OCA sponsors several
programs for young APAs which promote cultural heritage, political awareness, leadership,
and scholarship. Programs, such as the Youth Ambassador Award and the National Essay
Contest, foster greater awareness of cultural identity and the societal contributions of
APAs. Other programs such as the Presidential Classroom Scholarships and the OCA political
internships are designed to allow high school and college students to travel to Washington
D.C. to learn about governmental and legislative processes. OCA implements two sets of
scholarships. The Avon Foundation, Inc., provides college scholarships for financially
disadvantaged Asian Pacific American women. The UPS Foundation provides scholarships to
APAs.