Solano County students encouraged to apply for scholarships – The Vacaville Reporter
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Jacob Francisco still remembers how he felt when he learned he had received a scholarship from the Chinese American Association of Solano County, an organization co-founded by longtime Vallejo resident C.C. Yin.
“It was a huge weight off my back,” said Francisco, who used his scholarship “to pay for a couple of quarters” at the University of California, Davis. He majored in political science and now works for Assemblywoman Lori Wilson as a field representative.
Anyone who lives in Solano County, attends high school or community college in the county, has a GPA of 3.0 and can provide three letters of recommendation is eligible to apply. Scholarships are available up to $1,000.
The association is currently accepting scholarship applications, with a deadline of Dec. 5. A graduating senior from high school can use the funds for their first term in college/post-secondary education during the next school year of 2026-2027. A community college student may use their funds during the spring term of 2025-2026 school year if they wish or they may save the funds to be used at a later date.
It’s important to note that while the association was established in 1996 by Chinese American leaders including C.C. Yin, the scholarships are not restricted to Chinese Americans, but are open to anyone meeting the qualifications.
“I heard from my high school counselor you have a clear likelihood of getting a local scholarship as opposed to a national scholarship,” said Francisco, who received a scholarship in 2021. He graduated from UC Davis in June 2023.
“One of the things I was looking at was this organization because it was for Solano students,” he said. Though he was doubtful he would get a scholarship, “I gave it a shot. I figured, ‘The worst thing they can do is say no.’” In addition to his role with the assemblywoman, he is now serving as the scholarship committee chair for the Chinese American Association.
Over the past 25 years, the organization has awarded over $237,000 in scholarships to more than 200 Solano County high school students and community college students from diverse backgrounds. Twenty Solano County students received scholarships in 2025.
The organization’s mission is to promote the betterment and friendship of its members, the Chinese American Community and local communities. Its most important function is the scholarships, which are officially presented to awardees at the organization’s annual Chinese New Year Celebration and Scholarship Fundraiser.
The 30th annual fundraiser is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2026 at the Ulatis Community Center and will recognize academic achievement and community service, featuring a Chinese dinner, a lion dance, a silent auction, and raffle prizes. Proceeds directly support deserving high school and community college students.
Yin, one of the organization’s co-founders, is a Vallejo resident who owns the McDonald’s on Sonoma Boulevard near Valle Vista and is a frequent contributor to local charities and causes.
Instructions on how to apply for a scholarship are available at tinyurl.com/caascinstructions and the application form is available at tinyurl.com/2526scholarship.
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