McDonald’s Kicks Off 2026–27 APIA Scholarship with Nationwide Edu Fairs

McDonald’s has officially launched its 2026–27 APIA Scholarship Program with a series of education fairs held across three major U.S. cities, aiming to expand academic opportunities for college students nationwide.

As part of its ongoing APA NEXT initiative, the company hosted large-scale college readiness events in Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Houston, offering high school and college students access to scholarships, mentoring, admissions guidance, and mental-health resources—all in partnership with ethnic media outlets.

Scholarship Application: www.apanext.com
Deadline: January 15, 2026

The campaign began on October 11 in Los Angeles with the 19th Annual College Fair hosted by The Korea Daily. Students attended a range of sessions, including a presentation from a University of California admissions officer, transfer guidance from Santa Monica College, financial aid and admissions consulting seminars, and resource booths on mental health and arts programs. A former APIA scholar also shared personal experiences and practical tips, resonating strongly with students and parents.

On November 1 in Flushing, New Jersey, World Journal held the McDonald’s Education Expo, featuring a New York University admissions officer who outlined strategies for applying to top-tier schools and discussed the evolving admissions landscape in the age of AI. Guidance counselors from renowned high schools joined case-based mentoring sessions, answering detailed questions about competitiveness, testing, and extracurricular preparation.

The campaign continued on November 15 in Houston, where Southern News Group and the International Trade Center (ITC) hosted the McDonald’s College Readiness & Admissions Fair. Students received admissions guidance, learned success and resilience strategies, participated in a mental-health panel discussion, and received hands-on instruction on completing the FAFSA. Some attendees were awarded scholarships on site, adding special meaning to the event.

Ebrahim Maqsoud, chair of the McDonald’s APA Committee, said the campaign underscores McDonald’s dedication to supporting AAPI students’ long-term academic and career growth. “This campaign is a critical step toward helping Asian American students reach their full potential,” he said. “We will continue expanding our programs so that more students nationwide can benefit.”

This year’s APA NEXT events went beyond information-sharing by providing students with practical support—scholarship access, mentoring, networking opportunities, and direct guidance from former APIA scholars who shared their own growth journeys and application tips. Applications for the 2026–27 McDonald’s/APIA Scholarship Program are now open and will remain available until January 15, 2026. McDonald’s plans to continue broadening its APA NEXT initiative to ensure that AAPI and multicultural students can pursue higher education with greater equity and opportunity.

BY GYEONGEUN PARK  [park.gyeongeun@koreadaily.com]