The Sonoma County JACL offers many scholarships for incoming college freshmen, upper division students, and graduate students. JACL membership is NOT required (except for the Marie Mariko Sugiyama Continuing Education Grant).
All scholarships require the applicant to be a resident of Sonoma or Marin Counties, or have a parent or grandparent a resident of Sonoma or Marin Counties.
Please mail all scholarship application materials to:
Sonoma County JACL Scholarship Committee
C/O Janet Tajii
515 Petaluma Ave
Sebastopol, CA 95472
If you have questions or need more information: scholarship@sonomacountyjacl.org
Scholarships for Graduating High School Seniors:
Due Date: April 15, 2026.
For each of these scholarships, use the application:
2026 Incoming College Freshman Scholarship Application (PDF)
2026 Incoming College Freshman Scholarship Application (DOC)
Submit the following required material with the completed application form:
- List of scholastic honors
- High school activities and work history
- Community involvement with emphasis on Asian American/JACL involvement
- Personal Statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- 1 copy of an official transcript* Transcripts must remain sealed to be considered official
** All applications must be complete at the time of submission and meet the stated deadlines in order to be considered. Materials may not be submitted separately.
James Murakami Memorial Scholarship – $3000
Requirements:
- 3.8+ weighted GPA
- Emphasis on JACL involvement
This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of James F. Murakami. He was a man who served his country and stood up for the rights of others. Besides his dedication and service to our local chapter, serving as president for many years as well as keeping track of our activities and duties, he served as National President of the JACL. He was instrumental in the redress efforts, both locally and nationally. He also served as one of the founding advisors to the local youth group, initially known as the Sonoma County Jr. JACL.
Frank Oda Memorial Scholarship – $1500
Requirements:
- 3.8+ weighted GPA
- Emphasis on community involvement
This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Frank Oda. He served three terms as our Sonoma County JACL president. He served as our administrator, tracking activities and duties and keeping people informed and involved. He was a recipient of the National JACLer of the Biennium Award in 1972. Frank dedicated a lot of time and effort to promote JACL and worked to benefit our community.
Sonoma County JACL Scholarship – $1500
Requirements:
- 3.5+ weighted GPA
This is one of the original scholarships established by the Sonoma County JACL for eligible students.
Petaluma Japanese Sunday School Scholarships (2): – $1000 each
Requirements:
- 3.0+ weighted GPA
- Japanese ancestry
- One scholarship required residency in Sonoma County, the second scholarship requires residence and high school attendance in Rohnert Park/Cotati or Petaluma High School districts.
These scholarships were established on behalf of a Japanese language school, which was held on Sundays for local residents.
Sonoma County JACL Student Grant – $1000 each
Requirements:
- Demonstration of financial need
This grant will be awarded on a one-time basis to a qualified applicant who demonstrated financial need for pursuing his or her education. The applicant must fill out the financial information to be qualified for this scholarship.
Scholarship for College Juniors/Seniors:
Margaret Wallman Upper Division Scholarship – $1500
Due Date: April 15, 2026
2026 Margaret Wallman Upper Division Application (PDF)
2026 Margaret Wallman Upper Division Application (DOC)
Scholarships for Graduate Students:
Sonoma County JACL Graduate Student Scholarship – $2500
Due Date: May 1, 2026
2026 Graduate School Scholarship Application (PDF)
2026 Graduate School Scholarship Application (DOC)
2026 Graduate School Renewal Scholarship Application (PDF)
2026 Graduate School Renewal Scholarship Application (DOC)
Faye Uyeda Memorial Healthcare Emphasis Scholarship – $2500
Due Date: May 1, 2026
2026 Faye Uyeda Memorial Graduate Scholarship Healthcare Emphasis Application (PDF)
2026 Faye Uyeda Memorial Graduate Scholarship Healthcare Emphasis Application (DOC)
2026 Faye Uyeda Memorial Graduate Renewal Scholarship Healthcare Emphasis Application (PDF)
2026 Faye Uyeda Memorial Graduate Renewal Scholarship Healthcare Emphasis Application (DOC)
For Those Wishing to Further Their Education and/or Pursue Knowledge:
Marie Mariko Sugiyama Continuing Education Grant – up to $250 each
Due Date: This is on ongoing program. Applications can be submitted at any time.
Requirements:
- Sonoma County JACL membership required
2026 Marie Sugiyama Continuing Education Scholarship Application (PDF)
2026 Marie Sugiyama Continuing Education Scholarship Application (DOC)
National JACL Scholarship:
Students may be eligible for an additional scholarship through the National JACL. Scholarship Program guidelines, instructions, and applications have been posted on the JACL website, www.jacl.org/scholarships.