Karen Ha Scholarship

The Korean American Community Foundation of San Francisco's Karen Ha Scholarship goes to two incoming freshmen (and, at a lower amount, transfer students) each year who reside in Northern California, have advanced the well-being of Korean American communities through service, leadership, or lived experience, and demonstrate financial need (household pre-tax income must be under five times the federal poverty guidelines for their household size). Undocumented students with DACA status are explicitly eligible (international students are not). Incoming freshmen receive $2,500 a year, renewable up to four years for a $10,000 total; transfer students receive $2,500 a year renewable up to two years. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit essay responses, transcripts, and one letter of recommendation. The 2026 deadline has passed; check the foundation's site for the next cycle.

Eligibility

DemographicsNorthern California residents who have advanced Korean American communities through service, leadership, or lived experience and demonstrate financial need (household income under 5x federal poverty guidelines); DACA students eligible, international students are not

Applying

$2,500/year, renewable up to four years for incoming freshmen ($10,000 total); transfer students receive up to $5,000 total over two years