OCA-Verizon College Scholarship Deadline Extended to May 10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 April 2010
CONTACT
Iimay Ho | Program Manager
202 223 5500 | iho@ocanational.org
Washington, DC – OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, economic, and political well-being of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), is extending the application deadline for the OCA-Verizon College Scholarship to May 10, 2010.
The OCA-Verizon College Scholarship is a $2,000 award that will provide opportunities to APA college students who wish to continue their higher education while facing financial difficulties. 10 scholarships will be awarded.
In order to be eligible, applicants must be a current undergraduate student who identifies as Asian Pacific American entering their junior or senior year in Fall 2010, demonstrate financial need, be a permanent resident or US citizen, have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale), and must be pursuing one of the majors below. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Eligible Majors
| Accounting | Business Administration |
| Computer Electronics | Computer Programming |
| Computer Information Systems | Computer Engineering |
| Computer Science | Economics |
| Electrical Engineering | Finance |
| HR Management | Industrial Engineering |
| Information Technology | International Business |
| Management Information Systems | Marketing |
| Mechanical Engineering | Network Administration |
The application must be completed online. For more information about the OCA-Verizon College scholarship or to access the application, please visit www.ocanational.org and click “Verizon College Scholarships” under “Programs.” The application must be submitted in its entirety by 11:30 PM EST on May 10 to be eligible.
OCA-GLA ANNOUNCES NEW CIVIL RIGHTS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
LOS ANGELES – OCA-Greater Los Angeles (OCA-GLA) chapter will launch its inaugural Civil Rights Fellowship Program for 2010-2011. Applications will be accepted until May 14, 2010.“OCA-GLA is proud to offer this fellowship as an opportunity for the next generation of Asian Pacific Americans to develop their leadership skills, and to increase a deeper understanding of social justice issues that face our community,” said Ed Lew, OCA-GLA vice president and head chair of the Civil Right Fellowship Committee.Upon selection, the OCA-GLA Civil Rights Fellow will receive a stipend of $25,000 and will work with the chapter for 12 months. The Fellow will have an opportunity to work on advocacy issues critical to the Asian Pacific American community, participate in professional and leadership development programs, receive hands-on experience managing a community based non-profit organization, fundraising, website management, and media relationFor further questions, please contact OCA-GLA’s office at (213) 250-9888 or info@oca-gla.org.
Submit the entire package to the attention of Bryant Yang, OCA-GLA President.
· If by mail, please send to:
OCA-Greater
Attn: Bryant Yang, President
· If by email, please send to: bryant.yang@oca-gla.org.
All submissions must be postmarked no later than
OCA-GLA Co-Sponsors: Globalizing Asian American Politics 1971-2010: A Forum with Amerasia Journal’s Scholars, Activists, & Cultural Workers
The Asian American Studies Center (AASC) and Amerasia Journal are organizing an event entitled, “Globalizing Asian American Politics 1971-2010: A Forum with Amerasia Journal’s Scholars, Activists, & Cultural Workers” as part of the year-long celebration of Ethnic Studies at UCLA. Our program will be on Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 5-8 PM in the UCLA Fowler Museum Lenart Auditorium (www.fowler.ucla.edu).
This event will bring together scholars, activists, and cultural workers to discuss both the roots of and current state of Asian American participation in politics, including the domestic and international dimensions of these populations. Confirmed participants include Professors Susie Ling (Pasadena City College), David K. Yoo (UCLA), Tritia Toyota (UCLA) and Shirley Hune (University of Washington), who will share their experiences and research about Asian American politics historically to today. A special issue of Amerasia Journal on these themes will also be available for purchase during the book-signing following the program.
If you would like further information, please feel free to contact us at aujean@gmail.com.
Successful Census for OCA-GLA & APABA
LOS ANGELES – OCA-Greater Los Angeles (OCA-GLA) and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association (APABA) successfully outreached to approximately 900 community members about the Census and the importance of being counted. OCA-GLA and APABA also obtained 205 commitment forms from individuals who pledged to fill out their Census forms or, if they had already done so, to remind 5 other people to fill their forms.
