Scholarships and Contests

For many decades members and friends of the Portland Lodge have worked hard to raise funds to support our mission of developing leadership, providing service to the community, and promoting civil rights. And the local community has been very supportive of our efforts.

One of the signature projects that benefit from our supportive community is our scholarships, National essay contest, and National art contest. Most of our scholarships and contests are open to qualified students of all ethnicities in Oregon and Clark County (State of Washington) high schools or its related equivalent. These scholarships and contests exist to help the students who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

The Essay and Art Contests, provide an avenue for students to communicate their views on contemporary issues of Asian concern through the medium of written words and art. These contest are open to student no matter where they reside in the United States. And unique to the National Art Contest is that there are four age divisions from kindergarten to grade 12.

CHINESE AMERICAN CITIZENS ALLIANCE

2024 NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST

Saturday March 2, 2024

Registration deadline: Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. (PST)

Through its 40+ year history, thousands of high school students across the nation have participated in the Alliance’s National Essay Contest. The essay contest is intended to foster creative thinking and self-expression and encourage an awareness of current local and world events. Top placing finishers receive cash scholarships towards their education endeavors. This annual contest is open to any student enrolled in high school (grades 9-12). No entry fee required. Participants are given 90 minutes to compose an essay in English not to exceed 500 words on a contemporary topic concerning the Chinese and Asian American communities. The essay topic is given at the time of the contest. This contest will be held virtually via Zoom.
All essays will be judged nationally for national cash awards. Additionally, C.A.C.A. Portland Lodge will judge the essays written by Oregon and SW Washington contestants for local cash awards.

National Essay Awards

National First Prize $1,000

National Second Prize $700

National Third Prize $500

National 10 Awards of Merit $100

Portland Lodge Awards

Portland First Prize $200

Portland Second Prize $100

Portland Third Prize $100

Contest Details and Application

C.A.C.A. Portland Lodge Scholarships

2024 details and applications

For all of the following, the complete application process (including the high school transcripts) must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. (PT) April 1, 2024

David Lee Quan Memorial Scholarship

Number of recipients: 1

Awarded to a student who has volunteered in a healthcare or medical setting, and intends to major in the medical health field.

Tiffany Wang Arts Scholarship

Number of recipients: 2

Two students will be selected to each receive $500 towards a summer arts program.

This scholarship encompasses these art forms: visual art, dance, drama, music, vocal, and instrumental.

Fred G. and Betty Jean Lee Memorial Scholarships

Number of recipients: 4

At least one scholarship will be awarded to a student who attends a college in Oregon or Washington State, and one scholarship will be for a student going to a trade school or community college. These recipients will be selected based on the following: scholarship, leadership in school, and community activities. Being active in school and community activities, especially in leadership roles is particularly important.

Sheung Mou and Fenge Tam Scholarship

Number of recipients: 1

We are happy to announce the second year of this scholarship for 2023 This scholarship will be awarded to a first generation college student of any ethnicity.