Japanese American Citizens League

Eligibility

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.

Friday, March 3, 2025 –Entering Freshman applications must be completed no later than this date at 11:59 p.m. Hawaiian Standard Time (HST). Applications must be complete and accompanied by ALL supporting documents. Incomplete application packets will NOT be considered.

Special Awards

Abe and Esther Hagiwara Student Aid Award – This scholarship was established to provide financial assistance to a student who otherwise would have to delay or terminate his/her education due to a lack of financing. Only applicants that exhibit severe financial need will be considered for this award.

Aiko Susanna Tashiro Hiratsuka Memorial Scholarship – Established in memory of noted pianist Aiko Hiratsuka. This scholarship is awarded to a student studying in the performing arts. Professional artists are not eligible to apply for this award.

Henry and Chiyo Kuwahara Creative Arts Award – This scholarship was established to encourage creative projects that reflect the Japanese American experience and cultural representation. All technical work of the applicant should be at the university level. Professional artists are not eligible to apply.

Dr. George Goro and Nettie Muramoto Memorial Scholarship – Dr. and Mrs. Muramoto were longtime residents of Sacramento, California. Goro graduated from UC Berkeley and UCSF School of Dentistry. He served as president of the Sacramento JACL from 1941-1943. He, along with his chapter board, provided leadership and guidance to the local Japanese American community during a time of great prejudice and injustice. Guided by the Yamato-damashi spirit, Goro strived for the American dream of equality, human dignity and happiness for all. Nettie was raised in Stockton, California. She was one of the first Nisei (second generation JA) on the California State payroll in the mid-1930s as a stenographer at the DMV in Sacramento. She lived her life with dignity, grace and kindness. Preference for this award shall be a student who demonstrates financial need and/or is a graduate student.

Further information: https://jacl.org/scholarships

Application portal: https://jacl.wufoo.com/forms/z1jj6yv50cdmkop/