APIA Scholars Announces Academic Year 2026–2027 Scholarship Cohort

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–Washington, DC (September 25, 2026) APIA Scholars is proud to announce that for the 2026-2027 academic year, we are supporting over 1,000 students pursuing higher education across the United States and Pacific with scholarships and additional grant opportunities. Among these Scholars, the new AY2026-2027 cohort features 493 new Scholars with over $3.3 million in Scholarships awards.

This year’s cohort demonstrated our continual commitment in accessibility and representation and support for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and all eligible students, with a focus to those most in need:

  • 90% are first-generation college students (compared to 88% last year)
  • 61% are at or below federal poverty level (compared to 62% last year)
  • 82 ethnicities represented (compared to 52 last year)
  • 490 new Scholars (compared to 634 last year)

“We are proud to welcome the new cohort, which represents the very best of our applicant pool. We received over 7,900 applications, and the 493 students awarded scholarships represent excellence and achievement,” said Dr. Noël S. Harmon, President and Executive Director of APIA Scholars. “As the key highlights demonstrate, we remain committed to expanding opportunity and providing layered supports for all students, no matter their background.”

APIA Scholars continues to build on these efforts through pilot initiatives like the Scholar Relief Fund and the Career Development Fund, which give Scholars greater financial flexibility for unforeseen needs and additional support for career advancement. APIA Scholars also continues to invest in Scholar Enrichment programs and career-building initiatives, fostering a strong foundation of skills as well as community for students on their college-to-career journeys. On average, APIA Scholars is able to award scholarships to just 6% of applicants each year, leaving the majority of qualified applicants without funding. This underscores the need for continued support of organizations like APIA Scholars, which make higher education possible for high-need, high-achieving students.

About APIA Scholars

Based in Washington, D.C. and founded in 2003, APIA Scholars is the nation’s leading non-profit organization devoted to the academic, personal, and professional success of our Scholars, with a focus on those who are most in need. Through Scholarships, Scholar Enrichment Programs and Strategic Initiatives, APIA Scholars carries out its mission to educate, elevate, and empower our Scholars and the next generation of students. For more information about APIA Scholars, please visit us at www.apiascholars.org.


CONTACT

Wendy Wong
SVP of Advancement
APIA Scholars (Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars)
wwong@apiascholars.org