TOP 10 List of Scholarships and Grants dedicated to Filipino American Students
FREE MONEY for high school seniors and grad students! Ok, now that we have your attention- Are you of Filipino heritage and looking for financial assistance to pursue your dreams of higher education? Great, because we've compiled a list of the top 10 scholarships and grants dedicated to Filipino American students like you. These opportunities are designed to support your academic endeavors and help you achieve your goals as a person of Filipino descent. Whether you're interested in pursuing a degree in law, business, the arts, or any other field, there's a scholarship or grant out there for you.
Did you know: Filipinos have a long history and large presence in the United States, yet they remain underrepresented in many fields. Only 37% of Filipinos in the US complete a full 4-years Bachelor’s degree, and only 9% complete a postgraduate degree. These figures are even lower among U.S.-born Filipinos. A Harvard Kennedy report states that U.S.-born Filipinos are less likely to obtain a college degree compared to their Filipino immigrant counterparts and other U.S.-born Asian Americans. Thankfully, we have a lot of community organizations out there that are rooting for the next generation (not just your parents and tita’s!) We’ve put a list together of 10 opportunities available to Filipino and Fil-Am students.
Check these out and apply today!
Filipino-American Scholarship Fund (FASF): FASF offers scholarships to Filipino-American students based on academic merit, financial need, and community involvement. These scholarships aim to support students in various fields, including STEM, humanities, and the arts. The application requires as 350-word essay sharing how your Filipino-American identity influenced your purpose in life.
Filipino-American Human Services, Inc. (FAHSI) Scholarship: Based in New York City, FAHSI provides financial assistance to Filipino-American students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in social work, psychology, counseling, or related fields. Preference is often given to students committed to serving the Filipino-American community.
Filipino Nurses Organization of Hawai'i (FNOH) Scholarship: FNOH offers scholarships to Filipino-American students enrolled in nursing programs in Hawai'i. These scholarships aim to support the next generation of Filipino-American nurses and healthcare professionals.
Filipino-American Educators Association of California (FAEAC) Scholarship: FAEAC awards scholarships to Filipino-American students pursuing degrees in education, with a focus on teaching and leadership roles within the education system.
Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund: Targeted to students majoring in engineering, mathematics, computer science, environmental or physical science, this scholarship is made with the science and tech vision of the Banato Family. This opportunity is designed for Filipino-American high school seniors in California. To qualify, students must have at least 50% Filipino heritage and be planning to major in engineering, computer science, mathematics, or related disciplines. Additionally, applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled full-time at an accredited four-year college or university for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please note that students pursuing health-related careers are not eligible for this scholarship
Filipino Bar Association of Northern California (FBANC) Scholarships: FBANC offers scholarships to law students of Filipino heritage who are committed to serving the Filipino American community. FBANC was formed in 1980 to provide Filipino and Filipino American lawyers and law students in Northern California with professional development and educational assistance. Through the volunteer work of its members, FBANC offers service programs, including regular free legal clinics, professional development and mentorship for law students and attorneys.
Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF): APIASF offers scholarships to Asian and Pacific Islander American students, including those of Filipino descent. They have various scholarships available, including the AANAPISI Scholarship and the General Scholarship. The APIASF is is considererd to be the largest non-profit organization in the United States that provides scholarships specifically to Asian and Pacific Islander American students. APIASF was established in 2003 with the mission of providing access to higher education for underserved APIA communities. APIASF offers various scholarship programs, including the APIASF General Scholarship Program, which is open to undergraduate and graduate students of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage who are enrolled in accredited U.S. colleges or universities. The scholarship awards range from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards
Filipino American Lawyers Association of Chicago (FALA Chicago) Scholarships: FALA Chicago offers scholarships to law students of Filipino heritage who are committed to promoting diversity in the legal profession in the Chicago area. The FALA Chicago scholarships are typically awarded annually and are open to law students who are of Filipino heritage and are enrolled in an accredited law school in the United States. The scholarships are awarded based on a combination of academic achievement, financial need, leadership, and commitment to promoting diversity in the legal profession.
Filipino American Women's Network (FAWN) Scholarships: FAWN offers scholarships to Filipino American women who are pursuing higher education. The FAWN scholarships are typically awarded annually and are open to Filipino American women who are enrolled in or accepted to an accredited college, university, or vocational school in the United States. The scholarship amount and number of scholarships awarded each year may vary. Recipients of the FAWN scholarships are typically invited to attend the FAWN Annual Leadership Summit, where they are recognized for their achievements.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company Samahan ERG Scholarship- The Pacific Gas & Electric Company Samahan ERG Scholarship promotes social and educational aspects of Filipino-American culture and heritage among its members and to all PG&E employees. All majors eligible. Eligible applicants must have a residence that is a PG&E customer in California for at least 6 months and be a high school senior.
In addition to scholarships, Filipino-American students can explore various grants and financial aid programs to support their educational pursuits. The Federal Pell Grant, for example, provides need-based aid to undergraduate students, including those of Filipino descent. Similarly, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) offers additional assistance to students with exceptional financial need.
Additionally, students should always complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs (even if you don’t think you’ll need it or be qualifies). Many states and colleges also use FAFSA information to award their own need-based grants and scholarships. There are new ones every year so you never know who is looking to support a student like you!
Tips for Applying
When applying for scholarships and grants, Filipino-American students should:
Start early: Research and identify relevant opportunities well in advance of application deadlines.
Tailor applications: Customize essays and personal statements to highlight academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and community service.
Gather required documents: Prepare transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial aid information promptly to meet application requirements.
Seek guidance: Consult with school counselors, financial aid advisors, and community organizations for assistance with the application process.
At KH, we believe education should be accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Scholarships and grants play a crucial role in empowering Filipino-American students to pursue their academic goals and contribute to their communities. By leveraging these opportunities and resources, students can overcome financial barriers and unlock the doors to a brighter future. Let us continue to support and uplift the next generation of Filipino-American scholars as they strive for excellence in education and beyond. If you know any new ones that we haven’t mentioned, feel free to comment or send us a message.
A tragic incident struck Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Festival as an SUV drove into a crowd, leaving multiple dead and injured. The driver is in custody. Stay updated as this story unfolds and join us in keeping the Filipino community in our thoughts.