Review Process – Southern California
 
Evaluation Criteria for Returning Students
 
Applications will be evaluated based on the following five criteria (maximum total: 100 points):
 
  1. Academic Achievement (0–20 points)
    Evaluated using official transcripts of all secondary and post-secondary academic work.
  2. Leadership Record (0–20 points)
    Evaluated using the candidate’s résumé and letters of recommendation from teachers,
    volunteer supervisors, employers, or similar references.
  3. Community Service (0–20 points)
    Evaluated based on character qualities—engagement, commitment, trustworthiness, and
    passion to serve—demonstrated through the candidate’s essay.
  4. Heritage Identity and Pride (0–20 points)
    Evaluated based on the applicant’s knowledge of history, culture, and language as
    reflected in the candidate’s essay.
  5. Passion to Create a Better World (0–20 points)
    Evaluated based on the candidate’s ability to connect academic background to a vision
    for positive impact, as demonstrated in the essay.
Application Requirements
 
1. Academic Achievement
Candidates must submit official transcripts for all secondary and post-secondary academic
work (PDF format). Transcripts must clearly indicate:
 
  • The institution’s name and address
  • The applicant’s name
  • The date issued
  • The names, dates, and grades of all courses completed or in progress
2. Leadership Record

Candidates must submit:

  • A résumé (1–2 pages, PDF format) summarizing academic, extracurricular, and professional
    achievements
  • Three letters of recommendation (1–2 pages each) from teachers, supervisors, or
    mentors.
    Each letter must include the recommender’s:
    o Name and title
    o Organization
    o Email address and phone number
3–5. Essays (Community Service, Heritage, and Passion to Create a Better World)
Applicants must submit a single 500-word essay (PDF format) addressing all three areas listed
above.
 
Essay Prompt:
 
Describe your heritage and how it has shaped you into the person you are today. Include your
experiences in community service and discuss any hardships you have overcome in pursuing
higher education.
 
In this essay, candidates should address the following qualities and themes:
  • Engagement, commitment, trustworthiness, and passion to serve
  • Knowledge and appreciation of heritage (Vietnamese, American, or other) — including history, culture, and language
  • Passion and vision for applying their academic background to help create a better world
 
An interview with the judges may be required.
 
 
Program Timeline
 
Date                                                           Activity
12/1/25 – 3/27/26                                Public announcement of the scholarship opportunity across various media
12/1/25 – 3/27/26                                Online portal open for receiving applications
3/28/26 – 6/26/26                                Application review and candidate selection for interviews
Saturday 8/1/26                                     Scholarship Award Ceremony (DC/VA/MD)— Attendance is required to receive the award