Asian American Youth Program Scholarship 2026
Purpose of the Scholarship
The Asian American Youth Program Scholarship, hosted by CAF, is designed to recognize and support outstanding high school and undergraduate students of Asian heritage who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to professional growth.
Please note that this application is merely a screening process to be selected to participate in the in-person competition.
Being selected does not guarantee a scholarship award; finalists will compete live at the Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum for the chance to earn the Asian American Youth Program Scholarship.
Scholarship Awards
The program offers $3,000 scholarship awards for deserving individuals. A grand prize scholarship of $6,000 will also be awarded to the highest-performing finalist, recognizing outstanding achievement, professionalism, and potential for future leadership.
Eligibility
- Must identify as Asian as defined by the U.S. Census
- Open to both high school and undergraduate students
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent B average)
- Must submit a 1-page resume and unofficial transcript
Event Details
If selected, the finalist will be invited to compete in the in-person presentation competition during the Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum.
- Event Title: Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum 2026
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – Mid-Afternoon (Lunch provided)
- Venue: Glow Cultural Community, Flushing, NY (subject to change)
- Note: In-person participation is mandatory
How to Apply
Answer the two following prompts and submit them through the Google Form application link below.
Essay Prompt
Applicants must write a 350 – 500 word essay, answering one of the following five prompts to reflect on personal experiences, challenges, or leadership growth:
Prompt Options (Choose 1):
- Describe a challenge you faced and how it changed the way you view your future.
- Share a meaningful failure and how it shaped your ambition or values.
- Tell us about a time when you took initiative or showed leadership, even in a small way.
- What experience made you realize what kind of career or life you want to pursue?
- If you could have dinner with any person, real or fictional, from the past or present, who would it be and what would you discuss?
Tip: Focus on a real experience. Avoid clichés or generic answers. Your story should be unique to you.
Disclaimer: The use of AI assisted writing is strictly prohibited. Submissions detected with AI will be automatically disqualified.
Video Introduction
Applicants must also submit a video of themselves (1 min max), introducing themselves, describing themselves in one word with a brief explanation why, and respond to one of the following prompts:
- Imagine you’re on a subway and the doors are closing with your friend still on the platform. What do you say or do at that moment?
- If there’s something you can change in this world, what would that be?
- If success was guaranteed, what path or purpose would you pursue and why?
- What’s your take on AI?
Video Requirements:
- Introduce yourself before you respond to the prompt
- Describe yourself in one word with a brief explanation before you respond to the prompt
- Must show your face clearly with good lighting
- Dress presentably and speak clearly
- Keep your tone professional, but feel free to be expressive
- No reading off a script
- Video must be under 1 minute
The goal: Show us your confidence, clarity, and communication style.
Apply Through the Google Form Link Below
Submit your application through the official Google Form below. Make sure to review all eligibility requirements and instructions before applying.
Important Notice: No AI-Generated Content Allowed
The submission of AI generated application materials is prohibited. Applications containing AI-generated content will be disqualified.
We are looking for original submissions that reflect your personal ambitions and motivations for applying. Thank you for understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Asian American Youth Program Scholarship?
The Asian American Youth Program Scholarship is a competitive program designed to empower Asian American students who demonstrate leadership, self-awareness, and motivation toward their future careers.
What is the difference between applying and competing?
Submitting this application is the first step. Selected applicants will be invited to compete in the Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum, where they will present their career goals in person to a panel of judges. Only top finalists from that event will be awarded scholarships.
Who is eligible to apply?
As a non-profit dedicated to serving the Asian American community, this scholarship opportunity is open exclusively to applicants who identify as Asian American, as defined by the U.S. Census. U.S. citizenship is not required, but applicants should currently study or reside in the United States.
What materials are required to apply?
Applicants must submit one original essay (350 – 500 words) responding to one of the given prompts and one video introduction (1 minute max) introducing yourself and sharing what experience made you think different about your professional future.
How will applications be evaluated?
Applications are reviewed for authenticity, clarity, and substance. We look for personal insight, leadership potential, and a genuine understanding of your goals. AI-generated or plagiarized submissions will be disqualified.
When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline is Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
How will I know if I’m selected to compete?
Selected finalists will be notified by email in December 2025 with details about the in-person Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum on January, 17th 2026.
Where will the in-person competition take place?
The Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum will be held at Glow Cultural Center located in Flushing, Queens. Location is subject to change
What time will the in-person competition begin?
The Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum will begin at 10:00 AM and expected to run into 3:00 PM in the afternoon with a lunch intermission.
What should finalists expect at the competition?
Finalists will deliver a 5-minute presentation about their career goals, followed by a 2-minute Q&A with judges. Presentations will be evaluated on clarity, personal insight, public speaking, and slide design.
Will travel or lodging be provided for finalists?
At this time, travel and lodging are not provided. Finalists must attend the in-person competition to remain eligible for scholarship consideration.
How can I stay updated and connected with China AIDs Fund?
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