What We Do
Overview
We Embrace the Hopes & Aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans
OCA strives to promote active participation of Asian Pacific Americans in both civic and national matters; secure social justice, equal opportunity and equal treatment of Asian Pacific Americans; eliminate prejudices, stereotypes and ignorance of Asian Pacific Americans; and promote the cultural heritage of Asian Pacific Americans.
To meet this goal we have national and local programs that help build leadership and advocacy in the next generation, initiatives that meet the needs of our community, as well as cultural outreach to promote Asian American culture and heritage.
Our Programs
OCA Pittsburgh
Youth Program
OCA Youth is for students from 7th to 12th grade who participate in community service, educational events, and leadership building activities.
Free Medical &
Dental Clinic
With support from UPMC and Tzu Chi Foundation, OCA holds an annual Free Medical Clinic for members of our community
Advocacy
For almost 50 years, OCA-Asian Pacific Americans has been dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).
Cultural Outreach
OCA educates and shares Chinese culture through Chinese dance and other Chinese folk arts throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region.
OCA National
Programs include advocacy trainings for high school and college students, professional development programs including a formal mentoring program and the AAPI Womxn’s Initiative, our internship program, and the Gold Mountain Scholarship.
OCA Pittsburgh Performance Ensemble
We have a group of enthusiastic teens, between the ages of 13 to 18, who are OCA Youth members and adults interested in learning Chinese dances and other Chinese folk arts. These groups are fully supported by OCA and under the direction of OCA VP Cultural Affairs, Chiapih Shaw and her teaching assistant, Rachel Sew. The objective is to educate and share with these Chinese American teens the glory, splendor and richness of the Chinese heritage and to promote Chinese dance throughout the community.