Asian American Youth Scholarship 2027
CAAF
About
A competitive program recognizing high school students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to professional growth. Applicants who are selected present in person at a January competition and top presenters receive scholarships. Multiple scholarships of $1,000 to $3,000 are awarded to top presenters. The application requires submission of a headshot, one-page resume, school transcript, an essay, and a short video.
Designed to recognize and support outstanding high school students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to professional growth.
Who can apply
Be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior.
“High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors only; freshmen and college or university students are not eligible for 2027”
Be located in New York City or on Long Island.
“Located in New York City or on Long Island”
Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent B average).
“Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent B average)”
Program is designed to support Asian American youth; priority may be given to applicants who serve Asian American communities. · preferred
“This program is designed to support and empower Asian American youth (including individuals of Asian descent as defined by the U.S. Census ). Priority may be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to serving and uplifting Asian American communities.”
Not have previously received an AAYS scholarship.
“previous AAYS scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive another AAYS scholarship; AAYS scholarships are limited to one award per individual.”
Essay prompts
- 1.Write a 250–500 word essay answering one of the following five prompts, reflecting on your experiences, goals, and growth. Describe a challenge or experience that changed the way you think about your future. What did you learn, and what did you do differently afterward? What is one goal you are seriously working toward right now? What steps have you already taken toward it? Tell us about a time when you took initiative or showed leadership. What experience made you realize what kind of career or life you want to pursue? What is something you want to accomplish in the next five years, and what do you believe you need to do to get there?Up to 500 words
- 2.Submit a video of yourself, one minute maximum: introduce yourself, describe yourself in one word with a brief explanation why, then respond to one of the following prompts. If your friends gave you an unofficial award, what would they give you an award for, and why? What is something you changed your mind about recently, and what changed it? If success was guaranteed, what path or purpose would you pursue and why? In under one minute, teach us something you think everyone should know. Video must be under 1 minute. No AI-generated content.