Hip‑Hop Streetwear Pioneer SOUTHPOLE® Awards 11 Scholarships to LaGuardia Community College Students

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (February 2, 2026) — The Southpole Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the iconic SOUTHPOLE® hip-hop apparel brand has awarded 11 scholarships totaling $20,000 to LaGuardia Community College students for the 2025–26 academic year.

“Support from the Southpole Foundation is both critical and deeply appreciated by the LaGuardia Community College Foundation and the students we serve,” said Jay Golan, Executive Director of the Foundation, which oversees the Southpole Scholars Program. “LaGuardia students aspire to new heights—whether transferring to four-year institutions or by launching directly into meaningful careers. Scholarships like Southpole’s provide the financial stability students need to focus on their studies, ease competing time pressures, and stay on track. We see the impact in higher GPAs and students graduating sooner. And as immigrants and successful business builders, the Southpole team are powerful role models for our students.”

Since 2005, the Southpole Foundation has donated $288,000 to LaGuardia, supporting 138 student scholarship recipients and becoming one of the college’s longest-standing corporate partners. The foundation was founded by David Khym, cofounder of the SOUTHPOLE® hip-hop clothing line with his brother Kenny Khym. The Khyms immigrated to the United States from South Korea.

In addition to LaGuardia, the foundation has supported nearly 1,000 community college students across New York and New Jersey. In September 2024, CUNY and the Southpole Foundation celebrated 20 years of partnership and nearly $1 million in support for CUNY community college students.

In a statement about Southpole’s long-term support, CUNY Chancellor Matos Rodríguez said, “Over the last two decades, the Southpole Foundation has given consistent, generous annual gifts that have helped CUNY students get one step closer to their dreams. We thank David Khym for understanding the critical role community colleges play in driving economic and social mobility.”

Thaw, 20, an Electrical Engineering major from Myanmar with a 4.0 GPA, says the scholarship is transformative.

“As a student living independently, I worry about tuition, rent, food, transportation—everything,” she said “This support lifted a heavy burden and allowed me to concentrate more on my education and personal growth, and will enable me to graduate on time without interruption.”

Thaw is Vice President of the International Students Club, Co‑founder of the Mechanical Engineering and Computer Robotics Research Club, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, and a President’s Society alumna. She completed an engineering internship at Boyce Technologies and participated in a semiconductor bootcamp following research conducted through LaGuardia’s Q‑STEM Academy and the CUNY Research Scholars Program. She plans to graduate in Spring 2027 and transfer to City College, Cornell, or Columbia to become a circuit designer.

“I feel both proud and inspired when I see immigrants being successful in the U.S. and giving back to the community; it really motivates me,” Thaw added. “Learning that Southpole has supported LaGuardia for more than a decade makes me proud. One day, I also hope to become someone who can look back at my community and support others on their journeys, just as Southpole has supported mine. This scholarship is not just financial help, it feels like part of my story and growth.”