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Our Scholarship Opportunities
LACAAEA sponsors an annual scholarship program, awarding $1,000 per recipient. This program was initiated in 2000 to honor the accomplishments of the organization's founders and to provide financial assistance to members and their children pursuing higher education. We welcome qualifying candidates who are currently enrolled in a four-year college, graduate program, or high school seniors about to graduate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to apply for one of the following scholarships listed below.
Applicants must read the application in its entirety and submit a completed LACAAEA scholarship application package. The deadline is September 15th, and information will be sent to LACAAEA members. If you have any questions or require further information, please contact [email protected].
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The Edward W. Lee Continuing Education Scholarship is awarded to students already enrolled in a four-year college (previous recipients are not eligible). Mr. Lee, a founder of the LACAAEA, was a visionary who tirelessly promoted Asian Americans, fought workplace discrimination, and worked to ensure future generations would not face the same challenges he encountered. He served as a Division Chief in the Department of Health Services in the Environmental Management Division and later became the Director of Community Relations.
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The Howard Takata Trade/Vocational Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors planning careers where certificates of completion are acceptable and college degrees are optional. Mr. Takata, another founder of the LACAAEA, fought for the recognition of Asian Americans in the County workforce and the development of job skills that would allow Asian Americans to compete for promotional opportunities. Mr. Takata retired in 1998 from the Internal Services Department but remains active with LACAAEA.
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The Shirley Bolinger Four-Year Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors entering a four-year college. Ms. Bolinger, a Division Chief with the Chief Administrative Office, was an active LACAAEA member who advocated for the creation of these scholarships. Sadly, she passed away before the first scholarships were awarded.
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The Executive Leadership Scholarship is awarded to members continuing their education with a Master's or Doctorate degree. This scholarship is funded by generous executive leadership in LA County.
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The Emerging Leadership Scholarship (non-members may apply) is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership in their school, community, and/or workplace within the Asian Pacific Islander Community, building solidarity with other communities.