2026 Ma Kaing Scholarship Fund

Help Refugee Students Achieve Their Educational Dreams!

Many refugee students face significant barriers to graduating from high school and pursuing higher education. Established in 2022 by Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning and partners in the Refugee Action Coalition of Colorado, the Ma Kaing Scholarship Fund helps ambitious students from refugee families who are connected to Colorado pursue postsecondary education by offsetting the costs of earning degrees, certificates, and other credentials.

The scholarship fund honors the legacy of Ma Kaing, a beloved refugee community leader, business owner, and mother of four who was tragically killed by a stray bullet while unloading groceries outside her Denver home in July 2022. Her life was defined by care, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others—values that continue to inspire this scholarship and the students it supports.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Ma Kaing Scholarship Fund awarded 38 scholarships between 2022 and 2024, helping students take the next steps toward their educational and career goals.

These determined and inspiring scholars are pursuing careers in diverse and impactful fields such as early childhood and K–12 education, nursing, medicine, counseling, social work, accounting, computer science, engineering, horticulture, entrepreneurship, and more. Each recipient is using their education to strengthen our communities, expand opportunities for others, and create brighter futures.

Your support can help the next generation of refugee leaders achieve their educational dreams. Please make a gift today to help more students access the opportunities they deserve. 

Share this flyer to promote the fundraiser and encourage applicants. 

Reflections from previous Ma Kaing Scholarship Awardees

Pictured above: Stewards of the fund recognized inaugural scholarship recipients and celebrated with Kyle Clark of 9NEWS at the Spring Intercultural Champion Awards.

• "I completed my associate degree in criminal law and am currently pursuing my bachelor's degree. I remain committed to my goal of becoming a lawyer, and this scholarship helped pay my tuition—a huge relief, as I was worried that financial constraints might prevent me from completing my associate degree and continuing on to my bachelor's program." -M.N.
• "This scholarship will help ease the financial burden during the spring semester, allowing me to focus fully on my academic work without the added stress of financial concerns. It is an immense relief to know that I can approach my studies with more peace of mind." -Ah Tha
• "This opportunity not only helps me advance professionally, but also strengthens my ability to give back to my community by providing accessible and effective mental health support. It’s a step toward fulfilling my vision of breaking down stigma and improving access to care for those who need it most." -Marlene
• "Scholarships like this one helped me achieve major academic milestones and I'm really grateful." - Sher Ku
• "Beyond academics, this scholarship motivates me to contribute to my community and mentor others who face similar challenges. By excelling in my studies and serving as a role model, I hope to honor the legacy of this award and create a ripple effect of positive change." -Keyri
• "It honors the spirit of Ma Kaing, a woman who, much like my own mother, faced countless challenges but gave so much to her community. Knowing that I'm part of a legacy that celebrates resilience and community upliftment fills me with immense gratitude and determination." -N.T.
• "Receiving the Ma Kaing Scholarship is a game-changer for me. It's not just a financial boost; it's a sigh of relief. Now, I can cut down on part-time work, allowing me to channel that time and energy into acing my classes. The stress of making ends meet is lifted, giving me the mental space to fully immerse myself in my studies." - Jacobo Mejia Jimenez
• "As I share Ma Kaing’s vision of a better future for refugees and immigrants I find it to be a great privilege to receive financial assistance for my education in her name. My award will support my education plans by helping me pay for some of my graduate program tuition."-Anna 

Photo of Ma Kaing courtesy of Hope Communities by Michelle Christiance Photography.
Photo of several 2022 scholarship recipients with stewards of the fund from Spring Institute and IRC in Denver and Kyle Clark of 9NEWS by David Lynn Photography.