THE ROSANA CHANOU MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

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Rosana Chanou was a founding member of Cambodia Town (CT), serving on the Board from its inception in 2005 until her passing on September 22, 2020. Her dedication, hard work, and generosity earned her the affectionate nickname of “Mother of Cambodia Town.” She believed her college degree was a critical element in her success to achieve the American dream and encouraged all students to pursue a higher education. As one of the strongest supporters of the scholarship program, Cambodia Town named its scholarship program in her memory.

From 2020 to 2025, 27 Cambodian American students have received $23,300.00 in scholarships ranging in amounts from $250 to $1500. Many were accepted into the UC system – UCB, UCLA, UCSD, UCD and UCI – as well as Long Beach City College, CSULB, Cal Poly, and Stanford. One went to Dickinson and another to the University of Utah. For many of the scholarship recipients, they are the first in the family to go to college.

Scholarship Program Goals: The objective of CT’s Scholarship Program is to provide Southeast Asian American high school graduates and community college students with a scholarship to achieve higher levels of education. The program supports students who strive to preserve their culture and improve the community through volunteer activities.

Scholarship Award: The scholarship amount will vary depending on the number and qualifications of the applicants. The maximum individual award is $1,500. Applications are accepted in June of each year and distributed in July or August.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a Southeast Asian* American high school student graduating in June 2024

  • Must be from Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, Bellflower, Cerritos, or Artesia

  • High school graduates must provide proof of acceptance to an accredited community college, vocational/trade school, or university/college

  • Must have volunteered in a Southeast Asian community, for a Southeast Asian non-profit organization, or in a community service project that benefited the Southeast Asian community

  • Have proof of acceptance to an accredited community college, vocational/trade school, or university/college.

  • Minimum GPA 2.8

    *Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (or Burma), Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), and Vietnam

Application Requirements:

  • Complete the scholarship application before June 13, 2026.
  • Provide a copy of their high school transcript.
  • Two letters of reference from school staff, an employer, or a community leader.
  • All materials must be received by the deadline date of June 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Click here to submit your application: The Rosana Chanou Memorial Scholarship