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ELEVATEEMPOWEREDUCATE2020APIAANNUALSCHOLARSR E P O R T
The chance to2 apia scholarsRISE
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT& EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDear Friends,Today, I write this with a sense of pride, a fullheart, and a steady focus on how our Asianand Pacific Islander American (APIA) community is coming together to build a brighterfuture. As much as this year has been full oftwists and turns, it has also been an amazingtime to lead our Scholars and to be supportedby some of the world’s leading companies andfoundations who truly understand the powerof investing in people and in education. Timeand time again, I have been inspired by thepower of our diverse community of Scholars,volunteers, and donors as I have watchedthem lead and follow with tremendous vision,energy and will to create change. We haveovercome obstacles before and I am excitedto see what our future has in store for us.APIA Scholars will continue to carry out ourexpressed organizational mission to provideeducational access by way of financial supportand wraparound services to Educate, Elevateand Empower. We will do this with a relentlessfocus on Scholar-outcomes by ensuring thatevery dollar invested is a dollar invested in aprogram that is scalable and measurable andthat will lead to a stronger community. It isour every intention to create leaders in ourcommunities who will in fact be part of solutions to dismantle systemic racism and fightfor civil and human rights.education, law, healthcare, STEM fields andmore — and we will see more of these successes in spite of a changing academic environmentbecause we believe in education for all. APIAScholars stands strongly for the human andcivil rights of all people, we celebrate diversity,and will continue to be here to support ourScholars as we have for the past 17 years.We are proud of the journey we have takenthus far. I am more than honored to lead thisorganization at this particular time in history.By joining together in both struggle and incomfort, APIA Scholars will elevate educationand community and empower humanity to livein a more harmonious and productive world.Please read through the 2020 Annual Reportand join us in a celebration of a brand thatmeans more now than ever— an open bookillustrating what is yet to be learned, shadesof color symbolizing the many commonalitiesand uniqueness among us, and the chance torise. These are the themes that mean somuch to us and we welcome you to bringforth these ideals.Sincerely,Noël S. Harmon, PhDWe are supporting young people who arealready breaking barriers in their communities, pursuing careers in public service,annual report 3
WE ARE AGILE BUT STEADFAST IN OUR MISSIONapia scholars elevates the asian and pacific islander american (apia)community by providing apia students with access to higher education andresources that cultivate their academic, personal and professionalsuccess regardless of their ethnicity, national origin or financial means.We do this by mobilizing resources from ourfunders, including those from the globalemployer community, to support APIA Scholars’programs, services, and scholarships forstudents who have inequitable access to andsuccess in higher education.“We do this under all conditions—even thosewithout precedent—and with a steadfast focuson Scholar-outcomes, diversity, equity, and areminder that being connected and responsiveto each others’ individual and communityneeds will help us all rise together.Amidst the uncertainty, we want to be remembered for how we continue toconnect and uplift our community in powerful ways that shine a light towardsour collective prosperity. —APIA Scholars Solidarity Statement, April 2020Our MissionOur VisionOur mission is to make a difference in thelives of APIA students by providing them withresources that increase their access to highereducation which serves as the foundation fortheir future success and contributions to amore vibrant America.Our vision is to see that all Asian and PacificIslander Americans have access to highereducation and resources that cultivate theiracademic, personal and professional successregardless of their ethnicity, national originor financial means.Agile but4 apia scholars
Scholar OutcomesAPIA Scholars aligns resources to driveopportunity with measurable outcomes. Ourresearch efforts are aimed at shedding lighton the APIA college student experiencethrough data disaggregation and examiningsystems level issues. Scholars are providedone-on-one mentoring, career coaching andstaff support, as well as culturally relevanttools and support to overcome barriers tocollege completion and into the next phase oftheir careers.Diversity and EquityAPIA Scholars issued a “Statement of Solidarity” this April 2020 conveying the unity ofour community against increased violence,discrimination, and xenophobia against theAPIA community which peaked during theCOVID-19 pandemic. We join together withour partner organizations supporting diverse,low-income, first generation college studentsand honor the incredible diversity of theAPIA community.Each and every Asian American and PacificIslander is unique. We all have stories, we allhave questions, and we all need support.— Noël Harmon, APIA Scholars PresidentConnectedness and ResponsivenessAPIA Scholars initiated a survey to all Scholars to gauge ways we can provide supportduring the COVID-19 crisis. As a result, wecreated a toolkit of financial, community, smallbusiness, and mental health resources toaddress individual and small group concerns.Among those resources was our rapid response APIA Scholars Emergency Fund whichprovided immediate support to our Scholarsfacing financial hardship due to COVID-19.Additionally, APIA Scholars successfullypivoted all in-person programming to virtualexperiences to keep our community together.annual report 5
