Testimonial Contest Winners
First Place
Hong Beom Lee
Syracuse University (Physics)
Second Place
Sandra Bae
University of Colorado
(Creative Technology and Design)
Lynn Ma
Craig Newmark School of Journalism at CUNY
(Journalism)
Christie Kim
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
(Public Health)
Jueun Baek
University of Washington
(Psychology)

Our Mission
We are a non-profit organization established to help meet the financial needs of Korean-American students seeking higher education. Specifically, the foundation seeks to:
1. Assist Korean American students in pursuit of academic and personal achievement
2. Encourage community and civic service as an integral part of leadership development
3. Nurture the sense of pride and confidence in Korean cultural heritage and tradition
53
Years
KASF was founded in 1969 and has been in operation for half a century.
$11.5M
Granted
In 2021 alone, we awarded $600,000 to undergraduate and graduate students, high school students, and Korean War Veterans Descendants.
7300
Students Awarded
Students living in all parts of the United States have received support for their education through KASF grants.
$5.7M
In Endowment
Donors have generously contributed towards our endowment. The interest earned from our endowment is used for our Chair Scholarships.

Testimonials
I am very proud to be of mixed Korean descent. It is organizations like KASF that make it possible for Korean American students to pursue their educational goals and succeed, with pride.Marlene M. Clarke, Scholarship Recipient
I am thankful for organizations such as this Foundation to help contribute to our growth. I feel it is important to give back to a community that has nourished that growth. We, as Korean-Americans, must realize the importance of our heritage and our contribution to the future.Sandie E. Kim, Scholarship Recipient
I’m so grateful for the Korean American Scholarship Foundation for pouring out support to help those in the 1.5 and 2nd generation like my son, who can bridge the gap between the Korean community and the mainstream, and as act as a bridge between the 1st and 3rd generation in the near future.Richie's Mother (Ellicott City), Scholarship Recipient
My father, who is a pastor at Bible Mission Church Korean, receives a gross income of $2,500. After paying other utilities, it is hard to live. There was no external support. My educational pursuits would not be possible without generous support from scholarship sponsors like KASF. Your generosity is allowing me to make my goals and dreams a reality.Jinwon Kim, Scholarship Recipient
It is through your efforts and kindness that I am able to receive the education that my family always dreamed of when we immigrated here more than a decade ago with nothing but suitcases and broken English. It is because of everyone who participated in the creation of this scholarship that I am able to sit in my dorm, by the lamplight, writing this letter.Haena Lee, Scholarship Recipient
During my years at L.A. City College, I have striven hard, like many of my peers, in pursuit of academic excellence. I have met many formidable individuals from diverse cultural and social background. Our differences in language and culture were not a barrier as our common goal of a higher education brought solidarity amongst the group. Although there were times I felt discouraged due to disadvantages in my household, I refused to give up and focused on what mattered the most.Eugene Kim, Scholarship Recipient
This award has saved me a mountain of stress concerning my financial situation, and I can't imagine where I'd be if not for your generosity. I can now tell you, with no small amount of happiness, that I will be able to focus solely on my studies next year.Esther Lee, Scholarship Recipient
The altruistic mission KASF and the benevolent individuals within this organization have inspired me to represent my culture and my people with pride and honor in whatever future endeavors I may pursue.Grace Pyon, Scholarship Recipient
By awarding me this scholarship, you have allowed me to focus on my academic goals so I can continue my education through graduate school. I hope to pursue a master's degree in Education and make a big impact in nonprofit management and education reformation. Your generous donation has inspired me to give back to my community once I am in the position to, and especially support the Korean community around me wherever I am.Esther Han Seul Cha, Scholarship Recipient
50 for 50 Fundraiser
To celebrate KASF’s 50th anniversary, we are asking 50 of our board members and friends of KASF to pledge a gift of $50K—or more—in their will. This is a gift that will be made to KASF upon his/her/their passing: a pledge of intent, not a commitment to donate today.
Change a student's life
Invest in the future generation by donating to KASF today.
With your contribution, anything is possible.