UOG student named a McDonald鈥檚/APIA Scholar
UOG student named a McDonald鈥檚/APIA Scholar
UOG student named a McDonald鈥檚/APIA Scholar
10/6/2020
Bio-medicine major Michelle Bermudes is one of 55 students nationwide to receive the first-ever McDonald鈥檚/APIA Scholarship through the APIA Scholars. Her individual award totals $5,000 for this academic year and brings her one step closer to achieving her goal of becoming a dentist.
Bermudes and the other McDonald's/APIA Scholars were selected for their academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
鈥淏eing selected for this scholarship helped me start off my first year in college with a positive attitude despite the current situation with the pandemic,鈥� Bermudes said. 鈥淢ost importantly, the scholarship provides me with great opportunities and a sense of security as I begin my higher education journey.鈥�
The scholarship seeks to bridge the gap and address the disparity in financial support and opportunities for Asian- and Pacific鈥揑slander American (APIA) college students in the United States.
The notes that the APIA community has been hit disproportionately with economic hardships as a result of the pandemic, with one-in-five likely to be unemployed according to Pew Research Center, which directly impacts students and their family's ability to pay for higher education.
Among this year's recipients, 55% of students are Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Southeast Asian Americans, and 96% of students are first-generation immigrants, 36% of students are the first in their family to go to college, and 76% of students live below the poverty line.
The next scholarship application period is open and runs through Jan. 14, 2021. Students and parents are encouraged to learn more or apply.