Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Against The Grain Productions
Introduction
The Against The Grain Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship offers financial support and visibility to Asian American college seniors and graduate students who have shown outstanding leadership, forward-thinking vision, and a strong commitment to advancing and uplifting the Asian American community.
Award
One scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded and applied toward the recipient’s tuition and fees.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander by ancestry.
- Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
- Open to high school seniors and current college students who are enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. vocational school, community/junior college, or four-year institution. Applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking (associate, bachelor’s, or master’s) by the upcoming academic year.
- Students from any academic major may apply.
- Applicants must have demonstrated visionary leadership through innovative projects, programs, or initiatives that benefit others.
- Minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale is required.
- Immediate family members of Board members are not eligible.
Video presentation (required)
All applicants must submit a video that highlights their work, leadership, and qualifications.
- Judging criteria for videos include content, creativity, and execution.
- Submit videos as a shareable YouTube or Vimeo link.
- Finalists and winners will be asked to sign a release permitting their video to be featured on the organization’s homepage.
Evaluation and selection
A points-based rubric is used to assess applications; the applicant with the highest total score will receive the scholarship. Evaluation components include:
- Video presentation
- Quality of written content/essay submission
- Academic achievement
- Leadership and community service contributions
- Letters of recommendation
- Phone or in-person interview with the selection committee
Disbursement and post-award requirement
Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the recipient’s educational institution in the student’s name. Winners will also be asked to provide a brief (approximately 1-minute) “thank you” video for posting on the organization’s social media channels.