Against The Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship: Empowering Asian American Leaders

Against The Grain (ATG) Productions champions the potential of Asian American artists and leaders who embody the spirit of innovation and positive change. Through its various scholarships, ATG invests in the future of these individuals, providing financial assistance and recognition for their contributions. Among these prestigious awards is the Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship, designed to support college seniors and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional leadership within the Asian American community.

Against The Grain Scholarships: An Overview

ATG proudly offers scholarships to outstanding Asian American high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students. These scholarships encompass the Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship and the Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship.

In memory of Lyly Koenig Mendez, a cherished member of the ATG family, the #LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship was established in 2015. This scholarship supports aspiring fashion and graphic design students, honoring Lyly's passion and creativity.

The Lily Pabilona Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship, introduced in 2016, acknowledges students pursuing entrepreneurship, fostering the next generation of business leaders.

In 2022, ATG proudly launched The Thear Sy Suzuki R.I.S.E. Scholarship, recognizing students who have demonstrated resilience, uplifted others, and exemplified servant leadership within the Asian American community and beyond.

Read also: The Meaning Behind RATM's Lyrics

Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship: Investing in Leadership

The Against The Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship is specifically awarded to college seniors and graduate students of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity. This scholarship seeks to recognize and support students who exhibit leadership and passion that inspires and changes lives within the Asian American community.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship, applicants must:

Be a college senior or graduate student.
Be of at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity.

Award Details

The Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship provides a monetary award of $1,500 to assist with college and graduate school expenses.

Funding Organization

The scholarship is funded by Against The Grain Productions, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting leadership, positive identity, unity, and artistry within the Asian American community through unconventional and innovative means.

Judging Criteria

All application entries are judged based on five criteria: video presentation, essay, academic performance, leadership and community engagement, and letters of recommendation.

Read also: NCAA Football Betting Explained

Additional Scholarship Opportunities for AAPI Students

College costs can be a significant barrier for underrepresented students. Fortunately, numerous scholarships and grants are available to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education. These opportunities often consider factors such as leadership, community service, financial need, and specific academic or career interests.

General AAPI Scholarships

APIA Scholars: Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholars offers a variety of one-year and multi-year scholarships to Native Hawaiian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander students attending U.S. colleges or universities. Award amounts range from $2,500 to $20,000.
Prism Foundation Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to student activists who positively influence the Asian Pacific Islander (API) and/or LGBTQ+ communities. Applicants must be enrolled in a college or university in the upcoming academic year and demonstrate a strong history of engagement with the API and/or LGBTQ+ communities. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Scholarships with Specific Eligibility Requirements

OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship: This scholarship is available to first-generation high school students who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. Applicants must submit proof of college acceptance and a tax return from the previous year. The award amount is $2,000. A separate Gold Mountain Scholarship is available for rising college seniors who identify as AANHPI, are first-generation college students, and are entering their final year of study. This award is $2,500.
Upakar Scholarship: Applicants must have been born in India or have at least one parent born in India. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or Green Card holders and be enrolled full time at an accredited nonprofit two- or four-year college or university. A minimum 3.6 GPA is required. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $8,000.
Asian Pacific Fund Scholarships: The Asian Pacific Fund supports undergraduate and graduate students with five scholarships, including the Shui Kuen Scholarship for students or students whose parents are employed at Asian cuisine restaurants. Each scholarship features various eligibility and application requirements. The award amount is $5,000.
Ho’omau Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students who are active in the NHPI community. Applicants must also submit two recommendation letters and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Awards range from $1,000 to $2,500.
Korean American Scholarship Foundation: Korean American and international students from Korea who are enrolled full time in college can apply for these scholarships. Descendants of veterans who served in the Korean War may also be eligible. Applicants must demonstrate both financial need and academic achievement. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.
Cecilia Moy Yep Scholarship Fund: This scholarship targets female Asian American high school seniors who are active in community service and extracurricular activities and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Eligible students must reside in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, Chester, or Bucks counties. Award amounts vary.

Grants for AAPI Students

Grants are another form of financial aid that AAPI students can pursue. Unlike scholarships, grants are typically awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment.

Endowment for South Asian Students of Indian Descent (ESASID) Scholarship: Medical students in Philadelphia of South Asian Indian heritage in their second, third, or fourth year may apply for this grant.

Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application

To maximize your chances of success in securing the Against The Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship or other AAPI scholarships, consider the following tips:

Create a storyboard and script before filming: Planning out your video presentation with a storyboard and script can help you visualize your content, flow, and delivery.
Record quality content: High-quality lighting can significantly impact the perceived quality of your video. Use a diffuse light source for indoor recordings and avoid harsh lighting that creates shadows.
Prepare your job references: Provide your references with all necessary documents, such as your resume, and inform them about your recent projects and achievements relevant to the scholarship.
Familiarize yourself with the essay prompt: Read and reread the essay prompt multiple times before crafting your response.

Read also: Understanding NAIA & NCAA

tags: #against #the #grain #groundbreaker #leadership #scholarship