a family. They make sure to check on your well-being, offer programs to support your professional goals, and provide fun challenges. The APIA scholarship is helping pay for my college costs such as food and transportation. Thank you so much APIA!!
I am a past recepient of a multi-year AAPI scholarship. I am super thankful and glad for this non-profit organization as it has allowed me to attend university out of state by relieving some of my financial burden. In addition, the opportunities outside of scholarships that are presented by this organization are phenomenal, including the vast network of alumni as well as workshops that help empower Asian American students like myself learn more about various tools that we can use to assist us in our academic and personal journey.
APIA Scholars is a fantastic nonprofit who has helped me succeed. Not only did they provide financial support through a scholarship when I needed it the most, but I also receive consistent support after graduating. I am so grateful APIA Scholars exists.
I hope this message can help me to express my sincerest gratitude to the entire APIA nonprofit team community. I am continually amazed by the impact of APIA programs and initiatives. Thanks APIA nonprofit team's dedication to serving the Asian and Pacific Islander American community providing essential resources to advocate for social justice and empowering individuals and their families. As one of countless other APIA scholars, I am particularly grateful for all of the hard work and service from the APIA teams. Thanks, APIA teams for all the profound difference and creating positive change that you are making. Thanks to the program that continually supports me throughout my educational journey.
With deepest appreciation,
Yours,
Shaoqiu Mai
If only people knew how many students this organization has helped, empowered, and boosted. Although it says "APIA," the workshops they've held and the resources they share are open and inclusive to all. I say this as a first-generation college student and APIA scholarship recipient, about to graduate on an Honor roll. I've been able to achieve all the things I achieved because APIA helped me stay in school while being financially independent. Also, imagine an organization checking up on you every month, reminding you to take care of yourself, and surprising you with gift packages that brighten your whole week. I'm pretty sure all the staff know their students by name at this point, because that's how strong the bond is. I hope APIA Scholars continues to grow and flourish.
Really amazing organization supporting students who need the most aid! Recommended to friends and family, very kind and forthcoming.
They are so helpful, and they are one of the biggest reasons why I am attending college right now! Their staff was very helpful with assisting my financial situations with my university's financial aid office to help me get the best aid possible. Best non-profit ever!
As a first-generation Asian American, APIA has helped me financially in supporting my education goals. Since my family's low-income status would have not been able to afford to cover all my tuition needs. The APIA organization has also helped me connect with mentors and other scholars that helped make my college experience a more positive one.
As a recipient of an APIA award, my life has been transformed in numerous ways since transitioning from high school to college. The organization has not only provided me with financial assistance, but also with a sense of community and support that has helped me navigate the challenges of being a first-generation student. Through APIA Scholars, I have been able to connect with other students who have shared similar experiences and struggles, and feel seen, heard, and valued.
APIA has gone above and beyond in supporting me on my journey. Without their ongoing support, I honestly believe I would have dropped out or transferred. They have provided me with networking opportunities and introduced me to peers who share my passions, helping me to ease into college life. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for all that APIA has done for me and will continue to do for other students like me.
I'm a first-generation, third-year undergraduate student at a private university. APIA Scholars has helped me financially and provided me with different kinds of support over the years and I am truly grateful for all they have done. I honestly believe that I would have dropped out or transferred if it wasn't for their ongoing support.
As a recipient of an APIA award, my life has changed irrevocably as I transitioned from high school to college. They built a community that not only helped me navigate this journey but made me feel seen, heard, and valued. I was able to connect and relate to people who had gone through similar experiences or were currently going through similar experiences.
The APIA Scholars program has helped me all throughout my undergraduate years (3 years so far) and continue to do so generously. This organization doesn't fail to show their scholars that they do more than just disbursing scholarships; they provide valuable opportunities that help scholars in the different aspects that come with college life. It's a wholesome experience being a scholar of theirs as they truly care about us, APIA scholarship recipients, and are always there to help. I'm grateful for being a part of a thoughtful organization, and highly recommend others to apply for their opportunities.
