# JACL National Scholarship Program

The JACL awards 30+ scholarships totaling over $70,000 a year, including a dedicated Entering Freshman category for high school seniors. Membership is required but open to everyone of any background.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Japanese American Citizens League |
| Category | other |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grade 12 |
| Format | Online / virtual |
| Location | Various |
| Apply | https://jacl.org/scholarships |

## About this program

# JACL National Scholarship Program

The Japanese American Citizens League, the country's oldest Asian American civil rights organization, runs a National Scholarship and Awards Program that gives out more than 30 awards each year totaling over $70,000. The program has a dedicated Entering Freshman category for graduating high school seniors, alongside undergraduate, graduate, law, creative and performing arts, and financial-need categories. Because scholarships are tied to JACL membership rather than ethnicity - membership is explicitly open to everyone of any ethnic background - the applicant pool is far narrower than for open national awards.

## What You'll Do

- Join JACL with an Individual or Student/Youth membership before applying; every applicant must be an active National JACL member
- Download the Entering Freshman application when it becomes available on the JACL National website in December
- Assemble the packet: proof of JACL membership, a personal statement, a letter of recommendation, official transcripts, work experience, a recent headshot, and a record of JACL and community involvement
- Submit by the Entering Freshman deadline in early March - earlier than the deadline for all other categories

## Who Should Apply

High school seniors entering college in the fall who hold an active JACL membership. Students interested in Japanese American history, Asian American civil rights, or community service will find the community-involvement section of the application a natural fit.

## Outcomes

Recipients receive scholarship funds toward their first year of college and recognition within a national civil rights organization with district and chapter networks across the country.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for JACL National Scholarship Program?

JACL National Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is JACL National Scholarship Program online or in person?

JACL National Scholarship Program is fully online — students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection.

### How do I apply to JACL National Scholarship Program?

Apply directly through Japanese American Citizens League's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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