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KACF-SF is committed to improving the quality of life in the Bay Area’s Korean American community and empowering the next generation of leaders. Through the Karen Ha Scholarship, we provide financial assistance and mentorship opportunities to talented but under-resourced students attending in-state public colleges or universities as undergraduates.

Those enrolling as freshmen are eligible for a $10,000 award ($2,500 per year, up to four years), while those transferring from community colleges are eligible for a $5,000 award ($2,500 per year, up to two years). See below for full eligibility requirements.

 
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The Karen Ha Scholarship was established by the family of Karen Ha to honor her legacy as a founding member and inaugural Board co-chair of KACF-SF.


“…it will always be more than just a grant of money, but instead has been almost four years (and counting) of lifelong lessons and unforgettable moments.”

- Julie Son, Karen Ha Scholarship recipient 

2024 Timeline

For New Applicants:

  • Application Available Online: December 2023

  • Application Due Date: March 15, 2024

  • Finalist Interviews: week of April 9-12, 2024

  • Award Notification: April 23, 2024

For Renewal Applicants:

  • Application Emailed: May, 2024

  • Application Due Date: June 21, 2024

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Guidelines

General Information

  • KACF-SF awards the Karen Ha Scholarship to two new students each year

  • The scholarship award is $10,000 (2,500 per year, up to four years) for students enrolling as freshmen or $5,000 ($2,500 per year, up to four years) for students transferring as juniors from a local community college

Application Requirements

  • Grade level: Incoming freshman planning to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year public college or university in California in the upcoming academic year

  • OR: Transfer student from a Bay Area community college planning to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year public college or university in California in the upcoming academic year

  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

  • Demonstrated financial need: your household’s pre-tax (gross) earnings are under five times the 2023 federal poverty level for your household size. See the 2023 guidelines. E.g. a family of four would need to make under $150,000 (5 x $30,000).

  • Residency: Applicant must reside in one of five Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara. Transfer student applicants must currently be attending a community college in one of these five counties.

  • Undocumented students with DACA status are eligible to apply; International students are not eligible to apply

  • To qualify for renewal, scholarship recipients must submit a renewal application annually, continue to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher each academic year and be in good community standing

Application Checklist

  • Completed application with essay (online)

  • One (1) letter of recommendation emailed directly from an adult who knows you well (i.e. teacher, coach, employer, pastor, etc.)

  • Most recent transcript(s) of grades (including grading scale); unofficial transcripts are accepted

  • Copy of SAT or ACT scores (optional)

  • Copy of your and/or your parents’/parent’s most recent Federal Income Tax statement (short form)

  • Copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR). To obtain SAR, visit: http://studentaid.gov/sa/fafsa

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Submission

  1. Please submit all required documents to scholarship@kacfsf.org (email header: Karen Ha Scholarship, [YOUR NAME]) 

  2. Please have your recommendation letters emailed directly to scholarship@kacfsf.org (email header: Karen Ha Scholarship, [YOUR NAME])

If you have any questions, please contact scholarship@kacfsf.org or (650) 656-5705.

Meet the Scholarship Committee