OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Organization of Chinese Americans

Introduction
Since 1999, the OCA-UPS® Gold Mountain Scholarship has provided financial support to first-generation high school students pursuing college. The program’s name evokes a period when many immigrants viewed the United States as a “mountain” of opportunity for themselves and their families. Recipients often carry not only their own college aspirations but also the hopes of parents and extended family.

Award and Timeline
- Award amount: $2,000 (one-time, non-renewable) to each selected scholar.
- Recipient payment: If chosen, the scholarship will be disbursed directly to the student via ACH or PayPal (paper checks are available upon request). The award is taxable and must be reported on your next tax filing; scholars will be required to submit a completed W-9 to receive funds.
- Application deadline: Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.
- Notification: All applicants will be informed of their application status by May 2026.
- Eligible cohort: High school seniors graduating and entering college/university in Fall 2026.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a current high school senior and plan to enroll in college by Fall 2026.
- Be first-generation: neither parent has completed a college or university degree.
- U.S. citizenship is not required. DACA or undocumented applicants must provide either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to be eligible.
- If selected, you may be required to provide a 2025 or 2026 tax return.
- Awardees must submit proof of acceptance to one or more colleges/universities before scholarship funds are released.
- Ineligible applicants: children or dependents of an OCA National staff member, an OCA Executive Council member, or an OCA Business Advisory Council member.

Application Components (all documents must be submitted in PDF unless otherwise noted)
1. Short Biography — 300 words maximum
- Include background, identity, school, intended major/minor, work or volunteer experience, interests, and other relevant personal details. This bio may be published on the website if you are selected. Examples can be found on the previous scholars page.

2. Academic Transcript — PDF (unofficial transcripts accepted)
- Transcript should cover from the first quarter/semester of your freshman year through at least the first quarter/semester of your senior year (concurrent with this application).

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

4. Two Short Answer Responses — 300 words maximum each
- Short Answer 1: Describe your experience as a first-generation Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) student.
- Short Answer 2: What do you plan to major/minor in college and why?

5. Experiences Document — PDF
- The application will ask for details on up to three entries in each of these categories:
- Leadership experience
- Community service / volunteer experience
- Employment / work experience
- You may list up to three items per category. If you do not have entries for a particular category, upload a short PDF explaining why you lack experience in that area. Examples of the format are available online.

6. References — provide contact information for two references
- Provide name, job title/position, email, phone number, and relationship to you for each reference. References should be people who can speak to your character and accomplishments. Note: letters of recommendation are not requested, though OCA may contact one or both references to follow up.

Notes
- Make sure all PDFs are legible and within the word limits stated.
- Follow instructions closely; incomplete submissions may affect eligibility.

If you need an example of any required document or further clarification on any item, check the scholarship’s online resources or reach out to the scholarship contact.