OCA Celebrates 2026 Gold Mountain Scholarship Recipients and Rising Leaders

Written By Socheata Sun

For Immediate Release
August 4, 2026

Media Contact: 
Socheata Sun, Senior Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org

Washington, D.C. — OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the annual OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarships. This award continues a longstanding partnership with the UPS Foundation to support first-generation college students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.

This year, twelve graduating high school seniors entering colleges and universities across the country will each receive a $2,000 scholarship to help cover tuition and educational expenses.

The OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship for Graduating High School Seniors is awarded to:

  • Tali Herrera Falute; University of Utah

  • Ngoc Nhu Y Ho; University of Nebraska 

  • Calvin Le;  Columbia University

  • Tania Li; Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

  • Mang Hnin Lian; University of Alabama 

  • Kathleen Luu, University of Houston 

  • Mary Caroline Mondaya; University of Tennessee

  • Abigail Nues; California Polytechnic State University

  • Robyn Crisan Romero; Southwestern Community College

  • Richie Song; University of Minnesota 

  • Emily Yang; Harvard University 

  • Abby Zheng; Wellesley College 

Full scholar biographies are available here.

In addition, four rising college seniors have been selected to receive $2,500 each to support their continued academic journey.

The OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship for Rising College Seniors is awarded to:

  • Rida Ali; Boston University 

  • Anthony Hoang; University of Southern California

  • Aoi Takahara; University of Southern California

  • Tenzin Yingsal; University at Albany

Full scholar biographies are available here.

Two scholarship recipients, Tali Herrera Falute and Tenzin Yingsal, attended the 2026 OCA National Convention in Detroit, where they were recognized for their achievements and had the opportunity to connect with community leaders and peers from across the country.

Established in 1999, the OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship program has supported hundreds of youth leaders nationwide.

“Since 1999, the OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship program has empowered hundreds of first-generation college students to pursue higher education and grow as community leaders,” said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. “The continued need for this scholarship highlights the ongoing financial and systemic hurdles many students face, including the pressures of rising student debt. We are proud to partner with UPS year after year to support these scholars and recognize their dedication, resilience, and potential to make a lasting impact.”

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About OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates

Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the sociopolitical and holistic well-being of all Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.

Socheata Sun
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