OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Organization of Chinese Americans

Overview
The scholarship’s name evokes an era when many Asian immigrants viewed the United States as a “gold mountain” full of opportunity for themselves and their families. Recipients of this award pursue higher education goals that often reflect the hopes of both the students and their extended families.

Who this year’s award is for
This cycle awards $2,000 to first-generation high school seniors who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI), are graduating high school this year, and plan to enroll in college or university in Fall 2025.

Award details
- Amount: $2,000 (one-time, non-renewable).
- Payment: If chosen as a Gold Mountain Scholar, the payment will be sent directly to you via ACH or PayPal (paper checks can be provided on request).
- Tax: The scholarship is taxable income. Recipients will be required to complete a W-9 and should report the award on their next tax filing.

Eligibility requirements
- Self-identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander (AANHPI).
- Current high school senior graduating this year and matriculating to college in Fall 2025.
- First-generation college student: neither parent has completed a college or university degree.
- U.S. citizenship is not required. DACA and undocumented students are eligible only if they have a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- If selected, you may be asked to provide a 2024 or 2025 tax return.
- Awardees must provide proof of acceptance to one or more accredited colleges/universities prior to receiving funds.
- Ineligible applicants: children or dependents of any OCA National staff member, OCA Executive Council member, or OCA Business Advisory Council member.

Application materials (all documents submitted as PDFs unless noted)
1) Short bio — 300 words maximum
- Include background, identity, school, intended major/minor, relevant work or experience, interests, and other details you want shared publicly if selected. Examples of past scholar bios are available on our previous scholars page.

2) Academic transcript — unofficial is acceptable
- Transcript must cover from the first quarter/semester of your freshman year through at least the first quarter/semester of your senior year that aligns with this application.

3) Essay — 500 words maximum
- Prompt: Describe a challenge you have overcome. How did it shape you and your character?

4) Two short answers — 300 words maximum each
- Prompt 1: Describe your experience as a first-generation AANHPI student.
- Prompt 2: What do you plan to major/minor in, and why?

5) Experiences section (PDF)
- The application will ask for information about up to three items in each of these categories: leadership, community service/volunteer work, and employment. You may list up to three key experiences per category. If you do not have entries in a category, upload a brief PDF explaining why you do not have that type of experience.

6) Two references (contact details only; letters not required)
- Provide name, job title/position, email, phone number, and your relationship to each reference. We may contact one or both references to verify information.

Notes
- All required documents should be uploaded in the formats and word limits specified.
- Selected scholars will need to submit acceptance documentation from one or more colleges before funds are distributed.
- Questions about the application or document examples can be referenced on the previous scholars page or directed to the program contact.