Prism Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Prism Foundation

Description
Prism Foundation scholarships support scholar-activists who advance the Asian & Pacific Islander (API) and LGBTQIA+ communities. The program recognizes students across undergraduate, graduate, vocational and community college settings who demonstrate community engagement and leadership. Recipients have included artists, activists, researchers, lawyers, therapists and others working to create social impact. The Foundation emphasizes inclusivity across ages, identities, orientations and backgrounds while centering the API and LGBTQIA+ mission.

- Awards honor scholar-activists serving API and/or LGBTQIA+ communities.
- Open to a wide range of fields and professional aspirations.
- Emphasis on community impact and leadership.
- Inclusive recipient portfolio spanning age, identity, and background.

Award Value
Scholarships are individual awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, with multiple scholarships granted each calendar year. The Foundation awards several scholarships rather than a single large prize, enabling support for a diverse group of recipients. Cumulative funding for any individual across undergraduate and graduate study is capped. The goal is to distribute meaningful, flexible support that helps students continue their education and community work.

- Individual awards: $1,000–$5,000.
- Multiple scholarships awarded annually.
- Per-person cumulative cap applies across academic careers.
- Funds designed to be flexible and supportive of students’ needs.

Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll at a U.S.-accredited post-secondary institution for the upcoming academic year. Eligible institutions include community colleges, universities, and trade/vocational schools. Applicants should demonstrate a strong history of engagement with API and/or LGBTQIA+ communities; however, applicants are not required to be API or LGBTQIA+ themselves. International students and non-U.S. citizens are eligible if they attend a U.S.-accredited institution.

- Must be enrolled or planning to enroll at a U.S.-accredited post-secondary institution in the upcoming academic year.
- Community college, university, and vocational/trade students may apply.
- Strong community engagement with API and/or LGBTQIA+ groups is expected.
- Non-U.S. citizens and international students are eligible when attending a U.S. institution.

Application Timeline
Applications must be submitted by the Foundation’s June deadline at 11:59:59 PM PT; late submissions will not be considered. The Foundation reviews applications over the summer and notifies all applicants of their status by early fall via email. If additional steps are needed for final selection, applicants may be contacted for follow-up materials. Successful applicants receive details about next steps and any recipient obligations in the award contract.

- Application deadline: June (11:59:59 PM PT — no late entries).
- Status notifications sent by early fall via email.
- Possible follow-ups (questionnaire or interview) during selection.
- Recipient contract outlines next steps and obligations.

Application Process & Requirements
The application includes short-response questions and one essay prompt submitted through the Foundation’s online form. Applicants must attach current or most recent academic transcript(s) and one letter of recommendation that speaks to community engagement or leadership. The online application requires a Google-associated account because Google Forms is used to collect documents securely. Incomplete submissions or missing attachments may disqualify an application.

- Application components: short responses + one essay.
- Required attachments: recent transcript(s) and one recommendation letter.
- Apply online using a Google-associated account.
- Provide complete documentation to ensure eligibility.

Selection Process
A selection committee evaluates candidates based on demonstrated leadership, community impact, and alignment with the Foundation’s mission. All applications are considered equally; prior recipient status is kept confidential until late in the deliberation process. If the committee needs more information, it may request interviews or supplemental questionnaires to finalize decisions. Final recipients are chosen with attention to diversity of experience and demonstrated service to API and/or LGBTQIA+ communities.

- Committee assesses leadership, impact, and mission alignment.
- Prior recipient status is concealed until final deliberations.
- Additional interviews or questionnaires may be requested.
- Selection emphasizes diverse experiences and community service.

Reapplication and Repeat Awards
Past applicants are welcome to reapply in subsequent cycles. Past recipients may also reapply and are eligible to receive multiple scholarships over time, up to a total cap of $10,000 across undergraduate and graduate study. Each application from a repeat applicant or past recipient is evaluated on its own merits. The Foundation treats repeat applications with the same standards as first-time applicants.

- Past applicants may reapply freely.
- Past recipients may receive additional awards up to a $10,000 cumulative cap.
- Each application is evaluated independently and fairly.
- Repeat-recipient status does not confer advantage during evaluation.

Recipient Obligations & Disbursement
Selected recipients will sign a recipient contract that outlines obligations and event participation. The Foundation typically requests a video testimonial and reserves the right to use the recipient’s name and portions of the application (including the essay) in Foundation publications and reports. Disbursement arrangements vary: checks are often mailed to the financial aid office that handles outside scholarships at the recipient’s institution, and awards may also be disbursed directly to a recipient’s financial institution per institutional procedures. The Foundation usually hosts an award presentation at its Community Connections event in the Bay Area; details are included in the recipient contract.

- Recipients sign a contract detailing obligations and publicity permissions.
- Video testimonial and participation in a presentation event may be required.
- Payment is typically routed through the institution’s financial aid office or directly to a student’s bank per institutional process.
- Award ceremony details provided in the recipient contract.

History of the Award
Prism Foundation scholarships grew from a mission to uplift communities at the intersection of API and LGBTQIA+ identities. Over time the Foundation has showcased a diverse portfolio of recipients spanning disciplines and careers, highlighting the breadth of work advancing community wellbeing. The program continues to evolve to meet changing needs while remaining focused on empowering scholar-activists. This history informs the Foundation’s commitment to inclusivity, leadership, and community impact.

- Origin rooted in supporting API and LGBTQIA+ community leaders.
- Recipients have represented many professions and backgrounds.
- Program adapts to evolving community needs while maintaining core mission.
- Track record of supporting community-centered scholars.

Further Questions
If your question is not answered here, check the Foundation’s FAQ page for updates and clarifications. The FAQ is the primary source for the most current application details, deadlines, and procedural changes. For application technical issues, ensure you have access to a Google-associated account before starting the form. The Foundation will communicate directly via email with applicants about status changes and any additional requests.

- Refer to the official FAQ for the latest information and updates.
- Confirm access to a Google-associated account before beginning the application.
- Expect email communication for status updates and follow-up requests.