About Us
The Laotian American Scholarship Foundation (LASF) is a nonprofit organization based in Rochester, New York, dedicated to promoting the attainment of excellence in higher education for Laotian Americans in Western New York.
Our Vision
To be a leading resource for Laotian American students in Western New York, empowering them to achieve their full academic potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Our Mission
The purpose of the Laotian American Scholarship Foundation is to promote achievements in higher education among Laotian Americans and to strengthen the ethnic identity of Laotian Americans in Western New York.
Our History
LASF was founded by community members passionate about supporting Laotian American youth in Western New York. Since our founding, we have proudly awarded scholarships to numerous Laotian American high school graduates, helping them pursue their dreams of higher education.
Our Values
Education
We believe education is the foundation of opportunity and empowerment.
Community
We are rooted in the Laotian American community and committed to its growth and well-being.
Identity
We celebrate and strengthen Laotian American cultural identity and heritage.
Excellence
We encourage our scholars to strive for excellence in all their endeavors.
What We Do
Promote Higher Educational Achievements
- Grant scholarship awards to high school graduates of Laotian descent in Western New York State based on criteria set in application.
- Provide information on scholarship applications to all school districts.
- Publicize scholarship awards online and posting flyers in public places commonly visited by the Laotian community.
- Act as a liaison between schools, students, and parents. LASF board members meet with guidance counselors to determine if there are Laotian Americans who will be graduating, to offer assistance in clarifying the LASF scholarship application process, and to provide information on other minority scholarships to students and parents.
- Celebrate and recognize Laotian American leadership and achievement by providing awareness to the younger Laotian American generations on successes within the Laotian community by recruiting successful and highly educated Laotian-American community members to be cultural role models and speakers at LASF events.
Strengthen Ethnic Identity of Laotian Americans
- Create Laotian cultural awareness in the community through traditional Laotian dance, Laotian cuisine, Laotian etiquette, and participation in yearly Asian month cultural celebrations within the Laotian as well as greater Rochester communities.
Foundation Profile
Since 2008Officers
President
Dr. Karina Vattana
Vice President
Richard St.Louis
Co-Treasurer
Phouvieng Phichith
Co-Treasurer
Kham St.Louis
Co-Secretary
Sarena St.Louis
Co-Secretary
Marisa Vattana
Executive Director
Carly Alicea
Board Members
David Alicea
Pany Chounlapane
Lae Kettavong
Breeda Phoummany
Tina Engels-Vattana
Senior Advisers
Pepsy Kettavong
Nouxone Manivong
Onkham Rattanaphasouk
Dr. Jefferson Svengsouk
Sounthone Vattana
The LASF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. LASF is operated solely by volunteers and all donations are tax deductible.