“I made a promise to my father, as leukemia was taking him from us. As the eldest son of the Pham family, I would take care of my mother and younger brother, and I'd be successful and lift us out of poverty,” said Khanh Pham. “My mother then made the bravest decision — leaving everything behind to bring us to America, believing in the ‘land of dreams.’ These challenges only fuel my determination. As a first-generation, low-income student, every achievement isn't just mine — it's for my mom working 12-hour shifts, my brother fighting chronic illness, and my father's dreams living through me.”
Khanh is a student from Vietnam in the Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services program at SPSCC. Khanh’s younger brother suffers from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), and it was Khanh’s belief that technology can bring about change and raise awareness to serious issues that inspired him to choose his major.
“I chose computer science because I firmly believe that technology can create meaningful change and bring people together. This was further proven true when my brother was diagnosed with JIA,” said Khanh. “We struggled to find latest information or connect with other families facing this rare chronic illness. That inspired me to create JIA Community, an online platform where patients and caregivers can share their experience and find resources. Computer science builds bridges where gaps exist and gives a voice to those who need it most.”
At SPSCC, Khanh serves as a Legislative Intern in Government Relations for Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, currently works as an Office Assistant for SPSCC Transition Studies Department, worked as a Social Media Intern for the SPSCC PR Department, and is the SPSCC PTK Chapter Vice President of Scholarship.
Additionally, he founded JIA Community and the Typhoon Yagi Campaign, an online platform where international supporters could learn about families affected in northern Vietnam by Typhoon Yagi. The platform connected donors with verified local organizations and share messages of hope that we translated back to Vietnamese. Lastly, Khanh co-founded, and serves as the treasurer of, the SPSCC Leaders in Action Student Club.
After SPSCC, Khanh aspires to transfer to a four-year college, attain his bachelor’s degree in computer science, and work in IT or software engineering.
“I want to use the power of technology and data to transform how underserved communities access essential resources — focusing on human-centered computing and participating in undergraduate research,” said Khanh. “I eventually want to work in the public sector, developing data-driven systems at state and federal levels that make government services more accessible to immigrant families and historically underserved communities. My experience navigating complex systems as a first-generation student showed me technology's potential to create meaningful change when designed with purpose.”
Along with being named to the All-WA team, Khanh also received the honor of being named to the 2025 All-USA Academic Team and was named Washington's 2025 New Century Scholar. “Since arriving in the U.S. in 2022, SPSCC has provided me with opportunities I never thought possible,” Khanh said. “Being recognized among so many talented students statewide and nationwide is humbling, and it's encouraging to see my hard work acknowledged."
Khanh was selected as one of two students from SPSCC who will be recognized at the 2025 All-Washington (All-WA) Academic Team Ceremony on April 24, 2025 at 12:30 p.m. The ceremony honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to success in the classroom and in the communities in which they live. For more information on the ceremony, visit the college’s All-WA webpage.