Welcome to OCA – San Mateo County Chapter.
OCA San Mateo is a local chapter of OCA National. Founded in 1973, OCA (Organization of Chinese Americans, Inc.) is now known as OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA-APA Advocates) since 2013. It is a national non-partisan, member-driven non-profit 501(c)(3) based in Washington, D.C. with 35 plus chapters and affiliates across the U.S. Touching hundreds of thousands of AANHPIs each year, OCA National Center works with its organizational partners, members, chapters, and supporters to empower the next generation of leaders.
Mission Statement: OCA-APA Advocates unites and empowers the AANHPI community to collectively use our voice to advance the sociopolitical and holistic wellbeing of all AANHPI. We do this work through educating, organizing, and intergenerational bridge-building.
OCA San Mateo County Chapter
The OCA San Mateo Chapter was established in 1987 as a 100% volunteer run, non-partisan, and non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 94-3133357.) To create a sense of community and to embrace the aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans, the Chapter sponsors several signature programs in the county. We collaborate with other community based organizations to create impactful events. Cultural and educational programs are open to the general public.
Speak and Lead with Pride Program
2026 Speak and Lead with Pride program is currently in progress. Application period is closed. Come back in the Fall to look for 2027 dates and application. Please visit our Speak and Lead with Pride webpage under ‘Youth Programs’ for more information.
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High School Scholarship Program
Application for our 2026 Scholarships for graduating high school seniors is now available online. Please visit our Scholarship webpage under ‘Youth Programs’ for more information.
For more information, please click here.
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Asian American Achievement Awards Gala
OCA San Mateo hosts the annual Asian American Achievement Awards gala to recognize and honor individuals who have made a significant contribution and impact in the APA community locally and beyond. Members of OCA can nominate individuals whom they believe should receive this honor by contacting OCA San Mateo.
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Voter Education and Outreach
OCA San Mateo promotes civic engagement by educating the community about voting rights and responsibilities through various channels, including social media. We also participate in community fairs and festivals throughout the county.
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2026 Mahjong Cultural Education Project
OCA San Mateo is collaborating with San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture to promote intergenerational mahjong education and play to address the loneliness epidemic. Check our calendar for dates and locations.
Established in 1987, OCA San Mateo Chapter is one of four chapters in the Bay Area and one of seven in California. OCA San Mateo unites and empowers the AANHPI community to collectively use our voice to advance the sociopolitical and holistic wellbeing of all AANHPI. We do this work through educating, organizing, and intergenerational bridge-building.
