Every year, the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) recognizes and rewards graduating high school seniors of Okinawan descent. The selection process will be based on the student’s academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, community contributions, transcript, essays, letters of recommendation, financial need and special consideration for community hours at the OAA.

Current members of the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) in Southern California may fill out the interest form and the office will email you the application.

INTEREST FORM

ELIGIBILITY

​(Subject to change)

• Graduating high school seniors (class of 2025) of Southern California* who will attend college in the 2025 – 2026 academic year (* with exception given to members outside of the area who actively participate with OAA)
• Children of Okinawan ancestry
• Children of parent(s) who are current 2025 members of the OAA
• Students with a GPA of 3.0 and above

QUESTIONS?

DEADLINE

• MAIL: POSTMARKED by JUNE 6, 2025**
• OR hand-delivered to the OAA office by 4 p.m. on JUNE 6, 2025

** If mailing the documents, it is the responsibility of the applicant to inform the OAA office about submission and follow-up to confirm delivery. 

REQUIREMENTS

​(Subject to change)

• Two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, coach, mentor or counselor on official letterhead with person’s title and signature (family recommendations will not be accepted; points may be deducted for missing letterhead, signature, etc.)
• Two (2) essays
• Transcripts
• Application must be typed, printed out, and signed (handwritten applications will not be accepted)

Scholarship recipients will be notified prior to the OAA Annual Picnic on July 20, 2025 (subject to change) when the scholarship awards presentation will take place. Recipients are asked to participate at this event in person, if possible.