APIA awards $5,000 in scholarships to 2 GCC students

The Asian & Pacific Islander Americans Scholars has awarded two full-time Guam Community College students with scholarships totaling $5,000. Each received $2,500 toward their studies at GCC. Present at the check presentation were, from left, GCC Foundation board of governors chair Lorraine Okada, Aira May Ngalongalo, McEllie Garcia, and GCC president Dr. Mary Okada. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

MANGILAO, Guam—The Asian & Pacific Islander Americans Scholars had awarded two full-time Guam Community College students with scholarships totaling $5,000. Each received $2,500.

McEllie Garcia is working on her associate degree in Marketing and Accounting. She is anticipated to graduate in spring 2022.

“I am highly appreciative of the APIA organization for their generosity. Receiving the scholarship allows me to continue my education as it takes a financial burden off my shoulders,” Garcia said. “At the beginning of the semester, I was working three jobs to help support myself and my studies.

With the organization’s help, I am confident that I will be able to accomplish my future goals,” she said.

The second recipient, Aira May Ngalongalo, is no stranger to this scholarship. In spring 2021 she was also awarded the scholarship to help her attain her associate degree in Liberal Studies, Business track. Ngalongalo is anticipated to finish her studies in fall 2022.

“For those that think you don’t have the time for college, just know you do have the time. It takes a lot of effort and dedication to do something you would want in your life,” said Ngalongalo. “Life is short, so may as well make use of the available time you have now. If you think you can’t afford college, there are many opportunities for you to apply, but it’s only you that can make the effort if you want it to happen.”

In order to qualify for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements: must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents enrolled in an accredited higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.7, and who have applied for federal financial aid through the FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

APIA Scholars, formerly the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund, is the nation’s largest non-profit provider of college scholarships for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Since 2003, APIASF has distributed more than $80 million in scholarships to AAPI students across the country and in the Pacific Islands. The APIASF Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution Scholarship program is an expansion of the APIASF Community College Scholarship Program. In 2013, a new scholarship opportunity was launched by APIASF in partnership with Guam Community College through the AANAPISI Scholarship Program. The APIASF partnership with AANAPISIs helps provide important access to AAPI students in their pursuit of higher education. (PR)