Scholarships

Sonoma County JACL offers many scholarships for incoming college freshmen. JACL membership is required for most applications. If you are not currently a member, you can join any time prior to turning in your application by clicking here. Student memberships are $30 per year.

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

For Graduating High School Seniors:

Due Date: College freshman scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 10, 2024.

2024 Undergraduate Scholarship Application

Scholarship application material required:

  • Completed Sonoma County JACL Freshman scholarship application
  • Listing of scholastic honors
  • High school activities
  • Work history
  • Community involvement with emphasis on JACL involvement
  • Personal Statement
  • Two letters of reference
  • 1 copy of an official transcript* Transcripts must remain sealed to be considered official

James Murakami Memorial Scholarship – $3000

Requirements:

  • Current Sonoma County JACL membership (student, parent or grandparent)
  • 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:

  • Current Sonoma County JACL membership (student, parent or grandparent)
  • 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:

  • Current Sonoma County JACL membership (student, parent or grandparent)
  • 3.5+ weighted GPA

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.

The Petaluma Japanese Sunday School Scholarships were established on behalf of a Japanese language school which is 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.

For College Juniors or Seniors in 2024-2025:

Margaret Wallman Upper Division Scholarship – $1500

Due Date: Scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 10, 2024

2024 Margaret Wallman Upper Division Application

Requirements:

  • Current Sonoma County JACL membership (student, parent or grandparent)

For Students Attending Graduate School in Healthcare:

Faye Uyeda Memorial Healthcare Scholarship – $2500

Due Date: Scholarship applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2024

2024 Faye Uyeda Memorial Graduate Scholarship Application

2024 Faye Uyeda Memorial Graduate Renewal Scholarship Application

Requirements:

  • Current Sonoma County JACL membership (student, parent or grandparent)

For Any Sonoma County JACL Member 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 that provides up to 10 grants a year. Applications can be submitted at any time.

2024 Marie Sugiyama Continuing Ed Scholarship Application

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.