The Census count, which occurs every 10 years as required by the U.S. Constitution, is probably the single most important data source for the country. The Census data determine how public funds are allocated for services like schools, hospitals, emergency services, police and fire fighters. The Census is also used for reapportionment of Congressional seats and redistricting of both state and federal electoral districts. In 2000, close to 180,000 individuals were undercounted in Los Angeles, which caused the county to lose over $635 million dollars in public funds. Studies have shown that the neighborhoods with the highest undercount rates tend to be poor and predominantly minority.
“OCA-GLA’s theme for 2010 is ‘Making Our Community Count’. We, along with APABA, want to prevent the undercount that occurred in 2000 from happening again, not just for the Asian Pacific American community, but for all of Los Angeles. Getting everyone counted will ensure that more of our tax money returns here to serve our communities,” stated Bryant Yang, President of OCA-GLA.
To combat the historic undercount in Los Angeles, especially among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, OCA-GLA and APABA organized “Dim Sum Census.” Volunteers tabled in front of Empress Pavilion, a well known restaurant in Los Angeles Chinatown, on March 27and 28 from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. OCA-GLA and APABA members talked to Empress Pavilion patrons about the Census, handed out Census materials, and answered questions on how to properly fill out the Census forms. Trained Census workers were also present; the event was designated an Authorized Assistance Center. Free Census paraphernalia and gift certificates to Empress Pavilions were handed out to encourage participation.
“Dim Sum Census was extremely successful. APABA and OCA-GLA organized the event to target monolingual, first-generation Asian Pacific Americans. We believe our member volunteers who were bilingual and culturally sensitive were effective in helping people fill out their forms and in raising awareness about the Census among community members that are difficult to reach,” said Shirley Lee, APABA Board member.
API Community Reception for Los Angeles Police Chief Beck
| Date: |
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 |
| Time: |
4:00pm – 7:00pm |
| Location: |
APALC Community Room |
| Street: |
1145 Wilshire Blvd., 1st floor |
| City/Town: |
Los Angeles, CA |
Remarks and Q&A with Chief Beck: 4:00pm-5:30pmReception with Chief Beck: 5:30-7:00pm
Co-sponsored by:Korean Resource Center, Korean American Coalition, Little Tokyo Service Center, Asian Pacific Policy & Planning Council (A3PCON), Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC), Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA, )Thai Community Development Center
FREE EVENT, please RSVP at: michelle.cheng@stanfordalumni.org and add “CHIEF BECK RECEPTION” in subject line, include your name and affiliated organization in the body.

OCA-GLA AND APALC ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF CITIZENSHIP GRANT
OCA-GLA Awards Citizenship Grant
From Left to Right: Tom Hayashi, OCA-GLA former President; Coronette and Willie Cabobos, grant recipients; Gennady Umbay, daughter of the Cabobos; and Bryant Yang, OCA-GLA President. FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2010
OCA-GLA AND APALC ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF CITIZENSHIP GRANT
Willie and Coronette Cabobos will receive assistance in their pursuit of U.S. Citizenship
LOS ANGELES – OCA-Greater Los Angeles (OCA-GLA) chapter is proud to announce that the first recipients of the Mentored Path to Citizenship Grant are Mr. Willie S. Cabobos and Mrs. Coronette V. Cabobos. The grant will provide the husband and wife couple with $675 to use toward application fees, as well as receiving legal assistance from the Asian Pacific American Legal Center (APALC) in their pursuit of U.S. citizenship.
The Cabobos immigrated to the
“Originally, we had planned to only select one individual. After reading both Willie and Coronette’s applications, however, we could not decide between them. Their love and commitment for each other, to their children, and to the ideals of America couldn’t be ignored or dismissed. We are extremely happy to help the Cabobos become citizens by lowering the financial barriers that they and other deserving immigrants face,” stated Bryant Yang, OCA-GLA president.
“Applying for citizenship can be a complicated process,” said Stewart Kwoh, APALC executive director. “APALC looks forward to assisting the Cabobos with their application to become citizens of the United States.”
In light of the rising costs to become an U.S. citizen, the Mentored Path to Citizenship Grant was created by OCA-GLA to extend resources to lessen the financial burden and to encourage worthy individuals to meet their full potential. All interested individuals were asked to complete a written application. Applicants had to show proof of residency in Los Angeles County and demonstrate eligibility to become a U.S. citizen.
