Prism Foundation Scholarship

Prism Foundation provides scholarships to empower outstanding students who are making a positive impact on the Asian & Pacific Islander and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Our scholarships range from $1000–$5000, and our portfolio of recipients have included both undergraduates and graduates across a spectrum of ages, gender identities, sexual orientation, racial and ethnic background, and more. We have funded artists, activists, researchers, lawyers, therapists, and hope to continue highlighting and empowering our student community.

Frequently Asked Questions

I. About

What is the Prism Foundation Scholarship?
The purpose of the Prism Foundation Scholarship is to celebrate and reward outstanding scholar activists who are making a positive impact on the API and LGBTQIA+ communities.

How much is the Prism Foundation Scholarship?
The Prism Foundation Scholarship will range from $1000–$5000, and several scholarships are awarded in a calendar year.

II.  Eligibility

What are the minimum eligibility requirements for this scholarship?

You must be attending an accredited post-secondary institution in the United States in the upcoming academic year (starting in the Fall of this current year) when applying. The application is open to students who attend community college, university, and trade/vocational school. Applicants should have a strong history of engagement within the API and/or LGBTQIA+ communities.

When are applications due?

Applications are due on Friday, July 3, 2025 at 11:59:59 PM PT. Late applications will not be considered.

I am an international student and/or not a U.S. citizen. Am I still able to apply?

Yes, as long as you are attending/enrolled in a U.S. accredited institution in the upcoming academic year.

Can this scholarship be applied toward study abroad?

Yes, as long as your study abroad program is funded through your U.S.-accredited institution.

I am not Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander, or LGBTQIA+. Am I still able to apply?

Yes, we welcome everyone to apply. However, the selection committee will consider an applicant’s self-identification with the API and/or LGBTQIA+ communities, as these groups are core to the foundation’s mission.

I have applied for a Prism Foundation scholarship in the past. Can I reapply?

Yes, past applicants may reapply.

I have received a Prism Foundation scholarship in the past. Can I reapply?

Yes! Past Prism Foundation scholarship recipients are eligible to receive multiple scholarships over the course of their combined undergraduate and post-graduate education, up to a $10,000 cap in total funding. That said, every candidate application, regardless of whether they have received a scholarship in the past, will be evaluated equally, and their prior scholarship recipient status will remain undisclosed until the final portion of the deliberations process.

When will I know whether I am selected as a Prism Foundation Scholarship recipient?

We will notify all candidates the status of their application via email by early Fall 2024.

If I am selected as a Prism Foundation Scholarship recipient, where will the check be sent to?

The check will be mailed directly to the financial aid office at your institution of learning that handles Outside Scholarships.

III. Application Information

OK, sounds great. How do I apply?

Eligible candidates must complete an application form by answering short response questions, one essay prompt.

They must also provide the following supporting documentation:

• Current or most recent academic transcript(s), including cumulative undergrad transcripts if you’ve just started grad school.
• One letter of recommendation highlighting your community engagement and/or leadership skills from someone who can speak to your abilities, such as a peer, colleague, teacher, school administrator, counselor, employer, or community leader.

Is there anything else I should know about the application process?

• If additional evaluation of candidates is necessary to determine final recipients, the scholarship committee may request a follow-up questionnaire or interview.
• We will notify all candidates the status of their application via email by early Fall.
• Eligible applicants must apply online using an account associated with Google.

Why is a Google account required to apply?

As part of the application process, several documents are attached to the application. Google Forms requires the use of an account associated with Google to use this feature for security purposes.

What does the process look like if I’m selected as a scholarship recipient?

• Awards will be disbursed directly to the recipient’s financial institution.
• The recipient’s name and portions of the recipient’s application including the essay may be used for Prism Foundation’s publications and reports.
• Prism Foundation typically hosts an award ceremony for recipients at our Community Connections event in the Bay Area. The date is to be determined, but will be included in the recipient contract.
• Recipients will be required to send a video testimonial that may be used for promotional purposes.

Where do I go if I have more questions?

Please check to see if your question(s) has been answered on this FAQ. We will do our best to keep this page updated with any new information.