Iu Mien Scholarship Fund (IMSF)

Meet our final recipient, Cailah Hy!

Cailah Hy is a mixed Mien and Chinese student who graduating from Oakland High School at the end of May. This fall, she will attend the University of California, Berkeley, where she plans to major in Economics. With this degree, she hopes to build a career in business or finance while continuing to expand her knowledge through higher education. Throughout high school, Cailah remained actively involved in her community by participating in a variety of community service opportunities. She also completed a series of internships that helped her develop valuable skills and professional experience. Looking ahead, she hopes to become more immersed in her Mien heritage by learning the language and attending more community events. Cailah is deeply grateful to have been selected as a 2026 IMSF recipient and appreciates this meaningful recognition.

Oh, the places you'll go! 🎉

Meet our fourth 2026 recipient!

Damon Saechao is from Merced, California, and is proudly full Iu-Mien. He will be graduating from Golden Valley High School and plans to attend CSU Stanislaus this fall to pursue a degree in nursing. After earning his bachelor's degree, he hopes to apply to UC Davis to obtain a master's degree and achieve his goal of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP).

Throughout high school, Damon has been actively involved in his school and community. He participated in volleyball for four years, completed more than 250 hours of community service, served as Treasurer of Leo Club, and held the position of Vice President of the International Culture Club. In addition, he has received numerous honors and achievements for his academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

Damon has also gained valuable healthcare experience through several months of work in a hospital setting and is currently CPR certified. In the future, he hopes to work in a clinic as an FNP who not only provides quality healthcare but also serves as a knowledgeable resource for the Iu-Mien community.

He is deeply honored and grateful to be a recipient of this year's IMSF Scholarship and looks forward to giving back to his community in meaningful ways. Damon sincerely thanks the scholarship committee for its support and generosity.

Congrats, Damon! The future is bright! 🎓🎉

Look! Another recipient!

Samantha Saechao is graduating from Richmond High School this year and will be attending UCLA this fall, where she plans to major in public health. As a first-generation Iu Mien student from the Bay Area, she is passionate about advocating for underserved communities and hopes to become a pediatric physician assistant in the future. Samantha is incredibly grateful to the Iu Mien Scholarship Fund Committee for supporting her educational journey and investing in her future.

Oh, the places you'll go! Can't wait to see.

Meet Mason Tam, another 2026 IMSF recipient!

Mason Tam was born and raised in Sacramento, California. He is a senior at C.K. McClatchy High School and will be attending the University of California, Irvine this fall, where he plans to major in Business Administration.

During his time at McClatchy, Mason has served as the Treasurer of the Asian Plus Club for two years. In this role, he has helped educate others about various Asian cultures and traditions, including those of the Iu Mien culture. Through his involvement, he has developed strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills while promoting cultural awareness within his school community.

By the time he graduates from UC Irvine, Mason hopes to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to start his own business and pursue his long-term interest in entrepreneurship. He aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship, a dream he has held for many years.

Congrats, Mason! The future is bright 👐

Introducing one of five 2026 IMSF recipients! 🎉
Annalyn Saelee is a creative and ambitious young entrepreneur from Redding with a passion for healthcare, beauty, and business. While finishing her senior year, she has earned her cosmetology license and pursuing her goal of owning a successful salon studio. Driven and independent, Annalyn also plans to attend college to pursue a career in dentistry.

Beyond the beauty industry, Annalyn enjoys the showmanship of swine, competitive and noncompetitive dance, volunteering at her local animal shelter, and crafting custom clothing and dresses, and most of all the memories made with her family. She is also gaining hands-on experience by interning for a local dentist, combining her interests in creativity and healthcare.

Annalyn values growth, community, hard work, and self-expression. Whether she is working in a salon or helping people improve their oral health, she approaches her goals with determination, motivation, and a strong desire to make a positive impact on others.

Congrats, Annalyn! So excited to see what the future looks like for you!

The time is here!!! The 2026 IMSF Recipients have been chosen. Now, let's celebrate! Join us for our in-person banquet on July 11, 2026, at the Oakland Asian Culture Center from 3:30-7pm. Register at bit.ly/imsf2026banquet 🥳🎉

🎓 RAFFLE FUNDRAISER 🎓

Win one of THREE handcrafted Iu Mien embroidered graduation stoles — each one a one-of-a-kind piece carrying our culture, our story, and our pride.

🎟️ Grab your raffle tickets now!
💰 $ 10 / ticket
📲 DM with questions

💸Send payments to:
Venmo - -LIMCA
Zeffy - Payment by credit card: https://Bit.ly/imsf-raffle

🔴 LIVE DRAWING: May 15th

Join us on IG & FB Live as we draw 3 winners!
Every ticket supports Iu Mien Scholarship Fund. Wear your heritage across that stage. 🧵✊

A little birdie told me to tell you to get excited! Save the date! July 11, 2026, Oakland Asian Culture Center. More info to come 😊🥳🙌

*****APPLICATIONS CLOSED*****
🎓✨ 2026 IMSF Scholarship – Apply Now! ✨🎓

Are you:
• A graduating CA high school senior or G.E.D. recipient?
• Of Iu Mien descent?
• Enrolling in college or a vocational program in Fall 2026?

✅ Minimum 2.75 GPA (or G.E.D.)
✅ Complete online application
✅ Submit official transcript/G.E.D. electronically

📅 Virtual Interviews: April 25–26, 2026 (Must be available)
📅 Award Ceremony: July 11, 2026 (Oakland, CA) (Must Attend)
⏰ Deadline: April 17, 2026 – 11:59 PM PST

Late applications will not be accepted.

🔗 Apply here: bit.ly/imsf2026
📢 Tag a graduating senior & share!

This year, we are awarding 5 $1,000 scholarships!