PILLARS AND PROGRAMS FOR GROWTHthe aspirations we, at apia scholars, strive to achieve are represented inour pillars. the programs we design and deliver aim to develop the skillsand abilities to reach those aspirations. we welcome you into our communitythrough the program success stories we share.Leadership AcademyDuring the APIA Scholars Leadership Academy,100 Scholar participants were challenged todefy stereotypes and misconceptions regarding the APIA community by showing the worldhow #WeLead. The APIA Scholars Leadership“Academy: ELEVATE Public Service Pathwaysprogram was a two-day Scholar event that tookplace on September 2019 in Washington, DC.Overall, this program equipped Scholars withthe resources, skills, and networks required tobecome the nation’s next generation of changeagents, innovators, and advocates.Being a part of the APIA Scholars Leadership Academy inspired me to be moreinvolved in my desire to create something better not only for myself but formy students and the next generation. It boosted my desire and confidence tobe in the driver’s seat. —APIA Scholar6 apia scholarsdaeLe#W
Scholar Advisory CommitteeThe Scholar Advisory Committee was established to provide strategic guidance, insight,and recommendations on the direction ofstudent programming. Selected based on theirdemonstrated commitment to education,exemplary leadership skills, and dedication toelevating the APIA community, this group ofScholars and Alumni work to provide meaningful, relevant, and transformative content“that supports holistic Scholar development.Members also serve as ambassadors withinthe APIA community to promote the overallmission and vision of the organization.Most recently, the committee elected chee iayang to serve as their Chair and Louise To toserve as Vice-Chair. chee ia will represent thevoice of the Scholar community on the Boardof Directors for the next year.As the fourth of eight children, I am a proud daughter of Hmong refugeeparents. I have always believed that the people closest to the ‘issue’ are thepeople most impacted by it and are, therefore, the people who we must listento. I believe in centering the voice(s) of the people so we can work towardscreative solutions. —chee ia yang, Scholar Advisory Committee Chair, 2020–21four pillars of apia scholars programsAuthentic LeadersProfessionalsInnovatorsAdvocates Act in alignmentwith their values. Seek out mentors,networks, andopportunities. Are solutionsoriented, inquisitive,risk-takers. Cultivate a growthmindset. Utilize educationalknowledge, skillsand perspectives. Utilize an equitymindset to criticallyanalyze socialjustice issues. Incorporate theirunique culturalidentities into theirleadership style. Motivate otherstowards acommon goal. Adapt to an everchanging globalwork environment. Upliftunderrepresentedcommunities asthey grow. Address issuesimpactingcommunities in anuanced way. Contribute to theircommunities throughdirect serviceand outreach. Create a worldwhere futuregenerations canthrive.annual report 7
Pillars & Programs (continued)smartThrough a partnership with Mentor Collective,the SMART program aims to facilitate virtualmentorship relationships between Scholars,Alumni, and professionals who work togetherto provide peer-to-peer and professionalmentorship as well as develop strategies forpersonal and professional success. Professionalmentors support Scholars in their transition intothe workforce by coaching them on long-termgoal setting, crafting optimal resumes and“LinkedIn profiles, acing the interview process,and cultivating a professional network. Additionally, peer mentors accompany first-yearScholars in their transition into college by providing guidance on utilizing campus resources,finding community and a sense of belonging,navigating academic rigor, and identifyingopportunities for growth. During the 2019–2020 academic year, 330 Scholars participatedin the SMART Mentorship Program. Since theSMART program’s inception in 2014, a total of1,447 Scholars have been provided mentorship.The greatest benefit [of participating in the APIA Scholars SMART program] was helping anAPIA Scholar understand that he is not alone and that I will always be there to support him,even after the program ends. —APIA Scholar, Peer MentorVirtual Young Professionals ConferenceThe Young Professionals Conference was heldvirtually, with Scholars participating in a full dayof virtual professional development programming. Scholars attended sessions on LeadershipThrough Life Experiences, Mentorship &Social Capital, How to be a Competitive Jobor Internship Candidate, CompassionateLeadership, The Path to Doctoral Degrees, ThePower of Being Counted in the 2020 Census,Culturally Relevant Mental Health Practices,and Pacific Islander Founders. These presentations were facilitated by APIA Scholars’partners including the National Association ofAsian American Professionals (NAAAP),National Pacific Islander Education Network(NPIEN), APIA Vote, Asian Pacific CounselingServices, and Mentor Collective. The virtualprogram also provided a space for Scholars tolearn from each other, connect, and discussthese important topics together.In spite of a quick pivot to a virtual event, 100% of the webinars that comprised the YoungProfessionals Conference were rated as very8 apia scholarshelpful to extremely helpful.
