Southwestern Regional Chapter Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Korean American Scholarship Foundation

Description
**Mission and focus:** The Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF) is a volunteer-managed nonprofit that helps Korean‑American students access higher education through need‑based scholarships and community support. Its core objectives are to support academic and personal achievement, promote civic and community service as leadership development, and foster pride in Korean cultural heritage. KASF also considers scholarships for qualified descendants of Korean War American veterans when funding allows. The organization is funded and operated primarily by volunteers, member dues, local fundraising, and donations from board members and supporters.

Key takeaways
- KASF is a nonprofit focused on financial support for Korean‑heritage students.
- Core goals: academic success, civic leadership, and cultural pride.
- Scholarships for descendants of Korean War veterans are funded when available.
- Operated by volunteers; funded by dues, fundraising, and donor support.

History
**Founding and national expansion:** KASF was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1969 by a small group of Korean‑American community leaders responding to local needs for student financial aid. As Korean immigrant communities in the U.S. grew, the organization expanded its reach and became a national foundation in 1989. Since then KASF has continued to grow its volunteer leadership, fundraising, and scholarship programs while maintaining its original mission to support Korean‑heritage students nationwide.

Key takeaways
- Established in 1969 in Washington, D.C.
- Became a national organization in 1989.
- Growth driven by expanding Korean immigrant communities and increasing scholarship demand.

Regions & Chapters
**Geographic structure and local autonomy:** KASF is headquartered in the Washington, D.C., area and maintains seven regional chapters: Washington D.C. metro, Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, and Denver. Each chapter serves its community under a single set of KASF bylaws but operates independently to raise funds, manage local programs, and award scholarships. Applicants should consult their regional chapter for chapter‑specific programs, eligibility clarifications, and local application instructions.

Key takeaways
- Seven regional chapters across major U.S. metropolitan areas.
- Chapters follow common bylaws but run independent fundraising and awards.
- Local chapters provide the most relevant guidance for applicants.

Eligibility
**Core applicant requirements:** Applicants must demonstrate Korean heritage (parent, grandparent, great‑grandparent, or adoption from Korea), plan to be full‑time students in one of the designated Southwestern states during the 2026–2027 school year, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and show financial need. The designated Southwestern states are Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. These are the baseline criteria for general KASF scholarship categories.

Key takeaways
- Must have Korean heritage or be adopted from Korea.
- Must be a full‑time student in AR, LA, MS, OK, or TX for 2026–2027.
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0.
- Financial need must be demonstrated.

KWVD Scholarship & Criteria
**Korean War Veterans’ Descendant (KWVD) eligibility:** The KWVD scholarship is specifically for direct descendants of Korean War veterans who served in Korea between June 25, 1950 and January 31, 1955. KWVD applicants must also be full‑time students in one of the designated Southwestern states for the 2026–2027 school year. Applicant categories are determined by the status during 2026–2027 and include high school sophomores–seniors, incoming college freshmen, college undergraduates, college seniors, and graduate students.

Key takeaways
- KWVD requires direct descent from a Korean War veteran (service in Korea, 1950–1955).
- Must be full‑time in AR, LA, MS, OK, or TX for 2026–2027.
- Applicability spans high school through graduate student categories based on 2026–2027 status.

Application Process & Timeline
**How to apply and timing notes:** To start, applicants should select the appropriate online category and complete the application for the 2026–2027 school year. International or self‑supporting students must download, complete, and upload a Personal Financial Statement in the Financial Documentation section. Non‑students may apply if they provide documentation (acceptance letters, signed commitment letters, or similar) that shows they will be full‑time students in 2026–2027. Specific application deadlines and award announcement dates vary by chapter; applicants should check their regional chapter’s page or contact KASF directly for the current timeline.

Key takeaways
- Begin by selecting your category and submitting the online application.
- International/self‑supporting applicants must submit a Personal Financial Statement.
- Non‑students must provide proof of enrollment plans for 2026–2027.
- Confirm deadlines and timelines with your regional chapter.

Awards & Funding
**Scholarship funding and operating support:** Scholarship awards are funded by membership dues, local fundraising, and private donations; many board members also contribute as donors. The size and number of awards depend on available funds and vary by chapter and year. KASF’s operating expenses are covered by these income sources so that donated scholarship funds are directed to students whenever possible.

Key takeaways
- Funding comes from dues, fundraising, and private donors.
- Award amounts and availability vary by chapter and year.
- Many board members both volunteer and donate.

Additional Information & Contact
**Eligibility clarifications and assistance:** Students who will reside in the U.S. during 2026–2027—whether U.S. citizens or foreign nationals—are eligible to apply if they meet other criteria. For questions or to confirm regional requirements and deadlines, contact the Southwestern regional scholarship address: swrc.scholarship@kasf.org. Applicants should prepare documentation of heritage, financial need, GPA, and enrollment status before beginning the application.

Key takeaways
- U.S. residents (citizens and foreign nationals) may apply if eligible.
- Prepare heritage, financial, academic, and enrollment documentation in advance.
- Direct inquiries to swrc.scholarship@kasf.org for Southwest region questions.