Every applicant must be an active National JACL member.  JACL membership is open to everyone of any ethnic background.  All who meet the eligibility criteria are welcomed and encouraged to apply.  Note: applicants must hold an Individual or  Student/Youth Membership.  A Couple/Family membership by a parent will not meet this requirement. Join or renew your membership.

Applicants may apply under only one scholarship category.  The exception to this rule is that students may apply for consideration for financial aid awards in addition to another category.  However, a successful applicant will only receive the higher of the two awards applied for.

Entering Freshman applicants must be high school seniors.  Creative & Performing Arts applicants cannot be professional artists.

Past recipients of JACL National scholarships are limited to a total of two awards.

• 1st Year
• 2nd Year
• 3rd Year
• 4th Year
• Graduate

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident
• International or Other Visa Status
• Undocumented

The JACL has been helping students achieve their educational dreams with the National Scholarship and Awards Program since 1946.  The program currently offers over 30 awards, with an annual total of over $70,000 in scholarships to qualified students nationwide.

The National Scholarship and Awards Program offers scholarships to students who are entering freshman, undergraduate, graduate, law, in the creative & performing arts, and those with financial need.  All scholarships are one-time awards.

Only one application needs to be submitted to qualify for all awards listed in that same category. Applications will be reviewed for award preferences noted in the brochure. See application materials.

For additional information regarding the JACL National Scholarship Program, please contact JACL Scholarship Program Manager Matthew Weisbly at scholarships@jacl.org.