KRC Scholarships

Scholarship applicants must:

• Identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander;

• Be currently enrolled at least part-time at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or anticipate being enrolled by Fall 2026;

• Demonstrate financial need; and

• Be able to attend the award ceremony on Saturday, May 30, 2026 either in-person or virtually.

Graduate students are currently ineligible for our scholarships. International students are eligible, but must have lived in the U.S. for at least two years and be planning to stay in the U.S. after completing their studies. Previous awardees may NOT apply for a new award.

Please submit your application and all supplemental materials (listed below) through our online application form by Monday, April 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Late and incomplete applications will NOT be accepted.

Please prepare the following supplemental materials prior to submitting your application:

• Responses to our essay questions (listed below);

• Your tuition statement;

• A clear breakdown of your financial situation, including but not limited to:

  • Expected cost of attendance for the upcoming year;

  • Expected cost of living for the upcoming year;

  • Estimated monthly income if applicable;

  • Expected financial aid (e.g., grants, scholarships, etc.); and

  • Student Aid Index (SAI).

• Proof of enrollment; and

• One letter of recommendation from a reference who is familiar with your academic, extracurricular, or professional experiences.

  • Please have your reference email the letter of recommendation directly to scholarship@krcla.org‍ with your name in the subject line.

Optionally, you may submit:

• A list of awards and extracurriculars; and

• A copy of your transcript (official or unofficial).

The following essays may be written in either English or Korean. For essays in Korean, we encourage you to provide an English translation as well to ensure your original intent is clear.

Essay 1: In 500-800 words in English or 350-550 words in Korean, please respond to one of the following two prompts:

1. Prompt 1: For over 40 years, KRC has empowered communities by providing services, education, cultural programs, and advocacy aligned with our core values: to "Live Right," "Know Your Roots," "Live in Strength," and "Live in Harmony." Consider the most critical challenges our community faces today. Which value or values do you believe most appropriately address these challenges and why? Please explicitly state the value or values in the title or body of your essay.

2. Prompt 2: Over 70 years after the start of the Korean War, North Korea and South Korea remain divided. A cease-fire is in currently in place between the two countries, but they remain officially at war. More recently, the Trump administration started a war against Iran. What does peace mean to you? With your education, what would you do to help bring peace to the world?

Essay 2: In 2-4 paragraphs, please describe your financial situation and the challenges you face to accessing the promise of higher education.