26 Valuable Scholarships for Asian American Students in 2024
Taking the step to pursue higher education can be both extremely exciting and incredibly daunting. You’re about to start an exciting new chapter of your life, but how will you pay for it?
When you don’t want to saddle yourself with student loan debt, scholarships are the best way to supplement financial aid. If you’re an American student of Asian descent, check out this curated list of thirty valuable scholarships just for you.
- 1. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
- 2. The Gates Scholarship
- 3. AANAPISI Scholarship
- 4. EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
- 5. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
- 6. AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students
- 7. Spectrum Scholarship Program
- 8. ABA Diversity Scholarship
- 9. The Tang Scholarship
- 10. Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program
- 11. The OTEFE Foundation Scholarship
- 12. Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship
- 13. KASF Scholarship
- 14. Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program
- 15. Kimbo Foundation Scholarship
- 16. Sports Task Force Journalism Scholarship
- 17. Chi Am Circle High School Scholarships
- 18. San Diego Chinese Women’s Association
- 19. Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship
- 20. AABA Law Foundation Scholarship
- 21. Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship
- 22. Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship
- 23. AABA Law Foundation Scholarship
- 24. Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship
- 25. Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship
- 26. Orchard’s Scholarship for Women of Color in STEM
- 27. The Florida Fund for Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
- 28. Dream Corps TECH Scholarship Fund
- 29. Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund
- 30. LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship
- Get matched with more scholarships for Asian American students
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1. Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $35,000
Provider: Jackie Robinson Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
- Plan to attend a four-year college within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university
- Graduating high school senior
- Minimum SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 21
- U.S. Citizen
- Evidence of financial need
Application Requirements: Letter of Recommendation, Headshot, SAT and/or ACT Scores (optional), Transcript, College Plans, Activities and distinctions, Household information, Essays
The Jackie Robinson Foundation offers this scholarship opportunity to make college education a reality for students from underrepresented groups – just like Jackie Robinson did for people of color in baseball. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship generously awards up to $35,000 over four years of college to outstanding students who demonstrate financial need, leadership skills, and academic achievement. Scholarship recipients don’t just receive financial aid – they’re also matched with mentors and invited to attend a leadership conference in New York City.
2. The Gates Scholarship
Amount: Full cost of attendance
Provider: The Gates Scholarship
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
- Plan to enroll full-time, in a four-year degree program
- Graduating high school senior
- Pell Grant eligible
Application Requirements: Transcript, Completed FAFSA, Financial Aid Award Letter, Proof of Acceptance, Resume, Headshot
Awarded to 300 student leaders, the Gates Scholarship recognizes students with great leadership abilities, personal success skills, and an exceptional high school academic record. The scholarship funds the full cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, books, and transportation.
3. AANAPISI Scholarship
Amount: Up to $10,000
Provider: Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund
Eligibility Requirements:
- Asian American and/or Pacific Islander
- Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an APIA Scholars AANAPISI Partner Institutions
Application Requirements: Completed FAFSA
The AANAPISI Scholarship aims to support Asian and Pacific Islanders by helping students from these backgrounds in their quest for an undergraduate degree. While this award is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, the selection committee will place an emphasis on students from lower-income communities who are first-generation college students. Additionally, this group prefers to award students who demonstrate a passion for community service, leadership skills, and academic excellence.
4. EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $45,000
Provider: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- Attending a Minority-Serving Institution
- Enrolled as a full-time 2nd-year student in a four-year academic program; or transferring from a two-year to a four-year institution; or a 3rd-year student in a five-year program
- Majoring in a STEM field related to/in support of NOAA’s mission
- U.S. Citizen
Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Essay
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researches our environment with the goal of preserving it for future generations. Through the EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship Program, the NOAA invests in students from Minority-Serving Institutions with an interest in science and climate work. If you’re passionate about saving our oceans and their species from extinction, be sure to check out this scholarship. In addition to the financial support, this program includes a paid summer internship with a housing allowance!
5. Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship
Amount: $10,000
Provider: Government Finance Officer Association
Eligibility Requirements:
- Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
- Majoring in public administration, accounting, finance, political science, economics, or business administration
Application Requirements: Letter of Recommendation
Each year, the Minorities in Government Finance Scholarship is awarded to one lucky student from an underrepresented ethnic group. Endowed through the generosity of the Government Finance Officer Association, the aim of this specific scholarship is to encourage students with an interest in pursuing a career in the public financial sector, either at the state or local level. This award is open to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, as well as full-time and part-time students alike.
6. AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students
Amount: Up to $10,000
Provider: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
- Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the U.S. or its territories
- Majoring in accounting or an accounting-related major
- Plan to pursue the CPA licensure but not presently be a CPA
- Completed at least 30 semester hours of coursework, including at least 6 semester hours in accounting
- AICPA Student Affiliate member
The AICPA Foundation is passionate about attracting the next generation of bright, young minds to the field of accounting. To support this mission, they sponsor the AICPA Scholarship Award for Minority Accounting Students. To date, scholarship winners from underserved communities have been awarded over $14 million, and you could be next! To make your application stand out, highlight your academic excellence, community service, and passion for pursuing a career as a CPA.
7. Spectrum Scholarship Program
Amount: $5,000
Provider: American Library Association (ALA)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern/North African, and/or Native American
- Attending an ALA-accredited graduate program in library and information studies
Application Requirements: Transcript, Three Professional References, Personal StatementThe Spectrum Scholarship Program awards minority students who are pursuing a graduate degree in library and information studies. In addition to financial support, winners will also benefit from continuing education opportunities, mentorship, and even a complimentary student ALA membership for one year.
8. ABA Diversity Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Provider: American Bus Association
Eligibility Requirements:
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
- Undergraduate or graduate student
- Majoring in a field related to the tourism industry
Application Requirements: Essay
If you’ve always wanted to pursue a career in the travel and tourism industry, check out the ABA Diversity Scholarship! Funded by the American Bus Association, this award is for undergraduate and graduate students from an underrepresented group – that can mean culturally, ethnically, or socioeconomically. To apply, you’ll write an essay about your goals for a future in the travel industry, and how those goals will advance the sector as a whole.
9. The Tang Scholarship
Amount: $60,000
Provider: Silicon Valley Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of a California Bay Area county
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0
- Asian American and/or Pacific Islander
- LGBTQIA+
- Age 17-25
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency, Personal Statement
The Tang Scholarship provides financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ youth from the Bay Area. Endowed through the generosity of Mr. Edward C. Tang and the Silicon Valley Foundation, this award covers four years of higher education for students who meet the eligibility requirements and demonstrate financial need. To set yourself apart on the application, highlight your involvement in your local LGBTQIA+ community and express your passion for your academic and social goals.
10. Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program
Amount: Up to $10,000
Provider: Dominion Energy
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of Connecticut, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Idaho, Wyoming, or Utah
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Native Alaskan
- Plan to enroll full time in a two-year or four-year undergraduate program
Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Tax Returns
As a part of its HBCU promise, Dominion Energy strives to promote diversity in educational institutions across the United States. The Dominion Energy Educational Equity Scholarship Program distributes a number of awards to students from traditionally underrepresented groups based on both financial need and academic merit. To stand out among other applicants, highlight your unique work experience, aspirations, and community service.
11. The OTEFE Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Provider: The OTEFE Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Korean or Korean American
- U.S. or Korean citizenship
Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Tax Returns, Proof of Acceptance, Essay
Founded with the belief that education is the cornerstone of success, the OTEFE Foundation aids Korean and Korean American students in their pursuit of college degrees. The OTEFE Foundation Scholarship has given out over $46,000 in award money since its inception. Award amounts vary and the selection committee prioritizes students with financial need and a love of their Korean community. This award is open to U.S. citizens and Korean citizens alike!
12. Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship
Amount: $3,000
Provider: AFCEA Educational Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Native Alaskan, and/or female
- Full-time graduate student in at least their second semester of study
- Majoring in a STEM-related field
Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement, Resume, Relevant Work Experience
The AFCEA Educational Foundation provides educational opportunities in the hard sciences. In support of this mission, AFCEA awards the Ralph W. Shrader Graduate Diversity Scholarship to full-time graduate students with a focus on a STEM field like engineering, cybersecurity, or telecommunications. The aim of this specific scholarship is to promote diversity in these fields, and in addition to seeking ethnic diversity, this scholarship also prioritizes gender diversity.
