NACA Leadership and Ko Family Foundation Scholarships

The Atlanta chapter of the National Association of Chinese-Americans and the Ko Family Foundation offer six merit-based scholarships in 2026 aimed at developing Chinese-American leaders. Two Ko awards are $10,000 each; NACA provides two $2,000 awards and two additional $1,000 awards. Applicants are considered for all categories without selecting one. The program combines academic performance with leadership, community service, and cultural heritage.

Eligible applicants include high-school seniors who have applied to college and full-time college freshmen or sophomores. They must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with Chinese heritage through at least one parent, current or former Georgia or Florida residents, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5. High-school seniors must also meet a 1,400 SAT or 30 ACT threshold and show leadership and active involvement in Chinese-American community service or advocacy.

The official page keeps the 2026 application open through October 31. This is not a nationwide award: current or former residence in Georgia or Florida is an explicit requirement. The linked documents explain awards and criteria; before submitting, check the application portal for transcripts, essays, or recommendations. No date for the next cycle was found, so do not automatically carry this calendar into 2027.

Before applying, confirm that the cycle and academic program match your circumstances and that the window is still open. Start at the administrator’s link, save the rules, and prepare transcripts, FAFSA information, essays, and recommendations in the requested format. Track the application and reference deadlines separately: some portals close different components on different days. After submitting, monitor email and your dashboard until the file is marked complete. Ask your campus financial-aid office how the award will coordinate with FAFSA, other scholarships, and benefits, and request a written estimate of remaining charges. Do not budget funds that have not been awarded.

To compare this benefit with other options, ask financial aid for an estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, and excluded expenses. Confirm whether it renews annually, what GPA or course load it requires, and whom to contact if the student account does not show the payment. Keep award letters and receipts until the school confirms disbursement.

Official program information and application