Jump Start College TourDeveloped in collaboration with Wells Fargo,the Jump Start College Tour program providedmore than 600 high school, community college,and non-traditional students and their familieswith information and resources on collegeapplication planning, financial literacy education, and career exploration at The University“of Texas at Dallas and University of CaliforniaIrvine. In addition to college access andfinancial advising, APIA Scholars launched abrand-new Jump Start College Tour STEMPathways program which included the addition of dynamic panel discussions featuringSTEM experts, engaging sessions highlightingacademic STEM and Innovation programs,and resources for funding a STEM education.APIAs need to be at the table for conversations around equity. We’re not thought of as apopulation that has a high need, but two-thirds of our students are first generation, low-income,and certainly are a part of the equity gap. —Noël Harmon, APIA Scholars PresidentLeaders95% of attendees would recommend APIA Scholars JumpStart College Tour.annual report 9
RESEARCH FOR RECOVERY AND REBUILDINGat 20 million strong—nearly 6 percent of the u.s. population, and on trackto being the largest immigrant group in the u.s. by 2055—asian and pacificislander americans are a powerful economic force: nearly two millionapia–owned small businesses generate 700 billion in annual gdp and employaround 3.5 million people.1Despite their economic significance, there ismuch that is misunderstood and overlookedabout the APIA community, including thediversity of experiences our students face in“accessing and completing higher education.APIA Scholars has investigated a number ofcritical areas due to their impact on theeducation and advancement of our community.Being a first generation college student, college is something foreign and scary. The mentorship aspect of the program helped me take my first steps towards the next step in my educationwith confidence and guidance that I would otherwise be lacking. —APIA Scholar, MenteeCommunity FocusedAdvocating for NHPI StudentsRegion FocusedAPIAs in the State of NevadaNative Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs)have been largely invisible in policy considerations and in the development of campusservices and programs. Funded by The KresgeFoundation, APIA Scholars’ report, NativeHawaiians and Pacific Islanders in HigherEducation: A Call to Action is a response to adearth of knowledge about the demography ofNHPI students, their educational trajectory, andtheir postsecondary outcomes. Specifically, webuild on prior research by providing a portraitof NHPI students in American higher educationin the continental U.S. and the U.S.-Affiliatedislands throughout the Pacific region.Nevada State College serves a critical massof racial/ethnic minority and low-income firstgeneration college students, especially Latinxand APIA students. In fact, in 2018-2019, overhalf of all students were Latinx (57.5%) andAPIA (15.4%) and these numbers keep growing. APIA Scholars and Nevada State Collegecollaborated to publish two reports fundedby ECMC Foundation to analyze demographics and behaviors of APIA students in theState of Nevada and delve into why nursinghas been a dominant career choice for theAPIA community.Reports and summaries can be found at www.apiascholars.org.10 apia scholars1. COVID-19 and advancing Asian American Recovery, August 6, 2020, McKinsey & Company
the impact of covid-19The year 2020 will forever be associated with the global impact of COVID-19, not only on ourhealth and the economy, but also on education and our culture. A recent article by McKinsey &Company highlighted key findings about the deep impact COVID-19 has had on APIAs.Infection RateHate and BlameAsian Americans 2–3 times more likely tobe diagnosed with COVID-191/3 of Americans have witnessedAsian Americans blamed for outbreakGreater RiskSlow Recovery2M Asian Americans work as frontlineand essential workers75% of APIA-owned businesses have littlechance of receiving a PPP loanCOVID-19 and advancing Asian American Recovery, August 6, 2020, McKinsey & CompanyBeing Prepared for What We Cannot SeeThe COVID-19 pandemic showed us that at anymoment we may face unforeseen challengesimpacting Scholar access to and success inhigher education. By ensuring that our Emergency Fund is always available to our Scholars,we will feel confident in