The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF), the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of college scholarships to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, will be honoring FedEx, Southwest Airlines and Dr. Frank Chong as part of its seventh annual Today’s Minds, Tomorrow’s Future Scholarship Benefit held November 8 at the Hilton New York. Each of the honorees will be recognized for their work to increase educational opportunities for AAPI students. MSNBC Anchor, Richard Lui, will be serving as the emcee at the event.

During the event, FedEx will be receiving the Excellence in Education Award for its leadership in developing APIASF’s first four-year scholarship award. Southwest Airlines will receive the Inspiring Dreams Award for its effort to provide more than a hundred students the opportunity to enhance their education by attending the APIASF Higher Education Summit. In addition, the Higher Education Award will be presented to Dr. Frank Chong, President of Santa Rosa Junior College, for his longstanding career in higher education, especially his work with community colleges both as a leader and as the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges at the U.S. Department of Education.

“This year’s honorees are committed to changing the experience of AAPI students and have worked to not only increase access to higher education, but give the students the resources they need to succeed long-term,” said Neil Horikoshi, APIASF President & Executive Director. “Each of our honorees is helping to change the lives of students which will serve to strengthen our communities by building America’s next generation of leaders.”

APIASF’s annual Scholarship Benefit will bring together nearly 400 community leaders, corporate representatives and scholarship recipients to raise awareness about the need to support AAPI students. In addition to the evening reception, APIASF will be hosting a free career development workshop for students and young professionals in the area. The event money raised from the event will support APIASF’s ongoing work to develop future leaders who will excel in their careers, serve as role models in their communities and contribute to a vibrant America.

“It’s an honor for APIASF to be able to highlight the outstanding work of each of our honorees and the impact they are making in our community,” said Horikoshi. “We are pleased to be able to recognize FedEx, Southwest Airlines and Dr. Frank Chong for their ongoing support of APIASF and our nation’s Asian American and Pacific Islander students.”

For details about APIASF’s Scholarship Benefit, visit APIASF’s Web site at www.apiasf.org. Also, follow APIASF on Facebook (www.facebook.com/apiasf) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/apiasf).