WMAAA SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION
What is WMAAA’s purpose:
Our mission is to bring together AAPI economic and cultural resources to enrich and support the community through engagement, service coordination, and advocacy efforts.
Scholarship Committee Purpose:
The Scholarship Committee aims to bolster Asian youth in West Michigan and celebrate their achievements.
Who can apply?
This scholarship is open to West Michigan youth of Asian descent (ages 15 to 24). You should be in one of the following educational stages:
What is the timeline?
Applications will reopen in January 2026.
Scholarship Award
Each recipient will receive approximately $1,000.00
Choose which Scholarship Category fits you! If you are applying for multiple categories, submit a separate application for each Scholarship Category.
WMAAA Innovation Scholarship
This scholarship celebrates young leaders and entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional initiative and creativity. Awarded to individuals who have shown leadership within their schools, extracurricular activities, or community organizations, OR those who have launched and managed successful businesses. The WMAAA Innovation Scholarship honors those who are making a positive impact through innovation, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to driving change in their communities. Students who apply for this scholarship should include a portfolio or plan that outlines the work they have accomplished. Students should also include in their essays, video, or presentation how the scholarship will contribute to future studies in business or innovation.
Directions: Develop your personal narrative and content describing your innovation and how it contributes to your community. Explain your plans post-high school graduation and how the scholarship will benefit you in the long run.
WMAAA Impact Scholarship
This scholarship honors the youth who actively raise awareness and advocate for minority group issues within their communities. Recipients are often involved in affinity groups, organize cultural celebrations, and engage in volunteer work that fosters inclusion and understanding. The WMAAA Impact Scholarship recognizes the youth who demonstrate a deep commitment to service, exhibit humility, and use their leadership to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Directions: Develop your personal narrative and content explaining why raising awareness about minority group issues is important to you. Highlight an individual within our community who you admire and who accomplishes the work of elevating minority voices. Tell us a bit about your background and how you will continue volunteering after high school graduation.
WMAAA Lifelong Learner Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. Recipients may excel academically, taking advanced or college-level courses, or they may pursue vocational programs that enhance their technical skills and support their career aspirations. The WMAAA Lifelong Learner Scholarship honors students dedicated to expanding their knowledge, whether through academic achievement or specialized training, as they work toward their long-term goals.
Directions: Develop your personal narrative and content describing what you are passionate about and what education pathway you will undertake to further your dreams.
WMAAA Champion Scholarship
This scholarship recognizes the youth who is deeply committed to the mission, vision, and values of WMAAA. The recipient has actively participated in WMAAA-sponsored events and demonstrated a strong dedication to the organization's initiatives. Beyond their contributions during their time in school or their vocation, this individual is committed to continuing their involvement and support of WMAAA’s work after graduation or entering their career. The WMAAA Champion Scholarship honors students who demonstrate continuous WMAAA engagement and exemplify the values of leadership, community, and service.
Directions: Develop your personal narrative and content telling us why you joined WMAAA and how the organization’s mission impacts you. Explain how you will continue to engage with WMAAA.
Application Requirement
Applications will reopen in 2026. In the meantime, please celebrate our 2025 recipients.
Innovation
Tianna Tran
Selena Pham
Impact
Liliana Koehl
Selena Pham
Lifelong Learner
Liliana Koehl
Lucy Wu
Champion
Carlos Santos