our ability to guide ourcommunity and stay true to the fact that we area partner in education no matter what. We lookto ensure that our Emergency Fund is alwaysavailable to provide a sustainable response.Delivering Essential Skills to GrowProductive FuturesOur research indicates that diverse, low-income, first generation college students neededucational resources and financial assistanceto build futures that include stable housing andfinancial health and wellness. APIA Scholarslooks to partner with funders to help providethese types of resources to ensure the wellness, stability, and growth of our community.Feeling and Responding to the Pulse ofour CommunityResearch leading to reliable data is crucial togood practice and is an essential componentto our ability to be efficient and successful inmeeting our mission; however, we want thisdata to drive immediate results and to serveneeds. To that end, we look to work withpractitioners from the higher educationcommunity to determine how best to servetoday’s diverse students in the changingeducational landscape with actionable andsustainable solutions.Creating a Legacy Through Voice andActionAs equity and tolerance in education andplaces of employment become an ever-growingissue, we want to ensure that APIAs are at thetable for public policy conversations. Byengaging diverse partners in our researchand broadly disseminating our work toachieve systemic change, we will create alegacy for our community and pave the wayfor aspiring APIA leaders.annual report 11
EMPOWERING THROUGH SCHOLARSHIPOPPORTUNITIESAPIA Scholars has worked with sponsors and partners to provide a variety of scholarships toover 7,000 students in the last 17 years.APIA Scholars has a special focus on uplifting individuals who: Live at or below the povertylevel, or are otherwise of lowsocioeconomic status.Are the firstin their families toattend college.Have placed strong emphasison community service, leadershipand solid academic achievement.Are representative of the APIA community’s diversity, geographicallyand ethnically, especially those ethnicities that have been underrepresentedon college campuses due to limited access and opportunity.about the apia scholarship programScholarship awards range from one-time 2,500 awards to multi-year 20,000 awards.2020 student education level50403020Freshmen: 46%Sophomores: 20%Juniors: 19%Seniors: 14%5th Year Undergraduates: 1%10012 apia scholars
total scholars awardedapia scholarship program1,300426Scholars Awardedgender identity65%First generationcollege students35%First in their familyto attend college70%Live below thepoverty line70%Come from familiesthat make less than 30,000/year60% Women38%Men2%Non-Conforming, Nonbinary, Transgeographic region h13% Pacificannual report 13
2019–20204062019–2020Scholars Impactedgates millenniumscholars program14 apia scholarsaanapisi scholarship programThe Asian American and NativeAmerican Pacific Islander-ServingInstitution (AANAPISI) ScholarshipProgram is a collaboration withAANAPISIs and the communitiesthey serve to provide scholarships,expand institutional capacity andmobilize local resources to helpfoster economic development. TheAANAPISI Scholarship is availableannually to underserved studentsattending APIA Scholars’ AANAPISIpartner campuses.254Grants Awardedapia scholars emergency fund 287,756 awarded since March 2020The Gates Millennium Scholars(GMS) Program, funded by a grantfrom the Bill & Melinda GatesFoundation, was established in 1999to provide outstanding low-incomeAfrican American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific IslanderAmerican, and Hispanic Americanstudents with an opportunity tocomplete an undergraduate collegeeducation in any discipline theychoose. The goal of GMS is topromote academic excellence byproviding thousands of outstandingstudents, who have significantfinancial need, the opportunity toreach their full potential.212Scholars AwardedScholarship Opportunities (continued)The APIA Scholars Emergency Fund,a need-based financial assistanceopportunity, is available to currentand former APIA Scholarship andAANAPISI Scholarship recipientswho are experiencing a temporary,unexpected financial hardship thatputs them at risk of being unable topersist in their educational pursuitsor graduate from college.The APIA Scholars Emergency Fundis made possible through generoussupport from Macy’s and Wells Fargo.
