NSRC Fund Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Nisei Student Relocation Commemorative Fund
Background
The NSRCF was established in 1980 by Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) who had been held in U.S. concentration camps during World War II. During the war, the National Japanese American Student Relocation Council helped 4,600 Nisei college students leave the camps so they could continue their education. The Fund was created to honor those who aided Japanese American students during that period by supporting new generations in pursuing post‑secondary education.
Impact to date
Since its founding, the NSRCF has distributed more than $1.4 million in scholarship awards to upwards of 1,200 Southeast Asian high school students. Recipients have come from cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Minneapolis, Houston, Denver, Philadelphia, Seattle, Boston, Sacramento, Fresno, and New York City.
2026 focus and funding
For 2026, the Fund is concentrating its awards on Long Beach and neighboring communities. Up to $70,000 in scholarship funds will be made available this year.
Eligibility
To qualify for a 2026 NSRCF scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Have Southeast Asian ancestry (the applicant or at least one parent or grandparent was born in Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia).
- Be enrolled in a high school located in Long Beach or the surrounding cities area.
- Graduate from high school in 2026 (completion of a GED in 2026 is acceptable). There is no age restriction.
- Plan to enroll in the fall of 2026 at one of the following: a four‑year college or university, a community college, or an accredited vocational/technical school.
Selection criteria
Applications will be assessed based on these factors:
- Personal statement
- Academic record
- School, community, and/or work involvement (extracurricular activities)
- Educational, career, and personal objectives
- Financial need
- Demonstrated potential to succeed in post‑secondary education
- One (1) letter of recommendation