Western Regional Chapter Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Korean American Scholarship Foundation
Description
The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) is a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides financial support to Korean-American students pursuing higher education. Its mission emphasizes academic achievement, civic leadership, and pride in Korean cultural heritage. The foundation is funded by membership dues, local fundraising, and donations from board members and supporters, and it also administers regionally available scholarships for descendants of Korean War American Veterans when funds permit.
Key takeaways:
- Mission: support academics, leadership, and cultural pride for Korean-American students.
- Operated by a volunteer Board of Directors; funded by dues, fundraising, and donors.
- Also offers region-specific scholarships honoring descendants of Korean War veterans.
- Scholarships span high school talent-based awards through professional degrees.
Eligibility
KASF eligibility combines heritage, residence, enrollment status, academic standing, and financial need. Applicants must be of Korean heritage (including adoption from Korea) and plan to be full-time students in one of the designated Western region states for the 2026–2027 school year. Minimum academic eligibility requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and applicants must demonstrate financial need. Applicant categories are defined by the status the student will hold during 2026–2027 (e.g., incoming college freshman, sophomore/junior/senior, graduate masters, doctorate).
Key takeaways:
- Heritage: Korean parent/ grandparent/ great-grandparent, or adopted from Korea.
- Enrollment: full-time study in AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA for 2026–2027.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0; applicants must show financial need.
- Category depends on 2026–2027 academic status (freshman, sophomore, graduate, etc.).
Application Requirements & Documentation
Applicants must supply standard academic and financial documentation and follow special instructions for international or self-supporting students. Non-students accepted as applicants must provide proof of commitment to enroll (acceptance letters or signed commitment). International and self-supporting applicants should complete and upload a Personal Financial Statement form in the Financial Documentation section of the application.
Key takeaways:
- Provide transcripts and documentation of financial need.
- Non-students: submit acceptance letters or signed commitment to enroll.
- International/self-supporting students: complete Personal Financial Statement form.
- Upload required documents to the Financial Documentation section of the application.
KASF-KIA Special Scholarship
The KASF-KIA scholarship is a special award with higher eligibility standards and additional requirements aimed at STEM (non-medical) and Business Administration students. Candidates must meet all regular application requirements and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 while pursuing approved majors in sciences, technology, engineering, math, or business administration. Selected recipients will be required to submit a ~1-minute video testimonial according to specific guidelines to secure the award.
Key takeaways:
- Supplemental award targeted to STEM (non-medical) and Business majors.
- Additional GPA requirement: minimum cumulative 3.5.
- Approved fields include sciences, technology, engineering, math, and business.
- Recipient obligation: submit a ~1-minute video testimonial per guidelines.
Award Value
KASF awards cover a broad set of academic levels and needs; award amounts vary by scholarship and are communicated to recipients upon selection. Scholarship categories include talent-based high school awards, undergraduate, graduate, and professional school funding (law, medical, etc.). The KASF-KIA scholarship may provide an augmented award amount compared with standard KASF scholarships due to its additional criteria.
Key takeaways:
- Awards span high school talent grants to undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
- Exact award amounts are variable and announced to recipients after selection.
- KASF-KIA recipients may receive larger awards than standard scholarships.
- Availability of some awards (e.g., veterans’ descendants) can be region- and fund-dependent.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed on a combination of financial need, academic performance, personal statements, and community involvement. Reviewers place weight on scholastic achievement and demonstrated need, supported by recommendations and the application essay. Community service and extracurricular activities are also considered as indicators of leadership and civic engagement.
Key takeaways:
- Primary evaluation factors: financial need and scholastic achievement.
- Supporting factors: letters of recommendation and essay quality.
- Community service and extracurriculars are considered for leadership potential.
- Strong applications combine need, grades, recommendations, and a compelling essay.
History & Veterans Program
KASF was established to respond to the financial needs of Korean-American students and has historically been managed by volunteers and supported by community fundraising. The foundation also operates a program to honor descendants of American veterans who served in the Korean War (June 25, 1950–January 31, 1955). Where funds and regional policies allow, these descendant scholarships recognize outstanding students and express gratitude for the sacrifices of U.S. service members during the Korean War.
Key takeaways:
- Founded to support Korean-American students with volunteer leadership and community funding.
- Maintains a tradition of donor involvement from board members and supporters.
- Runs a regionally available scholarship honoring descendants of Korean War American veterans.
- Honors veterans’ sacrifices by supporting descendants with academic scholarships.
Application Timeline & Next Steps
KASF awards apply to the 2026–2027 academic year; applicants should confirm current deadlines and submission instructions on the KASF website. Prepare documents early: transcripts, financial statements, acceptance letters (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and a well-crafted essay. After selection, KASF-KIA recipients must produce a 1-minute video testimonial; award amounts and final instructions are communicated directly to selected students.
Key takeaways:
- Scholarships are for the 2026–2027 school year—verify current deadlines online.
- Start early: gather transcripts, financial documents, recommendations, and essay.
- Non-students must secure documentation of enrollment intent before award disbursement.
- Selected KASF-KIA recipients will be notified of award amounts and video requirements.