STAFFNoël S. Harmon, PhDSierra LloydPresident & Executive DirectorDirector of Scholarships & ProgramsElena AndersonGulnara MambetovaChief Operating OfficerKatrina Sun BreeseVP, Development & External AffairsNicole DavidFinance & Operations ManagerArianne MartinPrograms Manager, GMS &APIA ScholarsMelissa MayDirector of Development OperationsDirector of Programs, GMS &APIA ScholarsKaren Joy DizonFlorie Mendiola, EdDDevelopment ManagerSenior Programs ManagerShyam GadwalBryan ParkVP, ProgramsMarketing & Communications ManagerCatherine LittenLeilani PimentelDirector of Scholarships, APIA ScholarsDirector of DevelopmentContinue to stay optimistic and resilient. Life is about 10 percent what happens to you and90 percent how you respond to it. —Francis Cheng, Scholar Advisory Committee Member(Address to Class of 2020)annual report 15
BOARD OF DIRECTORSKimo KippenMarty LorenzoChair, APIA Scholars Board of DirectorsFounder, Aloha Learning AdvisorsVice President, Legal AffairsPETCOJulie CapertonJeff LuongHead of Wealth Client SolutionsWealth & Investment ManagementWells Fargo & CompanyVice PresidentRadio Access Network Construction& Operations, AT&TEugene ChasinAimee Meher-HomjiPresident & Chief Operating OfficerSay Yes to EducationVice President, Talent AcquisitionSodexoJimmy FergusonOwner/OperatorMcDonald’s of Greater HoustonGroup Vice President, CorporateStrategy & PlanningToyota Motor North America, Inc.S.K. GuptaHarsha MurthyPresidentEssen AssociatesManaging PartnerConsummate Capital LLCMahrukh S. HussainKyoshi NakasakaVice President—U.S. General CounselMcDonald’s CorporationPresident & CEOWashington CoreVictor KuoBoard Member in MemoriamED, Institutional EffectivenessSeattle Community College DistrictCelina LiChitra NawbattGlobal Head of Market SolutionsGenpactJun S. OhVice PresidentThe Coca-Cola CompanyHead of Theatrical and InteractiveBusiness and Legal AffairsSkydance MediaBetty LoTiffany Smith Anoa’iPresident & FounderGulf Sun Investments16 apia scholarsDoug MurthaSenior Vice President, EntertainmentDiversity & CommunicationsCBS Television
Board of Directors (continued)The Honorable Robert UnderwoodPresident Emeritus, University of GuamIf it wasn’t for my mentor, I wouldn’tbe as hopeful and confident in myself aschee ia yangChair, Scholar Advisory CommitteeI would be if I took this feat alone.—APIA ScholarSCHOLAR ADVISORY COMMITTEEEllie (Nu) BuiMabel LuoAANAPISI/Wells Fargo ScholarIrvine Valley CollegeAPIA/UHF ScholarNew York UniversityFrancis ChengAPIA/Wells Fargo ScholarBates CollegeJohns Hopkins UniversityNam NguyenAPIA/FedEx ScholarWashington State UniversityAxel DefnginAli PunjaniAANAPISI ScholarUniversity of Hawai’i at HiloGMS ScholarEmory University’Inoke HafokaLouise ToGMS ScholarBrigham Young UniversityUniversity of UtahUniversity of California Los AngelesVice Chair, Scholar Advisory CommitteeGMS ScholarMount Holyoke UniversityUniversity of Hawai’i at Manoachee ia yangChair, Scholar Advisory CommitteeGMS ScholarUniversity of North Carolina at CharlotteMichigan State UniversityAroona ToorGMS ScholarSaint Louis UniversityRyan LeeGMS ScholarBoston College, Harvard Universityannual report 17
