2026 JCSM Scholarship Application Logo

  • JAPANESE CULTURAL SOCIETY OF MAUI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 2026

  • The Scholarship Program of the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui (JCSM) is a cultural scholarship awarded to High School seniors who are pursuing further education with a record of involvement in promoting and perpetuating Japanese culture or the Japanese language, and a desire to continue to do so.

    JCSM will award a $1,000 scholarship and one Asa Ellison Memorial Scholarship of $1,500 to an applicant who has demonstrated dedication to learning and promoting the Japanese language. Additional awards may be offered depending on available funding.

    Eligibility

    • The applicant must be a resident of the island of Maui during the senior year.
    • The applicant must be a graduate of the class of 2026 from a high school on Maui.
    • The applicant must complete the Scholarship Program Application Form and submit all the requirements by the deadline.
    • Late submissions will not be accepted.

    Criteria

    • Essay (50 points): Interest, motivation, and explanation in perpetuating Japanese culture based on the application questions.
    • Involvement (30 points): Participation in Japanese cultural activities, such as school or community events.
    • Recommendation (10 points): At least 1 letter of recommendation from a non-relative highlighting the applicant’s character and potential.
    • Financial Need (10 points): Consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need to support continued education. Applicants should briefly describe circumstances that impact the ability to fund education, as well as any other relevant factors.

    Submission

    Submit your complete application by March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted.

    Questions?

    For questions, please contact the JCSM Scholarship Committee at jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.

  • Before Your Begin

    Please make sure you have all required information and files ready before starting your application. You will not be able to save your work and return later. Required documents and files:

  • 1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

    Please fill out the below information.

  • 2. COLLEGE PLANS

    Share your intended major or field of study, along with the name and address of the university you will attend. Also, indicate if you are still waiting for acceptance.

  • 3. FINANCIAL NEED (10 points)

    Consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need to support their continued education.

  • 4. LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION (10 points)

    The next step is to submit a letter of recommendation. Please choose someone who can speak about your character, work ethic, or accomplishments. Recommendation letter must be signed and dated by the recommender. Letters from family members or friends will not be accepted.

  • You may submit the letter in one of two ways:

    Upload the letter directly
    Ask your recommender to provide you with their letter. Once you receive it, upload the file in the space provided below.

    Have your recommender email the letter
    If your recommender prefers to send their letter directly, please inform your recommender that they must email their letter to the JCSM Scholarship Committee at jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.

  • Recommender information:

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  • 5. INVOLVEMENT IN JAPANESE CULTURE (30 points)

    Please list ALL of your school and community activities, awards, honors, and/or employment, and highlight those involved in perpetuating the Japanese culture or the Japanese language. Include dates, organizations involved, and any other relevant details that will support your application. You may submit up to 5 photos to help illustrate your involvement.
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  • 6. ESSAY (50 points)

    No more than 500 words per question.
  • 0/500
  • 0/500
  • 0/500
  • 0/500

  • 7. APPLICANT PROFILE PHOTO

    This photo may be used for scholarship announcements and promotions. Selfies are accepted.
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  • 8. TRANSCRIPT OR DIPLOMA

    Please attach a copy of your high school transcript (unofficial accepted) or proof of graduation (photo or scan accepted) in the space below.
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  • 9. CERTIFICATION/RELEASE

    I hereby certify that all information provided in this application and any supporting documentation is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I further affirm that all essays and written responses submitted are my own original work and were not generated, in whole or in part, by artificial intelligence (AI) tools. I further authorize the release of all information contained herein for promotion purposes and do hereby release the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui, its officers, directors, members, agents, volunteers, and affiliates, from any and all claims relating to the release thereof.
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  • Mahalo for taking the time to complete the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui (JCSM) Scholarship application Form. Your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified by email regarding your award status. For questions, please contact the JCSM Scholarship Committee at jcsmhawaii@gmail.com.

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