Scholarship Opportunities
2026 Make A Difference Scholarship
The Make A Difference Scholarship Program provides financial support to outstanding Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) students pursuing higher education. Scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to up to four (4) eligible students who have graduated from a high school in Tucson, Arizona and are attending full-time an accredited institution of higher learning in Tucson starting in the fall semester in 2026.
Eligibility Criteria: Scholarships are open to students who meet the following requirements:
Must identify as AANHPI.
Enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited Tucson community college, Tucson four-year institution, or Tucson graduate degree program at a four-year institution.
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green card holder).
Agree that funds will be disbursed directly to the student’s college or university during Spring Semester, 2027 before tuition is due.
Graduated from a Tucson high school.
Is not a previous Make A Difference Scholarship recipient.
Application Requirements: Transcripts are not required. There is no application form.
A 500–1000-word essay detailing your leadership roles and achievements on campus or in the community, particularly with nonprofit organizations. Examples of roles:
Coaching team members to improve efficiency or service quality– what did you coach?
How did you improve team relationships?
How did you make your team accountable?
What processes did you improve?
What kind of impact did you make in improving the lives of other people?
What does being a leader mean to you?
The name, address, email, and phone number of the campus or nonprofit organization with which they have been involved.
The name, address, email, and phone number of their direct supervisor at the organization.
Name and contact information of your Tucson high school principal. Year of high school graduation.
If you are awarded a scholarship, attendance at awards presentation at the Annual Gala, November 15, 2026.
If you are awarded a scholarship, participation in the Mentoring Program for six (6) months in spring semester following the Gala.
If you are awarded a scholarship, volunteering on an OCA project during January 15 – November 15, 2027.
Submission Process:
Applications, along with the applicant’s contact information, should be emailed to Leslie Moe-Kaiser and Allen Miller at the following addresses:
Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of submission. If confirmation is not received within three days, please follow up with both Leslie and Allen.
Application Deadline: October 15, 2026