Ma Kaing Scholarship Fund - 2022

Individuals who are refugees or immigrants face a number of barriers to graduating high school and attaining a post-secondary credential at a college, university, or other higher education institution. The Ma Kaing Scholarship Fund provides scholarships of $1,000 to $2,000 to help highly-driven immigrants and refugees entering an institution of higher learning offset costs related to attaining a degree or credential. The Fund is named in honor of Ma Kaing, a beloved refugee community leader and mother of four, who was senselessly killed by a stray bullet while unloading groceries near her home in the East Colfax neighborhood in July 2022. (Photo of Ma by Michelle Christiance Photography)

The Ma Kaing Scholarship Fund was established by the Refugee Action Coalition of Colorado and its member organizations, the International Rescue Committee in Denver, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, and Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning. The Fund was initially started by a small grant from the University of Denver's Grand Challenge program to provide four scholarships of $1,000 each. However, demand for scholarships has been enormous and it is our hope that the Word of Thanks campaign will bring in enough funds to provide up to 20 individuals with scholarships between $1,000 to $2,000.

The ambitious and impressive community members who have applied for this scholarship aspire to use their education to support our communities. They wish to pursue careers in early childhood education, nursing, neurosurgery, engineering, teaching, and entrepreneurialism. All want to give back to communities in Colorado to improve the lives of others. Please help us help them achieve their dreams!