The Asian-American population is one of the fastest-growing demographics in New Mexico, accounting for around 5% of the population. The Young Asian American Student Award Program is organized by the Chinese Institute of Engineers (CIE/USA) – New Mexico Chapter, also known as the Association of Chinese American Engineers and Scientists of New Mexico (ACES-NM). The program aims to recognize outstanding Asian American high school students residing in our local chapter area. These individuals demonstrate excellent academic achievements, leadership in community service, global awareness, and professional development. The program challenges and encourages applicants to reach the highest career development and lifetime achievement standards.

CIE/USA-NM is now soliciting nominations for the annual Young Asian American Student Award. Up to five awardees will be selected, and each recipient will be recognized and presented with a $250 award at the Annual CIE/USA-NM meeting in December 2023.

Eligibility: The application is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with Asian heritage currently enrolled in 10th to 12th grade in New Mexico high schools, excluding those who previously received this award.

Evaluation: The evaluation committee consists of current CIE/USA-NM Board members and local Asian American community leaders, excluding those with children who are applicants.

Submission Guidelines: The online application will be available from September 20, 2023, until November 1, 2023. Please submit your application on the CIE/USA-NM Website (www.cie-nm.org). Awardees will be notified by November 20, 2023.

Additionally, the following documents are required to complete the application and must be uploaded through the application website:

1. Official high school transcript

2. Personal Statement

3. Resume

4. A letter of support from either a teacher or a community leader familiar with the student’s achievements and activities

Documents 1 – 3 must be combined into one file and submitted online at https://www.cie-nm.org/studentAward/ApplicationFiles/ApplicationForm.html. Upon successful application submission, the referee will receive an email with instructions on uploading the letter of support.

For questions regarding the program and the application, please email kanghn@unm.edu.

Huining Kang, PhD

President, Student Award Committee Chair, CIE-USA NM Chapter (ACES-NM)