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
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.Â
Deadline to Apply: March 13, 2026
Questions? Contact [email protected]
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.
Thank you to our December donors: Sharon Wong, Marjorie Bee, Kelly Tian, Michele Tam, Amy Wipfler, Wendy Karahalios, John Knoblett, Nathan Truong, Emily Yee, E Samantha Cheng, Edith Mitko, Linda Connor, Nina Pan, Daniel and Helen Lewis, Andrew Li, Andrew Lee, Nancy Hwang, Holden Hsiao, Kevin & Linda Luke, Tom Ging, Daniel M Mayeda, Victor and Sandra Gong, Margaret W Wong, Lankeshwar Jaduram, Astria Wong, Winnie Tang, Teresa Chan, Stan Lou, and Roland Hwang 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
OCA Calls on Congress to Restore ACA SubsidiesÂ
Millions of Americans will face steep premium increases in the new year due to Congress's failure to extend ACA subsidies, forcing many to choose between healthcare and other necessities. Click here to read more.
OCA Condemns U.S. Department of Education’s Challenge of Minority Serving Institution Programs
Higher education programs, established by Congress nearly 20 years ago to ensure equal opportunity to educational success for all Americans, are now being challenged by the Department of Education. Click here to read more.
OCA Condemns ICE Murder of Minnesotan Renee Nicole Good
ICE’s fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three and legal observer in Minneapolis, is unacceptable, and an immediate and unbiased investigation into the responsible federal officers must take place. Click here to read more.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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 for more information.
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!
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 35Â years. Fill out the form.
CHAPTER EVENTS
OCA - NY Regional Leadership Summit on January 24
Please join us for a one-day leadership summit with interactive trainings on community organizing, advocacy, and civic engagement for AANHPI community members and leaders on Saturday, 24th of January, at CPC One, 45 Suffolk Street. The summit will encourage participants to become more civically engaged and to create a pipeline of policy champions.
The summit will feature panels and discussions on:
State of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs)
Fight for AANHPI curriculum in New York State public schools featuring your local AANHPI elected officials
Citizenship, immigration, and civil rights
Affordability crisis and its impact on AANHPI communities
Voting rights, redistricting, and the 2030 US Census
Mock legislative visit on how to engage elected officials and advocate for issues in your community
Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will also be a post-summit networking reception.
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.
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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, 2026Â
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 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
