Scholarships
Need- and merit-based scholarships for full-time high-school and college students in the DMV area.
Who can apply
Full-time students enrolled in a high school or undergraduate degree program in the Fall 2026 semester in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia.
Full-time students enrolled in a high school or undergraduate degree program in the Fall 2026 semester elsewhere in the United States, provided their parents reside in the DMV area and filed 2025 income taxes there.
Graduate-school students and international students.
Required materials (5 uploads)
Upload exactly five files — one per item. Combine multiple proofs for
one item into a single file. Use clear filenames, e.g. Lastname_Firstname_OfficialTranscript.pdf.
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1
Official verification of enrollmentAn OFFICIAL document issued by your current institution confirming full-time enrollment in the Fall 2026 semester. Applications without official enrollment verification will not be considered.
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2
Official transcript(s)An OFFICIAL transcript showing academic achievement for at least one year prior to the application. If you entered your current institution as a freshman or transfer student in Fall 2025 and your transcript does not yet show a full year, also submit the official transcript from your previous institution.
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3
2025 income tax return(s)The address on the return must be in the DMV area. If you are claimed as a dependent, submit your parents' 2025 return showing you as a dependent. If you file independently, submit your own 2025 return plus a brief statement explaining and justifying your financial independence.
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4
Verification of service, leadership, employment, licenses, or certificatesEvidence of activities completed in the last two years that show commitment to community, leadership, or career development. Combine everything into one single file. Activities listed only on the application form receive no credit without supporting evidence. Examples: language certifications (TOPIK, JLPT, ASL); practical skills (lifeguarding, food service, First Aid/CPR, skilled trades); full/part-time work or paid/unpaid internships; community service with non-profits, religious organizations, or schools; leadership roles in sports teams, student organizations, work teams, or community groups.
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5
Video presentation: “Making a Difference” (3–4 min)Identify one real-world problem that matters to you based on personal experience, and explain how you would help address it. Choose a setting meaningful to you — your school or college, workplace, volunteer or religious organization, student org or sports team, neighborhood, or society at the local, national, or global level.
“Making a Difference” — what to cover
Your 3–4 minute presentation should address all five points below.
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1
What is the problem?Describe the issue clearly and explain why it is important.
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What causes this problem?Discuss the main reasons or contributing factors behind the issue.
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What solution do you propose?Present one or more realistic and practical solutions.
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What is the rationale for your proposal?Explain why your solution makes sense and what it is meant to accomplish.
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5
How would you help make it successful?Explain the specific role you would personally play and how your actions could make a positive difference.
Be creative in both content and delivery. Consider visuals, images, charts, short video clips, props, and storytelling. Your video is evaluated not only on the quality of your ideas, but also on how effectively and professionally you communicate them.
How it works
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Create an accountRegister and sign in to your applicant dashboard.
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Complete the applicationFill in your details, write your personal statement, and upload your five documents.
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Submit before the deadlineReview and submit by December 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. You'll receive a confirmation email.
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Await resultsOur committee reviews every application. Recipients are notified by email on November 12, 2026 and celebrated at the award ceremony on November 28, 2026.