The S.Y. & S.F. Fung Public Service Scholarship Fund
It is important for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) to be represented at all levels of government, to be involved in the political process, advocacy, and public service, in order to meet our communities’ needs and make our voices heard. The S.Y. & S.F. Fung Public Service Scholarship Fund aims to support this work by awarding financial aid to students pursuing a Masters Degree in Public Administration (or similar degree) and who intend to pursue a career in public service. In 2023, one scholar will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship.
Applications are now closed for the 2023 S.Y. & S.F. Fung Public Service Scholarship Fund.
If you have any questions please contact kent.tong@ocanational.org.
This scholarship is sponsored by Anthony Fung.
Eligibility Requirements
Scholars must identify as an Asian American or Pacific Islander (AAPI).
Scholars must have an acceptance letter from a Masters of Public Administration program (or similar program) and intend to pursue, or are currently pursuing, this degree in 2023.
Scholars must not be a child or dependent of:
an OCA National staff,
an OCA Executive Council member,
or OCA Business Advisory Council.
Application Requirements
Headshot
This should be a professional photo of yourself. This photo will be used on our website and promotional materials if you are selected to be a scholarship winner.
Short Bio (in PDF format, 300 words max)
This should include your background, identity, school, major/minor, work/experience, interests, etc. This info will be used on our website if you are selected. If you’d like to see examples of what this short bio should look like, please refer to our previous scholars page.
Academic Transcript (in PDF format; unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
If you have not started your masters program yet, please provide your undergraduate transcript with grades and GPA. If you have started your masters program already, you should provide the transcript with grades and GPA for your most recent completed term.
Resume (in PDF format)
One page front and back, i.e. two single-sided pages.
Letter of Recommendation (in PDF format)
This letter must not be from a friend or family member.
Essay Response (in PDF format)
Essay Prompt: Why is it important for more Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to be involved in public service? (500 words max)
Short Answer Response (in PDF format)
Short Answer Prompt: What is your career goal after graduating from your masters program? (300 words max)
Masters of Public Administration Acceptance Letter (in PDF format)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is included under the term “Asian American and Pacific Islander?”
This includes those who identify as East Asian American, Filipino American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander American, South Asian American, and Southeast Asian American.
What type of information do you need under “Ethnicity?”
Please list a specific ethnic background group, such as Bangladeshi, Cambodian, Chinese, Filipino, Guanamian, Native Hawaiian, Hmong, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Pakistani, Samoan, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese, Thai, Tongan, Vietnamese, etc. If you are of mixed heritage, please list your various backgrounds. Applicants must be able to provide this information.
Can I apply if I am graduating from a Masters of Public Administration program in 2023?
Yes.
Can I apply if I am pursuing a Masters of Public Affairs program?
Yes.
What if I’m unsure if my masters program counts towards this scholarship?
If you are unsure, please contact kent.tong@ocanational.org.
How can the scholarship funding be spent?
The scholarship must be used towards education. The scholarship will be sent directly to the student via check, and it will be considered taxable income, meaning you will be required to report it as income when you file taxes next tax season.
When will applicants be notified if they’re selected for this scholarship?
All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of June 2023.
About Anthony Fung
Anthony Fung served as Deputy Secretary of Technology for the Commonwealth of Virginia. In this capacity, Anthony served as a senior advisor to the Commonwealth on technology matters including, data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, innovation and entrepreneurship, and technology operations.
Anthony is a proven executive with over 23 years of experience in information technology management, strategic planning, and operations management. Before joining the Governor’s Cabinet, Anthony was the CEO of a professional consulting firm, which serviced Federal focused clients such as DoD, HHS, DHS, and GSA. Anthony also served as a SCORE counselor, providing advice to small businesses on start-up best practices, business operations, and strategy.
He serves on the board of CodeVA, VCU Innovation Gateway, and OCA Central Virginia Chapter. Anthony has been recognized as one of Washington’s top business leaders, recipient of Washington Business Journal’s Award, SmartCEO Top 100 CEOs, and named Top 40 Under 40 Business Leader.
The S.Y. & S.F. Fung Public Service Scholarship Fund is in honor of Anthony Fung’s mother and father, who worked as a nurse at a public hospital and a high school teacher, respectively.