About
APIA Scholars, legally the Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund, is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that describes itself as the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to the academic, personal, and professional success of its scholars, with a focus on those most in need. The organization provides scholarships and enrichment programming to Asian and Pacific Islander American undergraduate students across the United States.
Mission
APIA Scholars states that its mission is to make a difference in the lives of APIA Scholars by providing them with resources that increase their access to higher education. Its vision is to ensure scholars have the finances and resources for academic, personal, and professional success, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or financial circumstances.
What they do
- APIA Scholarship: open to undergraduate students attending U.S. accredited colleges and universities, with awards ranging from 2,500 dollar one-year awards to 20,000 dollar multi-year awards, prioritizing students who live at or below the poverty line and are first-generation college students.
- Scholar Enrichment Programs: community building and transition support, including a Financial Literacy Series, Career Workshop Series, and the Elevating Leaders Summit.
- Scholar Relief Funds and a Career Development Fund for scholars facing financial hardship or pursuing professional opportunities.
- Strategic Initiatives that convene dialogue on student success issues, along with FAFSA resources offered in partnership with uAspire and a Scholar Advisory Committee.
Scale and impact
According to its website, APIA Scholars has awarded 261 million dollars in scholarships to more than 12,000 students from all 50 states and U.S. territories, representing 48 ethnicities and more than 300 languages. Among its scholars, 71 percent are first-generation college students and 62 percent live at or below the poverty line. The organization notes it is currently able to fund only about 6 percent of applicants.
Financials
According to IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 57-1192973), the Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund reported total revenue of 13,739,648 dollars, total expenses of 13,353,566 dollars, and total assets of 39,856,314 dollars for fiscal year 2023.
Governance
APIA Scholars is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit governed by a Board of Directors and headquartered at 1850 M St. NW, Suite 245, Washington, D.C. It holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, is a Platinum-level GuideStar Exchange participant, and has been recognized in the Social Impact Exchange's S&I 100.