This academic year proved to be a difficult one for the Cypress College APIA scholarship committee. They were unable to decide on only one recipient so this year, there are an unprecedented three APIA Cypress College recipients.

Nguyen Tran, or Harley as he is known by the college community, immigrated to the United States at age seventeen. Since then, Harley has shown perseverance and determination in reaching his goals. While studying as a Business major at Cypress College, Harley oversaw the transition of the college’s Business Club to the online environment during the pandemic. As the club’s president, his efforts led to an increase in members’ interactions and activities in the Business Club as well as an increase of 300 members on their Instagram account.

His campus involvement included serving as the Vice President of Fiscal Affairs for Cypress College Associated Students where he was involved in many successful initiatives such as weekly food distribution to approximately 500 students. Harley’s service earned him the Service Above Self Award from Associated Students.

Harley’s activities are not limited to Cypress College. He has been a presenter at the UC Irvine Community College Honors Research Conference twice. He also volunteers in educational outreach to high school students through the organization, Reach!, and as Youth Awareness Student Ambassador for the California Moose Association. Because of his involvement and interest in education, Harley hopes one day to use his business acumen to establish a foundation that will expand educational opportunities in developing countries.