McDonald’s “APA Next” is designed to assist Asian-American students achieve their educational goals – Times of India

McDonald’s APA Next initiative – supporting students’ education monetarily but mentoring them through higher education and leadership

The Asian Pacific American students face a variety of issues that stem from a diversity of socio-economic backgrounds and present established cultural stereotypes which affect the performance and experience of the students in college.

With additional culturally-based pressures from family to carry out filial duties, APA students are caught between their social and academic performances as well as choice of study. To provide for the diverse needs of the Asian Pacific American student McDonald’s has launched a program called “APA Next,” designed to assist Asian-American students achieve their educational goals.

The new initiative aims to empower and uplift students throughout their academic journey by providing tools and resources to help them succeed. The APA Next website will house the student and family-focused developmental resources, which include:

Content Series: As part of this series, notable APA thought leaders provide feel-good inspiration, share their life experiences and advice to students. Sharing real issues and real lives is a chance to make someone feel less alone and gives confidence to students who are tackling stress and social pressures.

Workshops: The workshop features seminars and talks led by education professionals to help students and families navigate the college admissions process from the comfort of their own home.

Scholarships: McDonald’s partners with APIA Scholars to offer scholarships either 1-year or 4-year scholarships to deserving Asian Pacific American candidates to assist them through either respective colleges or universities. The scholarship application has been open since September 2021 till January 2022 and will be announced in September 2022 before the new term begins.

Mentorship Program: Through this program, APA Next connects students with professionals from the field of their interest, facilitate the sharing of information, knowledge and experience. Mentees get career advice, learn critical knowledge and skills to advance their career. Mentors contribute to the career development of mentees while strengthening their leadership and communication skills.

Here are some guiding tips to make the most;

• Many students start thinking about the possibility of a career when their interest is ignited by a high-school. This is the time to start meeting and talking with professionals in fields that interest you. These early contacts can be crucial in helping you to navigate the terrain as you move through your career.
• The undergraduate years are probably your best chance to take a broad variety of classes outside your primary discipline that might be useful later.
• An effective way for students to learn about graduate education is to join (or form) a study group to discuss homework and share concerns.
• Work with your undergraduate adviser not only to plan the courses you will need, but also what knowledge you will need as you move through your studies and into your career.

These few simple suggestions will help you adjust to the culture, new lifestyle and get closer to your fellow students;

• Be prepared before you leave your home country – Make a budget and make sure you have enough money. Ask friends who live in your new town for help; they will know of apartments or rooms for rent that is close to a school or public transportation.
• Make plans to go out with your classmates. Remember, everyone feels the same way you do, and they will be very friendly.
• Ask for help – This is very difficult, but there are people at your school who care about you. Do not be embarrassed if you are feeling really sad, or if you are having a hard time in a class or socially. Always remember that you are not the first person who feels this way, and you won’t be the last.
• Accept the strangeness of the culture here- once you do life will be more comfortable.

Despite the fact that Asian American students comprise 25% of the undergraduate student population, their needs go largely unrecognized. The APA Next program is a way to address the mental health needs of students and help prioritize themselves, throughout the journey of being a student. The program focuses not only on supporting students’ education monetarily but mentoring them, as well, through higher education and leadership.