Florida High School Asian Culture and Heritage Scholarship

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Objective:

The Florida High School Asian Culture and Heritage Scholarship encourages and supports high school students in Florida who are passionate about promoting and preserving Asian culture, traditions, and heritage. This scholarship empowers students to celebrate their cultural identity and raise awareness about the richness of Asian heritage. Recipients are required to join the Florida Asian American Justice Alliance Foundation Inc. (FAAJA) to continue their efforts in cultural advocacy and community engagement.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Enrollment: Applicants must be full-time students in grades 9–12 at a Florida high school.

2. Asian Heritage: Applicants must identify as Asian American or demonstrate a strong connection to Asian heritage and culture.

3. Commitment to Promoting Asian Culture: Applicants must actively engage in activities that promote, preserve, or celebrate Asian culture and heritage, such as:

   • Organizing or participating in cultural events, festivals, or performances.

   • Educating peers and the community about Asian traditions, history, or cultural practices.

   • Volunteering with organizations or initiatives that support Asian communities.

   • Engaging in creative projects (art, music, literature, etc.) that highlight Asian cultural themes.

4. FAAJA Membership Requirement: Scholarship recipients must join FAAJA upon receiving the award. FAAJA offers programs and resources that promote Asian culture, leadership, and community service.

5. Academic Performance: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

6. Cultural Impact: Applicants must submit a brief (up to 500 words) description of how they have promoted or celebrated Asian culture and heritage within their school or community. This may include:

   • Organizing or participating in cultural events or projects.

   • Leading social media campaigns or educational initiatives to raise awareness about Asian culture.

   • Engaging in community service or advocacy related to Asian cultural preservation.

7. Personal Statement: A 500-word personal statement addressing:

   • The applicant’s connection to their Asian heritage and cultural background.

   • Their contributions to promoting or preserving Asian culture.

8. Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation:

   • One from a teacher, guidance counselor, or academic advisor who can speak to the applicant’s academic performance and involvement in cultural activities.

   • One from a community leader, mentor, or organization leader who can attest to the applicant’s contributions to promoting Asian culture.

Scholarship Awards:

• First Prize: $1,000 (1 recipient per region: South Florida, Central Florida, and North Florida)

• Second Prize: $600 (up to 2 recipients per region: South Florida, Central Florida, and North Florida)

• Third Prize: $400 (up to 3 recipients per region: South Florida, Central Florida, and North Florida)

Scholarship funds must be used for educational expenses, including tuition, books, and materials that support the applicant’s academic and cultural development.

Application Process:

1. Complete the online scholarship application form.

2. Submit an unofficial high school transcript to verify GPA.

3. Provide a personal statement and a description of cultural impact.

4. Submit two letters of recommendation.

5. Provide proof of intent to join the FAAJA upon award receipt.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated passion and commitment to promoting and preserving Asian culture and heritage.

• Active participation in cultural activities, community service, or advocacy efforts.

• Academic excellence and leadership potential.

• Quality and clarity of the personal statement and cultural impact description.

Deadline:

All application materials must be submitted by May 31, 2025. Late applications will not be considered.

Additional Notes:

• Finalists may be required to participate in an interview or submit additional materials upon request.

• Scholarship recipients will be notified by June 30, 2025, and announced publicly via the FAAJA website and social media channels.

• An award ceremony will be held in late July or early August. The specific time and location will be announced later.

By joining FAAJA, scholarship recipients will gain access to a network of mentors, resources, and programs that enhance their cultural advocacy, leadership skills, and community involvement, particularly within Florida’s Asian American community.