By KUAM News

Copyright kuam

Bank of Guam is proud to announce the 2025–2026, Asian Pacific Islanders American Scholars–Bank of Guam Cohort, marking another milestone in the Bank’s long-standing commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders from Guam and the Micronesia region.

APIA Scholars is the nation’s leading non-profit organization supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students and eligible students.

As part of the Bank’s partnership and sponsorship with APIA Scholars, each recipient will receive a total of $10,000 over four years in $2,500 installments annually, as well as access to APIA Scholars’ College-to-Career success programs.

This year’s cohort includes the following five students:

Charles Joseph “CJ” Baybay, from Saipan, attending Northern Marianas College and majoring in Business Ivan D. Filethin, from Yap, attending University of Hawaii at Manoa and majoring in Mechanical Engineering Marsandrea H. Russel from Pohnpei, attending Oral Roberts University and majoring in Criminal Justice Evangeline A. Taitingfong from Saipan, attending University of Texas at San Antonio and majoring in Child Psychology

An additional Scholar from Saipan who prefers not be named.

The People’s Bank started as a dream, and we remain committed to empowering young minds to believe and dream BIG.

“For more than a decade, Bank of Guam has invested in tomorrow’s leaders through various scholarships that have opened doors for students from across our region. Through this partnership, we’re proud to support the academic journeys of these inspiring young leaders, helping to build not only their future, but the communities and generations they will uplift,” said Joaquin P. L.G. Cook, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Since 2011, Bank of Guam has provided dozens of scholarships to high school students across the region who are pursuing higher education at accredited colleges and universities.

This year, over 1,000 applications were received for APIA Scholars’ Scholarships from across Guam, Saipan, Palau, American Samoa, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Rota, Tinian, Kosrae, Yap, the Marshall Islands, and Hawaii.

“Bank of Guam’s deep-rooted belief in supporting local students and our shared future has made a lasting difference in the lives of so many young people. Their investment is not only financial — it is a meaningful commitment to investing in the potential of this next generation,” added Dr. Noël S. Harmon, President of APIA Scholars.