APIA has help me with financial support that I need which enables me to continued my higher education. I am happy to say that with this support, there was less stress on my plate going into college. Coming from a refugee and immigrant background, there are not many opportunities for people like us. I'm really glad and thankful that I have found scholarship donor like APIA.
I have experienced anything but good with this organization. Excellent networking opportunity, caring for the scholars, and great mentors for each people. For me, I have learned a lot of things from Melvin Nguyen. The work ethic he acquired is excellent, and he is one of the great role models of APIA scholars.
Amazing scholarship organization/ provider! They truly care about their Scholars and do a wonderful job of supporting us and giving us opportunities to network and grow!
APIA scholars has provided me immense help with scholarships! Ensuring that I can succeed to the best of my ability without having to worry about tuition. Everyone who has contacted me has been so kind, I even received a box of small gifts to help me with finals. Overall one of the best non profits that helps students including myself.
APIA helped me afford a higher education. I am so grateful for how welcoming they were to me as a scholar. They provide so many opportunities for scholars to connect and to succeed. Not only do they provide scholarly resources, but they also frequently check in with me personally to see how I am doing. They do so much for their scholarship recipients and have developed a very welcoming community.
I am so grateful for APIA for providing such a welcoming community to FGLI Asian-American and Pacific Islander students. Their mentorship program has particularly given us such a wealth of resources and information for being successful at college and in the professional sphere.
I am immensely thankful to APIA and their staff. Not only did I receive a scholarship, but they also continue to check in with me to see how I was doing. They provided me with both invaluable support and a lot of essential resources. Thank you so much!
APIA Scholars has been a great support system for me as an undergraduate student. Beyond scholarships, APIA Scholars hosts a wide variety of resources like workshops, networking events, and 1:1 counseling.
APIA scholars event sent me out a goodie bag of mental health and de-stress materials like adult coloring books, aromatherapy stuff, and more!
Without APIA, college life wouldn’t be possible! Helped me through spiritually, physically, and mentally!
APIA extended much past just a normal scholarship. It really created a community to be a part of. They gave me countless resources that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Being an APIA Scholar is something I truly take pride in, and I enjoy being part of such a great community.
They helped me make my dream of attending college of my top choice. Now I have the assurance that I can succeed in my future and more motivated to give back to the community. As an Afghan First Generation student, APIA reignited my hope and interest in pursuing academics.
My name Asiana Manglona and I am from the beautiful island of Rota. Rota is located in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a US Territory. Since applying and receiving scholarships from APIA, it has helped me financially with going to school. I was able to purchase materials (ie. books) needed for classes as well as pay for remaining fees. Coming from a small island where there isn’t much opportunities, APIA allowed me to reach my dreams beyond my island home by providing scholarships as well as other programs. I am very much thankful and grateful for this scholarship and the donors and I continue to encourage other students in the island to apply as well.
I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship from this amazing organization. Apart from allowing me to continue my academic career, APIA also equips its scholars with resources for success. Many networking opportunities from members of the API community help with envisioning a secure future for this generation.
APIA has been very helpful to me throughout my college career. Ever since my freshman year, they have provided great financial and academic support to guide me into a bachelors degree. I am very appreciated from the help of my APIA mentors, and from the organization as a whole.
APIA Scholars has been a great help to me since being accepted to be a scholarship recipient. They've continue to work with my fellow scholars and me to provide for all necessary help throughout my first year in college not just financially but also, social, emotionally and mentally. They have offered great opportunities that help me succeed and feel love no matter how big or small they can give. I hope this non-profit continues and grows together with its scholars to help more students in need. They've been a such big help. Thank you so much APIA!!! Hoping to give back someday!
