Apply today to 2020 KRC Scholarship Awards for Asian American and Pacific Islander students!

Application deadline: April 20, 2020

The Korean Resource Center (KRC) is pleased to announce the 2020 KRC Scholarship awards commemorating the late Jung Bong Jimmy Choi (고 정봉 최진환 박사) to empower and support Asian American youth.

KRC was founded in 1983 with four founding principles (Live Right, Know Your Roots, Live Strong, Live Together), and has worked to empower low-income, immigrant, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and people of color communities in Southern California. The late Jimmy Choi was one of the main founders of KRC and dedicated himself to the empowerment of young people by focusing on Korean cultural heritage among Korean Americans.

Awards

KRC will offer four scholarship awards of $1500 each. Since there are far fewer scholarship opportunities for undocumented students, a special category has been set aside for such students. Low-income and/or underserved students will also receive preference in the other categories as well.

Jung Bong Puri Scholarship: Puri (뿌리) means the “root”. We place value in cultural diversity, and knowing one’s roots is the starting point. This category is specifically for those who identify as Korean Americans.

Jung Bong Hongik Scholarship: Hongik (홍익인간) refers to the founding spirit of Korea (고조선, Gojoseon kingdom), and it means “ to widely benefit humankind”

Du-re Scholarship: Du-re (두레) is a traditional collective laboring operation within small farming communities in Korea, where the villagers supported each other and had celebrations and fun activities together.

Dream Scholarship: KRC has been fiercely working to protect the dreams of undocumented youth. The Dream Scholarship Award is exclusively designated for undocumented students.

Eligibility

Identifies as Korean American and/or Asian American & Pacific Islander

Demonstrated financial need

Currently a senior at a U.S. high school or will be entering or currently enrolled at a college or university in the U.S as a part-time (6 or more units) or full-time degree seeking student

Must join the award ceremony in Los Angeles in mid-May. If the awardee does not live in Southern California, the awardee may join via video-conference or a parent may attend on behalf of the awardee.

Graduate students are not eligible to apply.

Application

We accept online applications only. You may apply at this link. Applicants will need to prepare specific documents (see below), and fill out the online application form. Applications (INCLUDING THE RECOMMENDATION LETTERS) should be submitted on or before April 20, 2020 to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Please prepare for following material before filling out the application form:

[REQUIRED] 2 letters of recommendation: please ask that recommendation letters be sent directly to scholarship [at] krcla.org . Include in the subject line of the reference letter: applicant's name. It is okay/recommended to ask them for the letter BEFORE completing the online application so that the letters arrive on time.

. Include in the subject line of the reference letter: applicant's name. It is okay/recommended to ask them for the letter BEFORE completing the online application so that the letters arrive on time. [REQUIRED] One long (up to 1000 words) essay on one of the following topics (in English or in Korean): What is the Korean spiritual heritage that you would like to pass to the next generation? How would you describe your cultural inheritance as a Korean and/or Asian American? What do you see as the most critical issue(s) facing Korean Americans today? And what options are available to Korean Americans to address the issue(s)? Describe how you see Korean American community's role in relation to the movement for justice, equity, opportunity in the U.S. Talk about our community strengths and blind spots.

[REQUIRED] Two short (2-4 paragraphs) writings on the career goal and the financial situation.

The essays can be in English or Korean. If submitting an essay in Korean language, if possible, please include an English translation to assist us with the review process. However, the English translation is optional and will not impact your application.

[REQUIRED] Tuition statement from current or intended college.

[REQUIRED] Expected Family Contribution (calculator).

(Only for prospective college students) Proof of college acceptance.

Scanned copy of official transcript.

List of awards / extra curricular activities.

[REQUIRED if applicable] List of any other grants / scholarship / financial aids / loans.

Contacts

Please contact scholarship [at] krcla.org for any questions.