Applications · 2027
Asian American Youth Scholarship 2027
Recognizing high school and undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership potential, academic excellence, and a commitment to professional growth.
Dates, venue and the application deadline for the 2027 cycle have not been announced. Everything marked To be announced below will be filled in as soon as it is confirmed.
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 and undergraduate 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 — finalists compete live at the Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum for the chance to earn the scholarship.
Scholarship Awards
$3,000 per Recipient
The program offers $3,000 scholarship awards for deserving individuals, recognizing achievement, professionalism, and potential for future leadership.
Eligibility
- ‣ 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
- Event Title
- Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum 2027
- Date
- To be announced
- Time
- To be announced
- Venue
- To be announced
- Note
- In-person participation is mandatory
If selected, finalists are invited to compete in the in-person presentation competition during the Leadership Forum.
How to Apply
Two Pieces: An Essay and a Video
Answer both prompts below and submit them through the application form.
Essay Prompt
Write a 350–500 word essay answering one of the following five prompts, reflecting on personal experiences, challenges, or leadership growth.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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 and deadline are To be announced.
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 compete at the Asian American Youth Program Leadership Forum, where they present their career goals in person to a panel of judges. Only top finalists from that event are awarded scholarships.
Who is eligible to apply?
The scholarship is open to high school and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA. U.S. citizenship is not required, but applicants should currently study or reside in the United States.
What materials are required to apply?
One original essay of 350–500 words responding to one of the given prompts, and one video introduction of one minute maximum introducing yourself and sharing what experience made you think differently 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 To be announced.
How will I know if I’m selected to compete?
Selected finalists will be notified by email. Notification timing is To be announced, along with details about the in-person Leadership Forum.
Where will the in-person competition take place?
The venue is To be announced.
What time will the in-person competition begin?
Start and end times are To be announced.
What should finalists expect at the competition?
Finalists 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 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 CAAF?
Follow us on Instagram at @caafoundation_ to stay up to date with our latest programs and events. If you have any questions, send us a DM or email info@chinaaidsfund.org.
Stay in the loop.
Follow @caafoundation_ on Instagram for the 2027 dates, 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.