I was so proud and happy when I was awarded the APIA scholarship. The award supported me to overcome my hardships such as being a single mother, loss of job due to the pandemic, and being very sick at that time. The award remained me that there’s always hope as long as you don’t give up. With APIA’s generous help, I didn’t have to drop out of school and will be graduate soon. Thanks to APIA!!!
APIA didn't stop with just helping me financially but also help me network with other peers who shared similar passions and struggles. They helped ease me into my college life and I can't be more grateful for their continued support.
I'm am truly blessed and grateful to be a part of the APIA Scholars. Not only was I selected to receive an award that helped me financially but I was able to get more support from the organization itself which helped me navigate my way as a transfer student coming from my home community college to my University that I'm currently at now. The team does a really great job on checking in with the students and making sure that they have all the resources they need to succeed and this was a bonus for me! It made me feel appreciated and it showed how much the APIA Scholarship Program really cares about the students' journey and success.
APIA Scholars is a non-profit organization that has greatly supported me throughout my undergraduate career. They have provided me with a scholarship which helped me with my tuition, mental health outreach which lessened my anxiety, and overall staff members that are willing to be out reach. I am very grateful for all the work this organization has done to support their scholars and community!
APIA Scholars was a great support for me as I entered college, not just financially (although their scholarship certainly helped with that), but also in providing mentorship. This mentorship program APIA scholars provided was pivotal in giving me the courage to change my major to something that was less "stable" but I was infinitely more passionate about. Furthermore, their programming provides ample opportunities for people to explore interests within and outside of their fields. Thank you APIA Scholars!
APIA organization really helped me to afford higher education. They also pay attention to the different needs of different students and provide great resources. I really like that they send reminders to take care of myself and even sent me a huge gift box with surprises.
What I love the most about being an APIA scholar is that they give you a lot of resources to help you succeed and balance your school, work, and social life.
Being an APIA scholar is so much more than just a scholarship. It’s a community, endless support, and an expansive network.
APIA and its staff have provided so much support for me and my family. As one of the first in my family to go to college, I have benefitted greatly from the welcoming community that APIA has created, and am able to look towards the future with more hope now.
As a first-generation, low-income Pacific Islander student, APIA scholars has been an unwavering source of support for my family and I throughout my college journey. Keep up the great work!
APIA is not only a great scholarship provider, it also serves students by giving them resources to get through college.
Honestly I’m really thankful for all the support APIA scholars have given me. I feel more hopeful about my future, especially after seeing the examples set by this community and also the financial support for school.
I'm a member of a corporate partner that has had a 10+ year relationship with APIA Scholars sponsoring scholarships in our local community. APIA Scholars does an amazing job identifying worthy recipients and making the process of delivering the funding as seamless as possible. They create opportunities to foster lasting relationships with the students and to play on ongoing support role in their academic careers. I was so impressed, I pursued a seat on their board!
APIA Scholars is a great organization. This is the largest scholarship fund serving APIA Students. The team is totally focused on serving students and expanding our reach to remove barriers to economic independence and prosperity for APIA students. They are worthy and your time and support. Thank you for your support. Aloha - Kimo
APIA Scholars is an amazing, vibrant organization committed to advancing AANHPI's students and positioning them for success. Great care and attention is given to each applicant's submission for higher education scholarship assistance and much time is spent to consider the ways in which APIA can partner with other organizations to maximize APIA's impact in the lives of AANHPI students. Honored and humbled to serve as a director on APIA's passionate and dedicated Board.
The staff and board of this organization serve first-generation and/or low-income Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander college students to reduce financial barriers through scholarships and targeted investments. They bring a diverse set of capabilities, knowledge, and experiences to advance the organization's objective.
This non profit helps underserved Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students with the financial assistance necessary to succeed in higher education. It is a high-quality organization with a strong leader, a clear strategy and dedicated team.
This organization does so much for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, providing educational and professional opportunities, access to higher education, and post-college guidance and mentorship. Their leadership team is passionate, authentic, and inspiring, and I've seen first-hand the incredible impact this organization's work has had on students and the community.