Scholarship
MAKA Scholarship
The Minnesota Association for Korean Americans (MAKA) is awarding a limited number of scholarships to Minnesota high school seniors of Korean origin/heritage who plan to pursue a higher education.
These scholarships are intended to enhance the positive self-esteem of students of Korean heritage and to encourage their pursuit of a college degree. All interested individuals are encouraged to apply.
The Committee will review the application materials submitted by each student and award a non-renewable $1500 Scholarship and additional $500 for the top applicant, athlete, artist, STEM scholar, or outstanding essay writer, if applicable.
eligibility requirements for 2025/2026 scholarships
U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Minnesota High School Senior in school year 2025-2026
Korean heritage (minimum 25% biologically Korean)
Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
Able to attend the awards ceremony (Celebrating Tomorrow) in Spring 2026
HOW to APPLY
Applications must include:
Application form & photograph of the applicant. (JPEG file preferred.)
Official high school transcript of last two school years. (A scan or photo is acceptable; do not have to be a sealed copy from a third party.)
(Optional) PSAT/SAT or ACT scores (PDF file)
Scholarship essay. Choose one of the topics and write 400-650 words.
Topic 1: "The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?"
Topic 2: "What does it mean to be Korean American in Minnesota?"
*Application-related materials will not be returned.
*If you'd like to be considered as a top student, you must submit your test scores (ACT/SAT/AP).
*If you'd like to be considered as a top athlete, please submit detailed info (honors/awards).
*AI-generated essays to be disqualified from MAKA Scholarship consideration.
Application Process
The 2025/2026 application opens on August 13, 2025. Applicants may apply via one of the following options:
Online: http://makaweb.org
Mail: MAKA, P.O. Box 390553, Edina, MN 55439
All materials must be received by 11:59 pm CDT on September 30, 2025. After the application deadline, changes to applications will no longer be accepted.
Awardees will be notified on October 15, 2025. MAKA intends to award 10-15 scholarships this year.
Evaluation criteria are as follows: 1/3 the essay, 1/3 awards/honors, 1/3 extra curricular activities. All applications are reviewed and discussed by the MAKA Scholarship Committee. Decisions of the Committee are final.