Prism Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Prism Foundation

The Prism Foundation is a platform that extends financial aid to remarkable students making a significant difference in the Asian & Pacific Islander and LGBTQIA+ communities.

We offer scholarships that vary from $1000 to $5000. Our beneficiaries are a diverse group of undergraduates and graduates spanning various ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, among others. We have supported artists, activists, researchers, lawyers, therapists and aim to persistently spotlight and uplift our student community.

Common Queries

I. Overview

Can you explain the Prism Foundation Scholarship?
The Prism Foundation Scholarship is intended to commend and incentivize exceptional scholar activists making a significant contribution to the API and LGBTQIA+ communities.

What is the value of the Prism Foundation Scholarship?
Each Prism Foundation Scholarship amounts to somewhere between $1000 and $5000, with multiple scholarships granted annually.

II. Eligibility Criteria

What are the basic eligibility conditions for this scholarship?

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in the United States for the upcoming academic year (beginning in the Fall of the current year). The scholarship is open to students enrolled in community college, university, and trade/vocational school. Applicants are expected to have a substantial history of involvement with the API and/or LGBTQIA+ communities.

What is the deadline for applications?

The deadline for submissions is Friday, July 3, 2025, at 11:59:59 PM PT. Applications received after the deadline will not be entertained.

Can international students and/or non-U.S. citizens apply for this scholarship?

Yes, if you are enrolled/attending a U.S. accredited institution in the upcoming academic year, you can apply.

Can this scholarship be used for studying abroad?

Yes, provided your study abroad program is financed through your U.S.-accredited institution.

Can I apply if I am not Asian, South Asian, Pacific Islander, or LGBTQIA+?

Yes, we invite applications from everyone. However, the selection committee will take into account the applicant’s self-identification with the API and/or LGBTQIA+ communities, as these groups are central to the foundation’s mission.

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

Yes, previous applicants are welcome to reapply.

Can I reapply if I have previously received a Prism Foundation scholarship?

Yes! Former recipients of the Prism Foundation scholarship are eligible for multiple scholarships throughout their undergraduate and postgraduate studies, with a maximum limit of $10,000 in total funding. However, all applications, even if they are from past scholarship recipients, will be assessed equally, with the previous scholarship status revealed only at the final stage of the selection process.

When will I find out if I have been chosen as a recipient of the Prism Foundation Scholarship?

All applicants will be informed about the result of their application via email by early Fall 2024.

If I am selected, where will the scholarship check be sent?

The check will be mailed directly to the financial aid office of your educational institution responsible for Outside Scholarships.

III. Application Details

This sounds good. How do I apply?

Eligible applicants are required to fill out an application form, answer short response questions, and write one essay.

What supporting documents should I provide?

• Your current or latest academic transcript(s). If you have just begun your graduate studies, include your cumulative undergraduate transcripts.
• A letter of recommendation attesting to your community involvement and/or leadership skills from a peer, colleague, teacher, school administrator, counselor, employer, or community leader.

Is there additional information about the application process?

• If further evaluation is required to select final recipients, the scholarship committee may request a follow-up questionnaire or interview.
• All candidates will be updated about the status of their application via email by early Fall.
• Applicants must apply online using a Google-associated account.

Why do I need a Google account to apply?

As part of the application process, various documents need to be attached to the application. Google Forms requires the use of an account associated with Google for this feature due to security reasons.

What happens if I am selected as a scholarship recipient?

• Awards will be directly transferred to the recipient’s financial institution.
• The recipient’s name and parts of the recipient’s application, including the essay, may be used in Prism Foundation’s publications and reports.
• Prism Foundation usually hosts an award ceremony for recipients at our Community Connections event in the Bay Area. The date will be confirmed and included in the recipient contract.
• Recipients will have to submit a video testimonial that may be used for promotional purposes.

What should I do if I have more questions?

Please refer to this FAQ to see if your question(s) has been addressed. We strive to keep this page updated with the latest information.