Asian American/Pacific Islander Emphasis Program

Program Manager: Valerie Oksendahl
Phone: 406-487-5366
E mail: Valerie Oksendahl

Asian Pacific Islander Organization (APIO) 2007 Scholarship Program

Scholarship Program Information and Guidelines

The Asian Pacific Islander Organization (APIO) was established as a Professional Society of Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees. APIO promotes the belief that Asian Pacific Americans can play an invaluable role in filling a critical need for committed natural resource professionals to address the protection of our nation's natural resources, as well as provide leadership in the wise use of our agricultural and recreational private lands. APIO was created to assist the United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) with its delivery of Program Information and Program Benefits to all communities. APIO plans to showcase the value that Asian Pacific Americans bring to the USDA-NRCS and to demonstrate the role of Asian Pacific Americans in a diverse, multicultural workforce. APIO serves as the primary link between the USDA-NRCS and the diverse Asian Pacific American communities.

APIO is committed to providing scholarships to deserving Asian Pacific American students who wish to pursue, are currently enrolled in, or are admitted to an accredited 4 year or 2 year institution, and are U.S. citizens. The scholarships will be awarded to students who intend to earn a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture; any natural resources conservation related field of study; computer science, or engineering. Candidates enrolled in the computer science or engineering degree with a geographic information systems (GIS); natural resources; or conservation emphasis in their academic program will have priority consideration during the selection process.

Candidates who receive the APIO Scholarship will be selected on the basis of academic achievement, personal strengths, leadership abilities, career goals, and work experiences. The APIO Scholarship Application period is from April 1, 2007 to June 30, 2007. The APIO Scholarship Committee will determine the APIO Scholarship recipients utilizing established selection criteria. Each applicant will be evaluated on the basis of his/her completed scholarship application package. The APIO Scholarship Committee is organized and administered by the APIO National Council.

The following documents are available from the APIO Forms webpage:

• APIO Scholarship Application
• APIO Scholarship Application Checklist
• APIO Scholarship Program Certification
• APIO Brochure

Additional Information

• Asian Pacific Islander Employee Organization

• May is National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.