WMAAA SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION
What is WMAAA’s purpose:
Our mission is to bring together AAPI economic and cultural resources to enrich and support the community through engagement, service coordination, and advocacy efforts.
Scholarship Committee Purpose:
The Scholarship Committee aims to bolster Asian youth in West Michigan and celebrate their achievements.
Who can apply?
West Michigan youth of Asian descent enrolled or applying to college or vocational programs will be selected based on the criteria described below. Two applicants will be selected per scholarship. Please, pay special attention to the directions for each scholarship. For the written portion, applicants are welcome to write in their native language if writing in English is a barrier. We expect students to submit original work. Applicants will include references in their registration form that will be followed up by the WMAAA Scholarship Committee.
What is the timeline?
Registration opens on January 21, 2025. Applications are due Friday, February 21 by 11:59 pm. Recipients will be announced on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Scholarship Award
Each recipient will receive approximately $1,000.00
Register on WMAAA’s website (linked here) and email questions to info@wm-aaa.org
WMAAA Innovation Scholarship
This scholarship celebrates young leaders and entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional initiative and creativity. Awarded to individuals who have shown leadership within their schools, extracurricular activities, or community organizations, OR those who have launched and managed successful businesses. The WMAAA Innovation Scholarship honors those who are making a positive impact through innovation, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to driving change in their communities. Students who apply for this scholarship should include a portfolio or plan that outlines the work they have accomplished. Students should also include in their essays how the scholarship will contribute to future studies in business.
Directions: Write a short essay describing your innovation and how it contributes to your community. Explain your plans post-high school graduation and how the scholarship will benefit you in the long run. Include a portfolio, video, or presentation of your already-created innovation. The essay should be 300 - 500 words long.
WMAAA Impact Scholarship
This scholarship honors the youth who actively raise awareness and advocate for minority group issues within their communities. Recipients are often involved in affinity groups, organize cultural celebrations, and engage in volunteer work that fosters inclusion and understanding. The Impact Scholarship recognizes the youth who demonstrate a deep commitment to service, exhibit humility, and use their leadership to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Directions: Write a short essay explaining why raising awareness about minority group issues is important to you. Highlight an individual within our community who you admire and who accomplishes the work of elevating minority voices. Tell us a bit about your background and how you will continue volunteering after high school graduation. The essay should be 400 - 600 words long.
WMAAA Lifelong Learner Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Recipients may excel academically, taking advanced or college-level courses, or they may pursue vocational programs that enhance their technical skills and support their career aspirations. The WMAAA Lifelong Learner Scholarship honors students dedicated to expanding their knowledge, whether through academic achievement or specialized training, as they work toward their long-term goals.
Directions: Write a short essay describing what you are passionate about and what education pathway you will undertake to further your dreams. The essay should be 300 - 500 words long.
WMAAA Champion Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes the youth who is deeply committed to the mission, vision, and values of WMAAA. The recipient has actively participated in WMAAA-sponsored events and demonstrated a strong dedication to the organization's initiatives. Beyond their contributions during their time in school or their vocation, this individual is committed to continuing their involvement and support of WMAAA’s work after graduation or entering their career. Through their ongoing engagement, they embody the spirit of leadership, community, and service.
Directions: In a short essay, tell us why you joined WMAAA and how the organization’s mission impacts you. Explain how you will continue to engage in WMAAA. The essay should be 300-500 words long.