About Asian Pacific American Legal Center
The Asian Pacific American Legal Center of Southern California (APALC) is the nation’s largest legal organization serving the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities. Founded in 1983, APALC is a unique organization that combines traditional legal services with civil rights advocacy and leadership development.
www.apalc.org
About OCA-GLA
Founded in 1973, OCA is a national organization dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans in the United States. Since its 1991 inception, the Greater Los Angeles chapter of OCA has worked with partners like APALC to assist
www.oca-gla.orgFor further questions, please contact OCA-GLA’s office at (213) 250-9888. Written inquiries may be sent to 1145 Wilshire Blvd., 1st Floor, Los Angeles,
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Apply to the Mentored Path to Citizenship grant!
Organization of Chinese Americans – Greater Los Angeles Chapter is awarding a $675 naturalization grant to provide assistance to a qualified individual in L.A. County seeking U.S. citizenship. This one-time grant will provide financial assistance towards application fees, while also giving the recipient the opportunity to receive assistance from the Asian Pacific American Legal Center throughout the application process.
All interested individuals are asked to complete a written application which may be found by clicking on the link below or available by calling the office at (213) 250-9888. Applicants must show proof of residency in Los Angeles County and demonstrate eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. Viable candidates will be interviewed in a confidential screening process by OCA-GLA with assistance by APALC.
For further questions, please contact OCA-GLA’s office at (213) 250-9888. Written inquiries may be sent to 1145 Wilshire Blvd., 1st Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90017 and emails may be directed to info@oca-gla.org.
The deadline to submit applications will be September 25, 2009
Click here for the application and instructions.
Click here to view the press release.

Save the Date! OCA-GLA 18th Annual Image Awards
| October 2, 2009 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 10:00 pm |
OCA-Greater Los Angeles (GLA) proudly presents the 18th Annual Image Awards on Friday, October 2, 2009, to be held at the Omni Hotel in downtown Los Angeles at 7:00p.m.
OCA-GLA annually presents the Image Awards to recognize individuals who exemplify not only excellence in their professions but also leadership and commitment to the community. OCA-GLA believes that it is essential to identify and honor role models so that they can be an inspiration for all of us and especially for the younger generation.
This year’s honorees are:
- John Chiang, CA State Controller
- Bill Watanabe and Little Tokyo Service Center
- Jeri Floyd and Families with Children from China
- Southwest Airlines
The evening will also include a silent auction. Ticket information coming soon. For more information please email: info@oca-gla.org or call (213) 250-9888.
We hope you can join us!
OCA-GLA 18th Annual Image Awards – October 2, 2009
Please RSVP by September 25, 2009
Title Sponsor $10,000/Table ___# of Tables
Gold Sponsor $5,000/Table ___# of Tables
Silver Sponsor $3,500/Table ___# of Tables
Bronze Sponsor $2,000/Table ___# of Tables
Community Sponsor $850/Table ___# of Tables
OCA Member $65/Seat ___# of Seats
Non-Member $75/Seat ___# of Seats
At the Door $90/Seat ___# of Seats
I will not be able to attend, but enclosed is my contribution of $ _________
Or raffle or silent auction item of _____________________ to OCA-GLA.
Name: ____________________ Title: ________________________
Company / Organization: ___________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
Phone: ____________ Fax: __________ Email: ________________
Please make checks payable to OCA-GLA
For more information, call (213) 250-9888 or email rita.chen@oca-gla.org
http://www.oca-gla.org/events/oca-image-awards/
Join OCA-GLA at Project by Project’s Seventh Annual Tasting Benefit
| August 1, 2009 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 10:00 pm |
You’re invited!
Join OCA-GLA at Project by Project’s Seventh Annual Tasting Benefit:
Plate by Plate
Saturday, August 1, 2009
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wallis Annenburg Building at the California Science Center
For OCA Members only!
Use the below discount code to purchase your Plate by Plate Tickets by July 31, 2009
Discount Code: MU9M1
General Admission Ticket Price w/ Discount Code: $115
Normal General Admission Ticket Price: $150
To purchase tickets, visit: www.platebyplate.org



