Educate
Scholarships, mentorship, and resources for students pursuing higher education — with a focus on Cambodian-American and first-generation youth.
A Cambodian-American Family Foundation
Be the light our parents' generation never had.
Funding the students and entrepreneurs our parents never had the chance to become — and strengthening the families and communities around them.
100%
of gifts fund the mission
$2,500
per scholarship award
5
scholarships & donations made
501(c)(3)
registered nonprofit
Our Mission
Our parents' generation was denied education and opportunity — and ours will not be.
Founded by a Cambodian-American family whose parents survived the Khmer Rouge genocide, our mission is to fund the students and entrepreneurs our parents never had the chance to become. We help students stay in school and pursue higher education, equip entrepreneurs with grants and mentorship to grow their businesses, and strengthen families and communities through programs that build resilience and legacy.
The Work
Three ways we shine light ahead
Empower
Business grants, training, and mentorship for entrepreneurs in underserved communities who are ready to build something that lasts.
Elevate
Community programs that strengthen families, honor refugee and immigrant heritage, and build a legacy that outlives us.
Scholarships & Grants
Up to $2,500 per recipient, toward the future you're building.
Applied toward tuition, books, supplies, technology, or other qualified educational expenses. We look for students with character, dedication, and a heart for the communities around them.
Apply NowApplications close October 1, 2026
Who we look for
- High-school seniors and current college or graduate students (ages 16–25)
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Demonstrated involvement in school, community, or volunteer activities
“How will this scholarship help you be a light for others?”
2026 Scholarship Winners
The students we're proud to celebrate this year
Brynn Bonifaz
Brynn has shown strong academic dedication, earning straight A's while challenging herself through speech, math, and art competitions. She gives back through service — packing meals for children in need, supporting younger students, and helping beginner dancers — reflecting character, faith, work ethic, and a desire to make a positive impact.
Lola Atkinson
Lola has shown strong dedication to her education, a positive attitude, and a willingness to work hard toward her goals. She leads with kindness and concern for others, understands the value of opportunity, and embodies character, perseverance, humility, and a commitment to personal growth.
Alyssa Khem
Alyssa reflects dedication, character, and perseverance, with a steady commitment to continued growth and to lifting up the communities around her.
Ambassador
Leth Oun
Ambassadors
“No matter how dark the past, there is always light ahead if you keep moving forward.”
Leth Oun's life is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, and the hope that light can break through even the darkest of times. A survivor of the Cambodian Killing Fields, Leth endured unimaginable hardship before immigrating to the United States, where he built a new life founded on hard work and faith in possibility.
Meet our ambassadors →Instagram
@lightaheadmvmt
Follow along for scholar spotlights, stories, and moments from the movement.
Get Involved
Together, we can be the light that helps others move forward.
Real change happens when people come together to lift one another up. Whether you have time, resources, or expertise, there are many ways to help shine a light forward.