The Orange County Chinese American Chamber of Commerce and its foundation hosted their 2026 Scholarship Gala on June 19, uniting nearly 400 community leaders to invest in the next generation.
Love United, Dreams Ignited
Ten graduating seniors were named 2026 OCCACC Scholars, while 30 college students will continue receiving support.
Each scholar may receive $5,000 annually—up to $20,000 over four years—to help cover tuition and educational expenses.
Foundation President Mary Lin thanked donors and volunteers whose home visits help ensure aid reaches students who need it most, keeping hope alive year after year.
Congratulating the recipients, Lin said the honor reflects both the students’ hard work and the community’s faith in them.
She urged them to pursue their dreams and one day pass that support forward.
Words Inspire, Scholars Soar
U.S. Representative Judy Chu praised the foundation for helping students overcome financial barriers and pursue their college dreams.
She also commended past scholars for their academic excellence, leadership, service and character.
Betty Hsiao, director of the Orange County Chinese Cultural Center, said soaring college costs burden many families.
She thanked the chamber and foundation for supporting talented students in need and urged recipients to one day give back.
The 10 new scholars will attend Stanford, Yale, USC, UC campuses, the University of Michigan and Boston University.
In prerecorded messages, they thanked the foundation and pledged to give back.
Thirty Years Strong, Talent Shines
Since 1995, the Orange County Chinese American Chamber of Commerce Foundation has awarded scholarships to academically outstanding high school graduates facing financial hardship.
In 2015, it increased each student’s four-year award to as much as $20,000. To date, more than 300 scholarships have helped students overcome financial barriers and pursue higher education.
The gala drew many community leaders, including California Assemblymember Mike Fong, Walnut Mayor Allen Wu, Irvine Councilmember Melinda Liu, former and current OCCACC presidents Ann Hwu and Tony Young, and Sue Liu, founding president of the Orange County Chapter of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women.
All praised the foundation’s enduring commitment to education and congratulated the scholars.