KRC Scholarship 2019

Apply today to 2019 KRC Scholarship Award for Asian American and Pacific Islander students!

Application deadline: April 21, 2019

The Korean Resource Center (KRC) is pleased to announce the KRC Jung Bong Scholarship awards commemorating the late Jung Bong Jimmy Choi (고 정봉 최진환 박사)  to empower and support Asian American youth.

KRC was founded in 1983 with four founding principles Live Right, Know Your Roots, Live Strong, Live Together, and has worked to empower low-income, immigrant, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and people of color communities in Southern California. The late Jimmy Choi was one of the main founders of KRC and dedicated himself to the empowerment of young people by focusing on Korean cultural heritage among Korean Americans.

Awards

KRC will offer three scholarship awards of $1500 each.  Since there are far fewer scholarship opportunities for undocumented students, a special category has been set aside for such students. Undocumented students will get advantages in the other categories as well.

  • Jung Bong Puri Scholarship: Puri (뿌리) means the “root”. We place value in cultural diversity, and knowing one’s roots is the starting point. This category is specifically for those who identify as Korean Americans.
  • Jung Bong Hongik Scholarship: Hongik (홍익인간) refers to the founding spirit of Korea (고조선, Gojoseon kingdom), and it means “ to widely benefit humankind”
  • Dream Scholarship: KRC has been fiercely working to protect the dreams of undocumented youth. The dream scholarship award is exclusively designated for undocumented students.

Eligibility

  • Identifies as Korean American and/or Asian American & Pacific Islander
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Currently a senior at a U.S. high school or will be entering or currently enrolled at an accredited college or university as a full-time student in the U.S.
  • Must join the award ceremony in Los Angeles in mid-May. If the awardee does not live in Southern California, the awardee may join via video-conference or a parent may attend on behalf of the awardee.

Graduate students and international students (other than undocumented students with the whole family members residing in the U.S.) are not eligible to apply.

Application

We accept online applications only. You may apply at this link.  Applicants will need to prepare specific documents (see below), and go to  krcla.org/en/scholarship to fill out the application form. Applications should be submitted on or before April 21, 2019 to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Please prepare for following material before filling out the application form:

  • [REQUIRED] 2 letters of recommendation: please ask that recommendation letters be sent directly to jungwoo+scholarship [at] krcla.org.  Include in the subject line of the reference letter:  Your name, phone, and email address.
  • [REQUIRED] One short (2-4 paragraphs) essay (in English or in Korean) on one of the following topics:
    • What is your personal financial situation to apply for the scholarship?
    • What is the biggest challenge your are facing now?
    • How would you describe your essence?  Who are you?
    • How do you want to be remembered when you die? 
    • What is the equitable and inclusive community for you?
  • [REQUIRED] One long (1-2 pages) essay on one of the following topics (in English or in Korean):
    • What is the Korean spiritual heritage that you would like to pass to the next generation?
    • How would you describe your cultural inheritance as a Korean and/or Asian American?
    • What do you see as the most critical issue(s) facing Korean Americans today? And what options are available to Korean Americans to address the issue(s)?
    • Describe how you see Korean American community role in relation to the movement for justice, equity, opportunity in the U.S. Talk about our community strengths and blind spots.
  • The essays can be in English or Korean. If submitting an essay in Korean language, if possible, please include an English translation to assist us with the review process. However, the English translation is optional and will not impact your application.
  • [REQUIRED] Scanned copy of official transcript.
  • [REQUIRED] Tuition statement from current or intended college.
  • [REQUIRED] Expected Family Contribution (calculator).
  • (Only for prospective college students) Proof of college acceptance.
  • List of awards / extra curricular activities.
  • List of any other grants / scholarship / financial aids / loans.

Suggested readings (not a requirement):

Contacts

Please contact Jung Woo Kim (jungwoo+scholarship [at] krcla.org) for any questions.