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2026 National Convention
Save the Date: 2026 OCA National Convention
We’re excited to announce that the 2026 OCA National Convention will be held in Detroit, Michigan from July 23–26, 2026!

This year’s theme is Motown Momentum: Igniting New Energy, Inspiring All Generations.

Please save the date and stay tuned. More information about registration and programming will be available soon.
UPDATES
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January Donors
Thank you to our January donors: Bryant Yang and Andrew Lee for your generous contributions towards the President's Circle Initiative! Your contributions directly support local OCA chapter programs and projects that impact AANHPI communities around the country.
PRESS RELEASE
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OCA Calls on Congress to Stop ICE Abuse and Visa Freeze
The Trump administration’s freeze on immigrant visa processing and the rising number of deaths in ICE custody demand that Congress prioritize accountability and transparency over funding a system that puts immigrant lives at risk. ** Click here to read more. ([link removed])

EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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2026 OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarships
We are now accepting applications for the 2026 OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarships for graduating high school seniors and rising college seniors. First-generation graduating high school seniors and first-generation college students beginning their senior year of college in fall of 2026 are encouraged to apply.

What to Know:
$2,000 scholarships will be awarded to 12 high school students who will be graduating high school in 2026 and starting college in the fall.
$2,500 scholarships will be awarded to 4 undergraduate students who will be starting their final year of college/university or community college in the fall of 2026.

Deadline to Apply: March 13, 2026
Questions? Contact [email protected]
** LEARN MORE & APPLY ([link removed])
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2025 IMAGE Magazine
The 2025 issue of IMAGE Magazine is available to read online now. This special issue honors the 35th anniversary of OCA's signature internship program, including interviews and written profiles of over 30 alumni, and a dozen works from the alumni, including excerpts from their memoirs, tasty recipes, beautiful illustrations, and more.
** READ HERE ([link removed])
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2026 Foundation 649 Scholarship
The Foundation 649 Scholarship is a grant of $4,000 over the course of 4 years that can be applied to college tuition and expenses. To maintain eligibility each year, there will be a brief check-in and renewal process at the end of each school year. 2026 applications are due on March 1, 2026. Visit ** www.foundation649.com ([link removed])
for more information.
** APPLY HERE ([link removed])
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Asian American Cohort Study
UCSF has launched ASPIRE an Asian American Cohort national study, hoping to learn more about possible causes of cancer in Asian Americans.
They are seeking to enroll people who are:
* Asian or Asian American (including non-U.S. citizens and/or multiracial)
* Age 40-75 years old
* Currently living in the US or US territories
* Not diagnosed with cancer

** CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ([link removed])
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Share Your OCA Origin Story!
For 50 years, OCA has been a powerful voice for our communities, growing and evolving—from the Organization of Chinese Americans to OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates. But our true strength comes from you—our members, volunteers, and supporters who have shaped this journey.

We want to celebrate your experiences, your impact, and the stories that connect us. Whether you've been with OCA for decades or just joined, your voice matters. Take a moment to share your story and be part of the legacy we continue to build together!These testimonials will play a vital role in our storytelling efforts, helping us highlight the impact of OCA through our members' voices.

Your story could be featured in IMAGE Magazine, on our social media, or in our monthly newsletter!
** SHARE YOUR OCA STORY TODAY ([link removed])
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Help us update our OCA Intern Alumni Directory
We are requesting all OCA National internship program alumni to fill out the OCA Intern Alumni Directory Form to help us update our internal database so we can stay in touch with our intern alumni from the last 35 years. ** Fill out the form ([link removed])
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CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS

OCA - Utah Chapter
‼️HISTORIC NUMBER OF ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER ELECTED OFFICIALS IN UTAH IN 2025! ✨ Congratulations to all Asians and Pacific Islanders in public office, 2025 has been an historic year for our community as we grow to more than 180,000+ Asians and Pacific Islanders statewide 👥

☝️However, among the many firsts we've seen, we also want to recognize and acknowledge those trailblazers who paved the way. From our firsts to our currents, may our elected officials continue to listen to and represent their constituents and our communities 🙏
CHAPTER EVENTS
31st Annual Asian Lunar New Year Celebration on February w/ OCA - Greater Tucson Chapter
OCA - Greater Tucson is pleased to share details of the Pan Asian Community Alliance (PACA) Lunar New Year Celebration scheduled for Saturday, February 7, at Desert Diamond Casino. This year, PACA is awarding the Friend of Pan Asian Individual to our very own OCA - Greater Tucson President, Leslie Moe-Kaiser.

As this celebration approaches, Leslie is thrilled to extend an invitation to all to support PACA’s community programs and to celebrate the honoree's distinguished recognition.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Pan Asian Community Alliance at (520) 512-0144 or Louis Lew at (520) 297-1042.
Lunar New Year Celebration on February 14&15 w/OCA - Greater Cleveland Chapter
Come celebrate the Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse, with OCA - Greater Cleveland Chapter on Saturday, February 14th, and Sunday, February 15th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Asia Plaza in Cleveland's Asiatown neighborhood. Enjoy cultural performances, martial arts, lion dances, food trucks, vendors, resource tables, crafts, activities, photo stations, and more.

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Lunar New Year Celebration on February 21 w/OCA - Greater Philadelphia Chapter
OCA - Greater Philadelphia is hosting a free Lunar New Year program featuring Beth Lew‑Williams, author of John Doe Chinaman: A Forgotten History of Chinese Life Under American Racial Law, which gives us the opportunity to recall the many racial barriers Chinese immigrant communities endured and overcame, as we reject the climate of fear and violence that immigrants are facing today.

This event will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 11am to 2pm at The Welcoming Center, 211 N 13th St 4th floor, Philadelphia, and includes lunch and book discussion; copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing.

The event is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5-10; advance RSVP is required as space is limited.
** RSVP FOR LUNCH HERE ([link removed])
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2026 OCA-NJ Annual Lunar New Year Banquet on February 21
Come Celebrate Year of the Horse with OCA - New Jersey Chapter! Enjoy 10 Course Traditional Chinese Banquet & Traditional Chinese Lion Dance Performance.

When: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Where: GOLDEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (518 Old Post Road, Edison, NJ 08817)

Registration & Payments must be received by February 15, 2026. No refunds will be provided after February 15.

Click
** HERE ([link removed])
to register & make payments online for banquet tickets.

To mail in payments, click on flyer to print & submit payment form with checks made payable to: OCA-NJ Chapter & mail to: OCA-NJ Chapter, 2 Heather Court, Dover, NJ 07801
** REGISTER HERE ([link removed])
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** OCA National Website ([link removed])
OCA National Center
Embracing the hopes and aspirations of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

900 19th St. NW, 6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20006

Copyright © 2026 OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates, All rights reserved.

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