- What is APIASF?
The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is the only national organization promoting higher
education of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans by awarding scholarships for qualified students attending college for
the first time. The mission of APIASF is to forge partnerships building a national Asian and Pacific Islander American
Scholarship organization that supports and encourages all Asian and Pacific Islander American students to pursue higher
education, thereby developing future leaders who will contribute back to their communities, and ultimately, strengthening
America. Our vision is to see that all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who wish to pursue higher education have that
opportunity, regardless of their ethnicity, national origin or financial means.
- What scholarships does APIASF offer?
- The APAISF Scholarship - For students who are of Asian and/or
Pacific Islander descent and will be attending college at a U.S. accredited
college or university for the first time during the 2008-2009 academic year.
200 recipients will be awarded $2500 each. This is a one-time award. For
more information on how to apply and eligibility criteria, please take a
look at Instructions for Application.
- The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Scholarship - For outstanding
low income African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific
Islander American, and Hispanic American students. GMS offer 1,000
scholarships a year that cover students' unmet need at any U.S. accredited
college or university of their choice. For more information, please visit
www.gmsp.org. All information regarding the eligibility criteria and how to
obtain an application can be found there.
- What are the requirements for the scholarship?
- Be of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity as defined by the 2000 Census.
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, legal permanent resident, or a citizen of the Federated Associated States (Freely Associated States include the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau)
- Be a first-time, degree seeking freshmen in the Fall of 2008 at a two or four year degree program at a U.S. accredited college or university in the United States, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Marina Islands, or the Freely Associated States
- Have a minimum cumulative, grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale (unweighted) or the G.E.D. equivalent
- Have completed all required forms (Student and Recommendation) by the deadline
- Where can I receive/pick-up/locate an application for an APIASF scholarship?
It is highly encouraged that all applicants complete the APIASF Scholarship via the website www.apiasf.org. If that is not
possible, you may request an application be sent to you by calling 1-877-808-7032/ 1-202-986-6892 or by sending an
email to info@apiasf.org.
- What is the deadline for all submissions?
The deadline for the all application submissions is January 22, 2008, 11:59 pm Samoa Standard Time (on-line) or
postmarked on or before January 22, 2008.
- Do I have to be a U.S. Citizen to receive a scholarship?
You must be a U.S. Citizen, National or Permanent Resident of a U.S. Territory or Freely Associated State. (Freely Associated States include the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau)
- I am a graduate student. Can I apply?
No. At this time, APIASF only offers scholarships to first-time, degree seeking freshmen. In the future, we hope to secure financial support to offer scholarships for ongoing college, graduate and doctorate students.
- I am a continuing college student. Can I apply?
No. At this time, APIASF only offers scholarships to first-time, degree seeking freshmen.
- I am part-Asian. Can I apply?
Yes, as long as you meet all other eligibility criteria.
- I am a foreign student from Korea/Indonesia/India. Can I apply?
No. You must be a U.S. Citizen, National or Permanent Resident of a U.S. Territory or Freely Associated State (Freely Associated States include the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) to apply for the APIASF Scholarship.
- Are APIA students living in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands allowed to apply?
Yes, as long as the student also meets the other criteria.
- My parents are here on a special visa. Can I apply?
You must be a U.S. Citizen, National or Permanent Resident of a U.S. Territory or Freely Associated State (Freely Associated States include the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) and meet the other eligibility criteria to apply.
- I have a GPA of 3.0. Would I qualify?
Yes. The eligibility requirement regarding scholastic achievement is a minimum cumulative unweighted grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or the GED equivalent (600 points).
- Can I apply for the scholarship if I will be attending a vocational/trade school?
Yes, only if the vocational/trade school is a two-year program at a U.S. accredited college (including community colleges) in the U.S., Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or the Freely Associated States.
- How do I know that my application was received?
When you provide an email address for the on-line application you will receive an email notification after you properly submit your application. You will also be able to log-in to continue to check your status to ensure that your Recommender has completed and submitted the recommendation form. You are only able to track your application if both parts are completed on-line at www.apiasf.org/apply.
- How much is the scholarship?
The scholarship award amount is $2,500. It is a non-renewable scholarship.
- Is there any special consideration for mixed-raced Asians, individuals who are physically challenged or disabled, etc.?
No.
- How can I secure more information about APIASF?
Please visit our website at www.apiasf.org. If you need additional information you may call us at 202-986-6892 or 877-8908-7032. Email inquires can be sent to info@apiasf.org.
- I am not a high school grad; however, I am attending a vocational school. Do I qualify?
Students that have the equivalent GED are eligible to apply as long they will be first time, degree seeking freshmen in the 2008-2009 academic year.
- Can I apply for more than one scholarship (e.g., AAJA, Pell Grants, OCA, et al.) and still get an APIASF scholarship?
Yes. APIASF understands the costs associated with a college education and encourages you to seek additional funds to cover the total cost of your education. Students will not be awarded more then one scholarship administered from APIASF. If the student is selected for multiple APIASF administered scholarships, they will receive the one of greater financial worth.
- Can we qualify for APIASF multi-year grants/scholarships?
The scholarships APIASF will be offering for the 2008-2009 academic year are one-time, nonrenewable awards. The Gates Millennium Scholars program is a renewable scholarship. Please look at the GMS website at www.gmsp.org for more information on that scholarship.
- I am still attending high school but am allowed to attend community college early; do I qualify for a scholarship?
APIASF scholarships are for students that are entering college in the fall as first-time degree seeking freshmen. The scholarship award can only be used towards classes starting in the fall semester. If you meet the eligibility criteria you are welcome to apply for the 2008-2009 academic year.
- I have several scholarships and loans. Will this impact what I receive from APIASF? Would I get less?
No, the APIASF Scholarship award it a set amount regardless. However, it may impact the financial aid package you receive from your college. Most of the time, the college reduces your student loan or work-study portion of your financial aid package. It is your responsibility to report any external educational scholarships, grants, and loans you receive to your school’s Financial Aid Office.
- Will APIASF allow me to purchase books, supplies (e.g., computer) with my scholarship money?
APIASF scholarship awards can only be used to cover the cost of attendance. This may include tuition, fees, books, supplies, living expenses, and meals. The cost of attendance is calculated differently per college. Please check with the schools you wish to attend.
- Is the scholarship award check made out to me or the school?
The award is made out to the college for your educational expenses. The check is sent to you for delivery to your campus and can only be deposited into your student account.
- Could you give me some advice and support on completing the scholarship application when it is done? I speak limited English.
APIASF encourages you to talk to your school or college counselor. You can also call our office at 877-808-7032 or 202-986-6892. We understand the difficulty that many of our communities face in learning English and take that into consideration as we review our applications.
- I am an Asian American attending a college in France. Could I qualify for an APIASF scholarship?
No. APIASF awardees must be enrolled full-time in a two or four-year program at a U.S. accredited college or university in the U.S., Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or the Freely Associated States for the 2008-2009 academic year. In addition, since you are already attending college, you would not qualify since we award scholarships to only students entering college as first time degree seeking freshmen.
- Are scholarships taxable?
Tax laws vary by country. The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against your scholarship award. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for more guidance.
- Where do I send my completed application packet(s)?
APIASF encourages you, if at all possible, to use our online application form at www.apiasf.org/apply/. If you are submitting a printed application, mail your complete application postmarked on or by January 22, 2008 to:
APIASF Scholarship Application
1900 L St. NW, Suite 210
Washington, DC 20036-5002
