Fewer than 15% of Lao and Hmong in the United States successfully graduate college based on Census data. For those who feel a college education can help these Southeast Asian youth escape multigenerational cycles of poverty, scholarships like the Distinguished Raven Scholarships are urgent. Many of those who are eligible for these funds will often be the first in their families to attend college.
This scholarship is offered by veterans who served with the Ravens-Forward Air Controllers (FACs). In the 20th century, they flew small, slow propeller driven airplanes during the war in Laos. The secret mission of the Ravens was to support indigenous forces in Laos in their fight against invading forces from North Vietnam. The Ravens were all volunteers who had previous experience as Forward Air Controllers in South Vietnam.
Please share this opportunity with Laotian and Hmong households in your area who have graduating high school students this year. The deadline is coming very soon, but there is still time for many to make good applications.
Applicants must provide the following:
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Completed application form. RAVEN SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM
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One or two page essay describing applicant’s goals and any extenuating circumstances which make the applicant deserving of the scholarship.
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Copy of High School transcript.
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Two Letters of Recommendation (To: EAPLS) from adult members of your community (e.g. from school teachers/principals/extracurricular officials; youth/religious/civic/non-profit organization officials; public officials, employers, or business leaders). Letters may not come from the applicant’s immediate family members, from the family of any Raven FAC, or from anyone directly associated with the EAPLS organization. Letters should be on letterhead paper and not exceed a page in length.
This year is considered the 50th anniversary since the end of the US Secret War in Laos, when, on June 3rd, 1974, the last Air America aircraft crossed the border from Laos into Thailand. Laos would transition to rule by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in December, 1975, just a few months before the American Bicentennial in July, 1976.
Today, nearly 500,000 people including Hmong, Lao, Tai Dam, Khmu, Iu Mien, Lue and others reside in the United States, many with roots as refugees and immigrants directly because of the conflict. Unfortunately, few are taught their history or the complex reasons why many of their family members are here in the US and what this could mean for their future as individuals and a community.