Bermudes and the other McDonald's/APIA Scholars were selected for their academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. 

“Being selected for this scholarship helped me start off my first year in college with a positive attitude despite the current situation with the pandemic,” Bermudes said. “Most importantly, the scholarship provides me with great opportunities and a sense of security as I begin my higher education journey.”

The scholarship seeks to bridge the gap and address the disparity in financial support and opportunities for Asian- and Pacific–Islander American (APIA) college students in the United States.

The news release from McDonald’s notes that the APIA community has been hit disproportionately with economic hardships as a result of the pandemic, with one-in-five likely to be unemployed according to Pew Research Center, which directly impacts students and their family's ability to pay for higher education. 

Among this year's recipients, 55% of students are Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Southeast Asian Americans, and 96% of students are first-generation immigrants, 36% of students are the first in their family to go to college, and 76% of students live below the poverty line.

The next scholarship application period is open and runs through Jan. 14, 2021. Students and parents are encouraged to learn more or apply.

Apply for the APIA Scholarship