13. KASF Scholarship
Amount: Up to $5,000
Provider: Korean American Scholarship Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Korean
- Full-time high school, undergraduate, or graduate student
Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Essay
The KASF Scholarship is available to all Korean and Korean American students, regardless of citizenship status, and can be used to fund either undergrad or graduate school. The foundation awards scholarships based on location, so make sure you apply to your region’s scholarship. This award prioritizes scholarship awards based on need and academic achievements. Additionally, if you’re not Korean but have a family member who served in the Korean War, you may also qualify for one of these scholarship opportunities.
14. Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship Program
Amount: $7,500
Provider: Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of Illinois
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
- High school graduate or GED recipient
- Plan to teach at a non-profit, diverse school in Illinois following graduation
Application Requirements: Teaching Agreement/Promissory Note The Minority Teachers of Illinois Scholarship Program awards Illinois students who plan to teach within the state. To be eligible for this award, students must teach at a nonprofit Illinois public, private, or parochial preschool, elementary school, or secondary school in which the enrolled students include no less than 30 percent of African American/Black, Hispanic American, Asian American or Native American origin.
15. Kimbo Foundation Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Provider: The Kimbo Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Korean/Korean American
- Current undergraduate student
Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Tax Returns, Essay
The mission of The Kimbo Foundation is to provide outstanding Korean American students with the support they need to become leaders in their communities. One step in this multifaceted goal is the Kimbo Foundation Scholarship, which awards students based on their financial needs. This award is limited to undergraduate students, and selection is heavily dependent on applicants’ personal essays, academic achievement, and community involvement.
16. Sports Task Force Journalism Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Provider: Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
Eligibility Requirements:
- Asian American
- Current undergraduate Student
- Member of AAJA
Sponsored by Al Young, an award-winning Asian American sports journalist, the Sports Task Force Journalism Scholarship from the AAJA is given to one outstanding student each year. The AAJA seeks to amplify the voices of Asian Americans in journalism, and this particular scholarship aims to award students with an interest in sports. If you’re pursuing a career in media or sports journalism, this award could be a great way to offset the cost of your college tuition.
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17. Chi Am Circle High School Scholarships
Amount: Up to $5,000
Provider: Chi Am Circle
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of Santa Clara County, California
- Minimum GPA of 3.30 on a 4.0 scale
- Asian American
- High school senior
Application Requirements: Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA
The Chi Am Circle High School Scholarships are awarded to Santa Clara County high school seniors of Asian descent. Applicants will be judged first on academic achievement, but also on extracurricular activities, like community service, performing arts, work, and athletics. Up to 30 scholarships between $1,000 and $5,000 will be awarded this year.
18. San Diego Chinese Women’s Association
Amount: A one-time $1,500 scholarship for use at a four-year university, or a one-time $1,000 scholarship for use at a two-year community college or vocational program.
Provider: San Diego Chinese Women’s Association
Eligibility Requirements:
- Attending a San Diego County High School
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, if applying for the four-year scholarship
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, if applying for the community college scholarship
- At least 25% of Chinese Descent
Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Essay, List of Extracurricular Activities
Each year, the San Diego Chinese Women’s Association Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students of Chinese descent with plans to attend college. This unique scholarship offers two different awards – one for students with plans to attend a four-year college, and another for students with plans to attend a two-year program. While it’s not required, the scholarship committee prefers applicants who identify strongly with their Asian heritage and participate in Chinese cultural activities.
19. Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Provider: CCAPW
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of Central California
- Asian American Woman
- Undergraduate or Graduate student
Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Proof of Acceptance/Enrollment, Essay, Headshot, List of Honors and Awards, Bio
The Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship is awarded to Asian American women pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree. Eligibility is limited to students from the following counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, or Tulare. When choosing an award winner, the selection committee will look for applicants who have made significant contributions to their cultural community.
20. AABA Law Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Provider: Asian American Bar Association (AABA) Law Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Asian American
- Enrolled in law school
Application Requirements: Essay, Personal Statement, Resume
The goal of the AABA Law Foundation is to improve and develop the Asian American Bar. Each year, members of the foundation sponsor the AABA Law Foundation Scholarship, which is given to one law student who fits the criteria of the selection committee. The most important quality the AABA looks for in its applicants is a commitment to improving the quality of the Asian American community through the practice of law.
21. Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,850
Provider: Kansas Board of Regents
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of Kansas
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx
- Enrolled full-time at a Kansas community college or four-year university
- Minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 990
- High school rank in the upper 33% of one’s class
- Completed Kansas Scholars Curriculum Selection by National Merit Corporation in any category
Application Requirements: Completed FAFSA, State of Kansas Student Aid Application, Completed Ethnic Minority Scholarship Information Form from a high school official
In an effort to promote diversity and education, the Kansas Board of Regents sponsors the Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship, which grants up to $1,850 per year to African American, Alaskan Native, American Indian, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic students. Candidates should demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.
Tired of reading through eligibility requirements to figure out whether you can apply? Sign up for Going Merry and get a personalized list of scholarships based on your eligibility profile.
22. Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Provider: Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Chinese
- Christian
- Planning to or enrolled in a full time, four-year program
Application Requirements: Transcript, Two Letters of Recommendation, Completed FAFSA, Personal Statement
Named for Cynthia H. Kuo, who was passionate about creating a space for Chinese Christians, this scholarship is a great opportunity for students of faith. The Cynthia H. Kuo Scholarship is offered to Chinese students who are either first-generation or born overseas. Recipients must be involved in their Christian youth group or Christian faith for the past two years. This scholarship is limited to undergraduate students pursuing a four-year degree at a university or college in the U.S.
23. The Florida Fund for Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
Award: Varies
Provider: Florida Fund for Minority Teachers
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of Florida
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, and/or Native American
- Admitted into a teaching program at an FFMT participating university
- College junior, senior, or graduate student
- Completed 60 credits or AA degree but no more than 18 hours of upper-division education courses
Application Requirements: Transcript, Essay
Are you pursuing a degree in education? The Florida Fund for Minority Teachers wants to find out why. In your application, you’ll be asked to write an essay about how your life experiences have led you to the field of education. Eligible applicants will have been accepted into a qualifying teacher education program in the state of Florida. After graduation, winners of the Florida Fund for Minority Teacher Education Scholarship are required to teach one year in a Florida public school for each year they received the scholarship.
24. Dream Corps TECH Scholarship Fund
Amount: $1,500
Provider: PwC Charitable Foundation
Eligibility Requirements:
- Southeast Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, and/or Native Alaskan
- Currently enrolled in or recently completed a tech certification program
- High school graduate
- Demonstrate financial need
Application Requirements: Essay, Transcript
PwC Charitable Foundation knows that receiving a scholarship can help transform a student’s education experience, which is why they’ve established the Dream Corps TECH Scholarship Fund. This scholarship money doesn’t go to your college or university directly, but it should be used to fund tuition for a technical certification. These types of technical programs can help set you up for success in your future career, so if you’re a student with clear career goals after college, be sure to apply for this unique scholarship.
25. Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund
Amount: $20,000
Provider: Asian Pacific Fund
Eligibility Requirements:
- Resident of California
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Filipino/Filipino American
- Incoming freshman enrolled full-time
- Majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science, environmental or physical science
Application Requirements: Completed FAFSA
Underwritten by the Asian Pacific Fund, the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund empowers future engineers and scientists to achieve their academic goals. If you’re at least fifty percent Filipino, this scholarship could be a great option for you. The award prioritizes students with financial need so be sure to submit your completed FAFSA along with your scholarship application. This scholarship is limited to certain Northern and Southern California counties including Alameda, Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Marin, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Sacramento, San Benito, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus or Yolo.
26. LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Provider: Against the Grain Productions
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- At least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander
- A high school senior or a college student currently enrolled full-time
- Pursuing a major in fashion or graphic design
Application Requirements: Transcript, Letter of Recommendation, Essay, Resume, Portfolio
The LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship honors Lyly Koenig Mendez, an orphan brought to the U.S. via Operation Babylift. She supported Against the Grain, a nonprofit organization that promotes unity and leadership in the Asian American community. Lyly worked in TV and film production as well as graphic design and fashion. She passed away in 2015 after fighting breast cancer for eight years, and this scholarship honors students like Lyly who are dedicated to their community.
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