THANKING OUR SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERSThese supporters made gifts during APIA Scholars’ 2020 Fiscal Year, spanning July 1, 2019–June 30, 2020.individualsPresident’s Circle (Gifts of 2,500 and above)Andrew Butler and PoonehFracyon ButlerDon W. JoeDoug MurthaEugene ChasinHardy ChanHarsha MurthyJacinta Titialii-AbbottJimmy FergusonKen BarrettMahrukh HussainNoël HarmonRivero FundShana WhiteSusan Jin Davis Charitable FundThe Tan and Balladon FamilyCharitable FundWai Ling EngGifts of 1,000– 2,499Gin HoJessica Cutrera PapadopoulosRobert UnderwoodSalina CheungGifts of 500– 999Kiyoshi NakasakaGifts of 100– 499Allison DuhElaine WongEwa HuangGary TanigawaGeorge WuHelen TauMatt WileyMichael KwonMonica BhardwajPeter Kyin ChowPong LamRiane KerwinRowena TomanengSophia VuSunil SadhwaniValentina LinXiao ting Zheng18 apia scholarsGifts of 1– 99Adrienne Y. LeeAndrea KammererBetty TranBill McCallDrew WhangEd PakEdythe ChanJeanette DeitelJustin ChinKenneth E. Redd Charitable FundKimo KippenMargaret ReevesNancy ChavezPeggy ChenReid OishiRominna VillasenorStefan SaliUyen HaVivian BejarinWally Suphapcorporations,foundations,and groups 500,000 and upMcDonald’sWalmartWells Fargo 250,000– 499,999United Health FoundationBNY MellonThe Coca-Cola FoundationThe Walt Disney Company 100,000– 249,999Ascendium Education GroupBill & Melinda Gates FoundationFedExNakupuna FoundationToyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc. 25,000– 99,0003MECMC FoundationFord Motor Company FundMacy’sNBCUniversalSouthern California EdisonTargetThe Boeing CompanyWalmart 5,000– 24,999Bettina Weary TrustCBSComcast CorporationCox EnterprisesEducational Testing Service (ETS)Ernst and YoungFirst Republic BankGeneral MotorsHondaLumina FoundationSodexo, Inc & AffiliatesSuncrest HospiceTeach for AmericaThe Coca-Cola CompanyThe Texas Women’s FoundationOrchid Giving CircleTsuha FoundationUnion Bank 1,000– 4,999AT&TCombined Federal Campaign(CFC)Dominion Energy CharitableFoundationFacebook FundraiserThe Chicago CommunityFoundationUSDA 0– 1,000Alaska AirlinesAmazon SmileAnonymousEdison International CorporateJPMC FoundationTiffany & CoTronex International, Inc.in-kindFirst Republic BankGoogleSouthwest AirlinespartnersCommon Application
OUR STEWARDSHIPAll Amounts in Thousandssupport and revenueGrants and Contributions. 13,893Other Revenue. 8Total Support and Revenue. 14,650expenses and lossesTotal Program Services. 13,065Management and General. 885Fundraising. 365Total Expenses and Losses. 14,315Change in Net Assets. 335assetscurrent assetsCash and Cash Equivalents. 3,759Contributions Receivable. 1,198Prepaid Expenses. 164financial positionTotal Current Assets. 6,876Net Property and Equipment. 91Other Assets. 54Total Assets. 7,020liabilities and net assetscurrent liabilitiesScholarships Payable. 1,271Accrued Expenses. 85Accrued Scholarships. 98Other Liabilities . 275Total Current Liability. 1,729Net Assets. 5,292Total Liabilities and Net Assets. 7,020.49*These are unaudited figures and may slightly change after the audit in February 2021.Investments. 1,756creatingopportunitiesstatement of accountsProgrammatic Events. 749annual report 19
1850 M St. NW, Suite 245, Washington, D.C. 20036 (202) 715-0787 apiascholars.orgPrinting & design of this Annual Report is generously supportedby Kimo Kippen of Aloha Learning Advisors.20 apia scholars
business, and mental health resources to address individual and small group concerns. Among those resources was our rapid re-sponse APIA Scholars Emergency Fund which provided immediate support to our Scholars facing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Additionally, APIA Scholars successfully pivoted all in-person programming to virtual
