The Asian American community accounts for the reliable workforce behind small companies and large business corporations. But despite their proven skills, industry, and work ethics, they remain branded merely as workers rather than as leaders. They are often stereotyped for being traditional and passive; hence, lacking the competitive edge in the modern American society.

However, if you will see the latest economic trends in most Asian countries, this perception actually belies Asian's real potentials. As a matter of fact, the Chinese holds the reputation for being good businessmen, while Indians and Filipinos are known for their creativity and flexibility. But perhaps, the only way Asian American minorities can build a better reputation for themselves is by venturing into academic fields that are most in demand. Today, most Asian American scholarships offer college funds for future engineers, lawyers, media practitioners, and business executives. By giving Asian American citizens a chance to afford higher quality of education, these academic scholars are expected to be the leading contributors of the future.

Where to Qualify for Asian American Scholarship Grants

A lot of fund-raising organizations devote much of their efforts in providing Asian American students opportunities to have undergraduate degrees. They hold a solid reputation for sending more than a thousand scholars to different community colleges and state universities every year.

One popular choice for application is U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC). Its renowned Jacky Chan, Bruce Lee, and Telamon scholarship programs were able to extend a financial aid of up to $3,500. On the other hand, the Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) are partnering with large companies in granting college funds to deserving Asian American students.

You will also find scholarship programs that only focus on a specific field. For future journalists, The Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) provides 500 scholarship grants that amount to no less than one million dollars. You will also receive $1,000 up to $5,000 worth of college funds. The Asian American Bar Association also provides financial aid for aspiring law students, while the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association offers scholarships worth $1000 for aspiring librarians. But apart from these, state colleges and universities such as Boston College and University of California-Berkeley's Boalt Hall also support scholarship programs for Asian American students who exemplify academic excellence and fit the requirement because of their financial needs.

What You Need to Have Asian American Scholarship Grants

Although age is not usually specified in most programs, others may employ a minimum age requirement of being 16 years old during the application. You will also be asked to submit a U.S. residence certificate and proof of your Asian heritage along with your application form, recent photo, and transcript of school records. You'll be evaluated based on your academic performance; hence, a GPA average of 3.0 or 3.3 for other scholarship programs will be your threshold to a college education. Sending your applications earlier won't guarantee a slot. However, this would give you an advantage for being on top of the priority list. In addition to securing these documents, you will also be asked to write a short biography.

Considering the thousands of applications that committee or board of selectors have to browse, you may as well put more work in writing your resume. Include all necessary information but avoid getting into too much detail. Your essay is also crucial for other fund-raising organizations who may evaluate your character, personality, and likeliness to succeed based on how you express your ideas and persuade readers with your underlying principles.

Tips to Remember to Have Asian American Scholarship Grants

As a candidate for an Asian American scholarship, you are not only evaluated based on academic credits. Other institutions also place more value on your community contributions. As such, it is best to build a portfolio of extra-curricular activities and to take interest in serving other people and organizations. Furthermore, you may also score more points for your leadership skills, commitment, and responsibility.

Meanwhile, your choice of academic field of study, may it be in business, science, or communication, should always be in line with your goals and personality. Should you fall short on other merits with a lower GPA average or a limited community work, try to create more impact with your essay. Incorporate ideas that will address the main concerns of the selection board, committee, or the whole foundation. As in the case of the USPAACC, The Jackie Chan Scholarship requires you to submit an essay relating to your talents for success. The Bruce Lee Scholarship, on the other hand, requires applicants to produce an essay about how they will meet the challenge despite the adversities. In which case, be clear with your thoughts, infuse more information, and always use a general tone that will sound sincere. Before your interview, browse all your requirements and affirm what you've submitted for evaluation.