ABOUT US

Microscholarship translates small, industrial-world gifts into major academic awards in severe poverty communities. We work off of the belief that even the starkest international economic imbalance can be turned to the advantage of those in the greatest need. A small award of US$200 to a student in Laos, for example, finances tuition, books, and uniforms for an entire semester at even the country’s most costly private institution. We seek to create real impact by gifting modest monies as competitive and need-based scholarships to the brightest student minds in the most needing communities.

OAK Microscholarship approaches academia as a direct means to economic growth and social health. Higher education is too often a tremendous challenge for countless families in these nations and for some, an insurmountable one. And those youth who are lucky enough to begin are often forced to drop out to work and support their families in light of immediate needs. With your help, we hope to undermine poverty’s hold on academic opportunity and to sponsor new generations of hungry minds and bodies toward scholarly and professional success.

"Project: Laos" represents OAK’s first pilot project. Founded in the first quarter of 2008 on a budget of US$2000, we have focused on Laos for our initial delivery and are working to further develop further relationships with colleges and universities to expand our base. We hope, with your help, to expand our international operation and to provide an even wider range of scholarships to a more diverse range of communities in need.

INSPIRATION - OUNKEO & ARD KEOVERNKHONE

Ounkeo Keovernkhone, loving husband to Ard, was born in 1940 in Vientiane, Laos. He was the only boy out of five children. He was courageous in many ways, from serving his country to immigrating to a foreign place in hopes of finding a better future for his wife and children. Arriving to Seattle, WA, USA and knowing very little English, Mr. Ounkeo Keovernkhone studied at South Seattle Community College and graduated with an Associate of Arts in Machine Operations with Honors. Ounkeo was a true scholar at heart. He was very much disciplined when it came to his children's studies, and he made education their number one priority. He was also very active in the Laotian community within the state of Washington: holding various leadership roles.

Ard Keovernkhone, loving wife to Ounkeo, was born in Savannakhet, Laos on March 3, 1946. She was the second youngest of five children. She is also a strong loving mother of seven children. With her history as a school teacher in Laos, she also saw the significance of education among her children’s lives. She supported the strict teachings of her husband about family values, culture, and education. Even after the death of her husband, she carried on these values by promoting higher education among all her children. With her strength and support of the community, and as a Laotian woman, she is seen as a role model by her children and peers. OAK Microscholarship seeks to carry on her legacy by promoting educational advancement and leadership skills among underserved young women in Laos.

OAK Microscholarship originated from their dedication to creating opportunity and their devotion to education. Ounkeo & Ard raised their seven children based on the idea that education can enrich peoples' lives in so many ways; no matter who you are or where you live, formal education will always bring about positive changes in your life and your community. OAK Microscholarship strives to carry on their ideals and values by providing this opportunity to underserved youth, starting at their homeland which they held dear to their hearts.

Our organization is dedicated in loving memory to their timeless ideals, beliefs, and hearts.