Applications Open · Due Nov 22, 2026
Asian American Youth Scholarship 2027
Recognizing high school students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to professional growth.
The 2027 application is open until Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Applicants can expect to hear whether they have been selected in early December (an estimate, subject to change). Selected presenters compete in person on Saturday, January 23, 2027, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the Glow Cultural Center in Flushing. Attendance is mandatory for selected presenters.
Purpose of the Scholarship
Recognizing Students Already Doing the Work.
The Asian American Youth Scholarship, hosted by CAAF, is designed to recognize and support outstanding high school students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to professional growth.
Please note that this application is a screening process to be selected for the in-person competition. Being selected does not guarantee a scholarship award — selected presenters compete live at the Asian American Youth Program Scholarship Presentation Competition for the chance to earn the scholarship.
Scholarship Awards
$1,000 to $3,000 per Recipient
Multiple scholarships of $1,000 to $3,000 are awarded to top presenters at the competition, recognizing achievement, professionalism, and potential for future leadership.
Eligibility
- ‣ High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors only; freshmen and college or university students are not eligible for 2027
- ‣ Located in New York City or on Long Island
- ‣ Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent B average)
This program is designed to support and empower Asian American youth (including individuals of Asian descent as defined by the U.S. Census). Priority may be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to serving and uplifting Asian American communities.
Previous Participation
Students who previously participated in CAAF programs, including the Summer Careers Exploration Program (SCP), are eligible to apply and must submit a complete application, the same as every other applicant. Previous AAYS applicants and presenters who did not receive a scholarship may also apply again. However, previous AAYS scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive another AAYS scholarship; AAYS scholarships are limited to one award per individual.
Event Details
- Event Title
- Asian American Youth Scholarship 2027
Asian American Youth Program Scholarship Presentation Competition - Date
- Saturday, January 23, 2027
- Time
- 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Venue
- Glow Cultural Center
133-29 41st Ave, 1st Floor, Flushing, NY 11355 - Selection Results
- Early December 2026 (estimated)
- Note
- In person; attendance is mandatory for selected presenters
Applicants who are selected are invited to present at the in-person Scholarship Presentation Competition.
How to Apply
What to Submit
Every application needs five things, all submitted through the application form: a headshot, a one-page resume, a school transcript (official or unofficial), an essay, and a video. The essay and video prompts are below.
You will need to sign in with a Google account to upload your files. If your school account blocks outside forms, use a personal Google account instead.
Essay Prompt
Write a 250–500 word essay answering one of the following five prompts, reflecting on your experiences, goals, and growth.
- Describe a challenge or experience that changed the way you think about your future. What did you learn, and what did you do differently afterward?
- What is one goal you are seriously working toward right now? What steps have you already taken toward it?
- Tell us about a time when you took initiative or showed leadership.
- What experience made you realize what kind of career or life you want to pursue?
- What is something you want to accomplish in the next five years, and what do you believe you need to do to get there?
Tip: Focus on a real experience. Avoid clichés or generic answers. Your story should be unique to you.
Video Introduction
Submit a video of yourself, one minute maximum: introduce yourself, describe yourself in one word with a brief explanation why, then respond to one of the following prompts.
- If your friends gave you an unofficial award, what would they give you an award for, and why?
- What is something you changed your mind about recently, and what changed it?
- If success was guaranteed, what path or purpose would you pursue and why?
- In under one minute, teach us something you think everyone should know.
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.
No AI-generated content
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.
Apply for 2027
Review all eligibility requirements and instructions before applying. The application form is open now and closes Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Questions? Email info@chinaaidsfund.org with “AAYS 2027” in the subject line.
You will need to sign in with a Google account to upload your files. If your school account blocks outside forms, use a personal Google account instead.
The application is a Google Form. What you submit is stored by Google and read only by our selection committee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Apply
What is the Asian American Youth Scholarship?
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 the application is the first step. Selected applicants will be invited to the Asian American Youth Program Scholarship Presentation Competition, where they present their career goals in person to a panel of judges. Scholarships are awarded to top presenters based on their performance at the competition.
Who is eligible to apply?
High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are located in New York City or on Long Island and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent B average). Freshmen and college and university students are not eligible for the 2027 competition. U.S. citizenship is not required. This program is designed to support and empower Asian American youth (including individuals of Asian descent as defined by the U.S. Census). Priority may be given to applicants who demonstrate a commitment to serving and uplifting Asian American communities.
I participated in SCP. Can I apply?
Yes. Former SCP interns are eligible, but must submit a complete application like every other applicant.
I competed in AAYS before but did not win. Can I apply again?
Yes. Previous applicants and presenters who did not receive a scholarship remain eligible.
I previously won an AAYS scholarship. Can I compete again?
No. AAYS scholarships are limited to one award per individual.
What materials are required to apply?
Five things, all submitted through the application form: a headshot, a one-page resume, a school transcript (official or unofficial), a 250–500 word essay responding to one of the five essay prompts, and a video of one minute or less in which you introduce yourself and respond to one of the video prompts.
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?
Sunday, November 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Late applications are not accepted.
How many scholarships will be awarded?
Multiple scholarships of $1,000 to $3,000 are awarded. The number of awards is not announced in advance.
How will I know if I’m selected to compete?
Every applicant will be notified by email in early December whether they have been selected to present. This is an estimate and may change. Selected presenters will then receive details about confirming their spot and preparing their presentation for the January 23 competition.
Where will the in-person competition take place?
The Glow Cultural Center, 133-29 41st Ave, 1st Floor, Flushing, NY 11355.
What time will the in-person competition begin?
The event runs from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, January 23, 2027. Plan to be there for the full afternoon.
What should selected presenters expect at the competition?
Selected presenters deliver a 5-minute presentation about their career goals, followed by a 2-minute Q&A with judges. Presentations are evaluated on clarity, personal insight, public speaking, and slide design.
Will travel or lodging be provided for selected presenters?
At this time, travel and lodging are not provided. Selected presenters must attend the in-person competition to remain eligible for scholarship consideration.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email info@chinaaidsfund.org with “AAYS 2027” in the subject line, or send us a direct message on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at @caafoundation_ to stay up to date with our latest programs and events.
Stay in the loop.
Follow @caafoundation_ on Instagram for reminders before the November 22 deadline, or send us a message with any questions.
Never miss a deadline.
We’ll send you updates and announcements about upcoming events, scholarships, and internship opportunities — so you hear about them with time to act. Sign-ups are collected with Google Forms.