Senator Clarence K. Lam, M.D.
What sets us apart
About the Summit
A community-centered afternoonThe McDonald’s Future Ready Summit 2026 & Scholarship is designed for high school juniors and seniors, their families, educators, and community partners.
Participants will hear from college admissions professionals, scholarship and financial aid experts, education leaders, and current college students. The program offers practical guidance on building a strong application, understanding financial aid, preparing for college, and navigating the transition to higher education.
Students and families will also have opportunities to ask questions, hear from people with firsthand experience, and connect with colleges and organizations that support college access and student success.
The Summit will highlight the McDonald’s AAPI Scholarship, developed in partnership with APIA Scholars, and share information about this educational opportunity.
Saturday, October 17, 20261:00–5:00 p.m.
Event Agenda
- Welcome, housekeeping, and opening introductions
- Opening remarks
- APIA Scholars & Scholarship Recipient Story
- Opening keynote: Preparing students for college and the future
- College Admissions Masterclass
- Scholarships, financial aid, and the new scholarship opportunity
- Refreshment break and College Resource Area
- Real College Stories: Student panel
- Health, Mental Well-Being & Student Support
- Closing remarks and next steps
Featured
Speakers
Meet some of the educators, admissions professionals, and community leaders joining the Summit.
Julie Yang
Scholarship perspectives
APIA Scholars &
Scholarship Recipient Story
Meet the APIA Scholars leader and McDonald’s/APIA Scholar sharing how scholarship support, community, and educational opportunity can shape a student’s journey.
APIA Scholars
Maggie Chu
Senior Manager of Scholarships · APIA Scholars
Maggie Chu (she/they) manages the day-to-day administration of APIA’s scholarship program, leading customer service and outreach to scholars and applicants. Since joining APIA Scholars in 2022, Maggie has continued a longstanding commitment to supporting Asian American and Pacific Islander youth, higher education access, and community. Maggie earned a B.A. from William & Mary in Asian Pacific Islander American Studies and History.
Scholarship Recipient
Christine Wang
APIA/McDonald’s Scholar · Project Manager & Biomedical Engineer, NASA Johnson Space Center
Christine Wang supports NASA Johnson Space Center’s Human Health and Performance Division, with work spanning Moon Base and Artemis III. She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and previously supported International Space Station flight operations. Christine credits the connections and support she found through APIA Scholars with helping her pursue opportunities, strengthen her sense of belonging, and build a path toward her career at NASA.
Real College Stories
Student Voices
3:25–4:00 p.m. · Student PanelHear firsthand perspectives on academic choices, interdisciplinary learning, campus life, and the transition from college to professional and creative pursuits.
Student Panelist
Yutong Sophia Wang
Stanford University · Psychology
Research Associate · MIT Sloan School of Management
Sharing perspectives on academic exploration, interdisciplinary learning, and the transition from college to research and professional life.
Student Panelist
June MeiLing Zhou
Johns Hopkins University & Peabody Institute
Dual-Degree Student · Cognitive Science & Piano
Sharing perspectives on interdisciplinary study, balancing academics and the arts, and building a meaningful college experience across different fields.
Student Panelist
Andy Xu
Harvard University · History & Economics
Secondary Field in History of Art
Sharing perspectives on interdisciplinary study, the humanities, and developing academic interests from high school through college.
Student Panelist
Jolie Zhu
Cornell University · Public Policy
College Transition · First-Year Experience
Sharing perspectives on navigating the transition to college, making the most of the first year, and building a strong foundation for academic and personal success.
Practical knowledge
What You’ll Learn
- 01
College Admissions
How the process works and how students can prepare strong, authentic applications.
- 02
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Resources to help families understand and plan for the cost of college.
- 03
Real College Stories
Honest perspectives on academics, campus life, challenges, and support.
- 04
Academic Success & Well-Being
Strategies for healthy routines and a successful transition to college life.
Everyone has a role
Who Should Attend
- 01
High School Students
Juniors and seniors beginning college planning or preparing applications.
- 02
Families & Educators
Parents, family members, counselors, and educators supporting students.
- 03
College Access Organizations
Colleges and scholarship organizations supporting the student journey.
- 04
Community Partners
Nonprofits and local partners. Admission is free; advance registration is preferred, and walk-ins are welcome.
Share resources and opportunities
Community & Student Showcase
Colleges, educational organizations, nonprofit and community partners, and student-led groups can host a booth or information table to introduce their work and connect with students and families.
Student organizations are also welcome to showcase projects, initiatives, clubs, or community work developed through their schools or local communities.
Register for the ShowcaseWorking together
Community Partners
Organizations supporting the Summit through community outreach, expertise, resources, and participation.
Asian American Women Entrepreneurs Association (AAWEA)
www.aawea.org
Asian Angels Volunteer Alliance
Chinese American Parent Association of Montgomery County (CAPA-MC)
capamc.org/en/
We United Foundation
weunitedfoundation.net
CCACC Academy
ccaccacademy.orgEducational opportunity
The McDonald’s AAPI Scholarship
McDonald’s has a long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunity for AAPI students.
Through its partnership with APIA Scholars, the McDonald’s AAPI Scholarship supports students pursuing higher education and provides resources to help students move toward their academic and professional goals.
Since the partnership began in 2019, the program has grown to support more than 100 students. Summit attendees will learn more about upcoming opportunities. More information: see the official McDonald’s APA Next Scholarship page.
Plan your visit
Event Details
Date & Time
Saturday, October 17, 2026Attendee registration: 12:30 p.m.
Program: 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Location
Greencourt Innovation Center12358 Parklawn Drive
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Space is limited
Register for the Summit
Join us for an afternoon of practical college admissions guidance, real student experiences, scholarship and financial aid resources, and conversations designed to support student success and help families feel more prepared for the college journey.
Reserve Your Place