Empowering Futures: The CSC x PAMC Dream Achievement Scholarship

The chinatown Service Center (CSC) and the Pacific Alliance Medical Center (PAMC) Health Foundation are joining forces to offer substantial financial aid to aspiring students in Los Angeles County. Applications for the “CSC x PAMC Dream Achievement Scholarship” will be accepted from April 1st to June 15th, offering ten deserving students a $5,000 scholarship each.

this initiative aims to alleviate the financial burdens faced by many students pursuing higher education, enabling them to focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals. According to recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2023–24 school year was $11,260 at public four-year institutions and $40,820 at private nonprofit four-year institutions. Scholarships like this play a crucial role in bridging the affordability gap.

A Legacy of Giving Back: The Origins of the Scholarship

The “CSC Youth Center Scholarship,” now in its fifth year, has traditionally supported students directly involved with the CSC Youth Center. This scholarship is made possible through the long-standing generosity of donors like Henry Kwong, Margaret Kwong, Dr. Tit Li,Dr. Nga Wan Wong, and Bee Hsu, former chairman of the CSC Board of Directors.

Kwong Zhicai, reflecting on his own experiences, shared the inspiration behind establishing the scholarship. Having benefited from a scholarship himself,he embraced the philosophy of taking it from society and using it for society. This ethos drove him and other donors to create the CSC scholarship, with hopes of attracting further charitable contributions in the future.

The scholarships allow us to create a more complete educational resource for the next generation and are definitely one of the most meaningful activities.

C Joseph Chang, chairman of the CSC Board of Directors and chairman of the San Marino School District

Expanding Opportunities: A County-Wide Initiative

This year marks a notable expansion of the scholarship program. Thanks to a generous donation of $50,000 from PAMC,the scholarship is now open to all students residing in Los Angeles County. This broadened eligibility criteria, now in its second year, ensures that more students have the opportunity to benefit from this financial assistance.

Vinh Ngo, former chairman of the CSC board and mayor of Monterey Park, expressed his gratitude to all the partners whose generous donations have enabled the expansion of the “CSC x PAMC Dream Achievement Bursary,” providing more students with the chance to achieve their dreams.

The Transformative Power of Education

Dr. carl Moy, Chairman of the PAMC Board of Directors, shared his personal journey as a first-generation immigrant. His experience of overcoming language barriers, working while studying, and ultimately becoming a doctor instilled in him a deep belief in the transformative power of education. He hopes that the “CSC x PAMC Dream Achievement Scholarship” will provide crucial support to hardworking students facing financial hardship.

Vicky Wong, director of the CSC Youth center, highlighted that even with government tuition subsidies, the costs of education can still be a significant burden for students. Scholarships provide invaluable resources for purchasing essential items such as books, laptops, and daily necessities.

How to Apply

Interested students can download registration details from the Chinatown Service center’s official website. For more event information, follow them on Instagram @chinatownservicecenter. Inquiries can be directed to youthcenter@cscla.org.