Eastern Regional Chapter Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Korean American Scholarship Foundation

Description **Overview** The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) is a volunteer-run nonprofit that provides scholarships to support Korean-American students pursuing higher education. Its work emphasizes academic and personal achievement, leadership development through community and civic service, and pride in Korean cultural heritage. The foundation distributes awards through regional chapters and aligns its activities with community fundraising and member support. Key takeaways: - KASF is a nonprofit focused on supporting Korean-American students. - Emphasis on academics, community service, leadership, and cultural pride. - Scholarships are administered through regional chapters. Eligibility **Who can apply** Applicants must demonstrate Korean heritage (a Korean parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, or adoption from Korea) or be a direct descendant of a U.S. Korean War veteran who served in Korea between June 25, 1950 and January 31, 1955. Candidates must be enrolled full-time at an institution in the Eastern Regional Chapter states for the entire 2026–2027 academic year. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required, and applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need. Key takeaways: - Korean heritage or direct descendant of a Korean War veteran required. - Full-time enrollment in the Eastern Regional Chapter states for 2026–2027. - Minimum cumulative GPA 3.0 and demonstrable financial need. Applicant Categories **Application status categories** KASF assigns applicants to categories based on the status they will hold during the 2026–2027 school year. Categories include high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors; high school seniors who will begin college in 2026–2027; college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors; college seniors; and graduate students. Applicants must select the category that matches their enrollment status for that academic year. Key takeaways: - Categories are determined by 2026–2027 student status. - Categories cover high school (sophomore–senior), undergraduate (freshman–senior), and graduate levels. - Applicants must choose the category that reflects their upcoming academic year. Qualifications / Evaluation Criteria **How applications are judged** KASF evaluates applications on multiple factors to identify recipients who combine academic promise with need and community involvement. The foundation considers financial need, scholastic achievement, letters of recommendation, the quality of the applicant essay, and community service or extracurricular engagement. These criteria are weighed together to determine awards; meeting eligibility does not guarantee a scholarship. Key takeaways: - Evaluation factors: financial need, academics, recommendations, essay, and community service. - All criteria are considered together in award decisions. - Eligibility alone does not ensure selection. Application Timeline & Region **When and where to apply** Online applications for the Eastern Regional Chapter open April 1, 2026. The Eastern Regional Chapter covers Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Applicants should confirm local chapter deadlines and any required supporting documents after the portal opens. Key takeaways: - Online applications open April 1, 2026. - Eastern region includes DE, DC, KY, MD, NC, PA, VA, and WV. - Verify chapter-specific deadlines and documentation requirements. Organization & Funding **Structure and operating support** KASF is run by a volunteer Board of Directors and supporters who manage scholarship selection and chapter activities. Operating expenses are covered by membership dues and local fundraising; many board members also contribute as donors. The volunteer model keeps administrative costs low and channels more funds toward scholarships. Key takeaways: - Operated by a volunteer Board of Directors and community supporters. - Operating costs funded by dues and local fundraising. - Board members frequently serve as scholarship donors. Award Value **Amounts and availability** KASF awards vary by year, chapter, and available funding; specific scholarship amounts are not listed in the provided material. Funding levels depend on membership income, fundraising outcomes, and chapter budgets, so award size can differ across recipients and cycles. Applicants should consult the Eastern Regional Chapter or the online application materials for the most current information about award amounts. Key takeaways: - Scholarship amounts vary and are not specified in the source content. - Award value depends on chapter funding and fundraising results. - Check the regional application materials for current award information.