Hana Uno Shepard Scholarship Offers Support to Students of Japanese Descent
Los Angeles, CA – The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is currently accepting applications for its annual Hana Uno Shepard Scholarship. The scholarship, valued between $500 and $1,000, aims to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who meet specific criteria, including demonstrating academic achievement and coming from a single-parent family. The application deadline is May 1, 2026.
Named in memory of Hana Uno Shepard (1918-1987), a dedicated member of the chapter, the scholarship recognizes her significant contributions to the Japanese American redress movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Shepard’s activism played a crucial role in seeking acknowledgment and reparations for the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The scholarship serves as a lasting tribute to her commitment to civil rights and social justice.
Hana Uno Shepard
Eligibility Requirements and Application Process
To be eligible for the Hana Uno Shepard Scholarship, applicants must meet several key requirements. They must be graduating high school seniors with a strong academic record. Applicants must arrive from a single-parent family and identify as being of Japanese descent. Residency in either Los Angeles County or Orange County is also a prerequisite. The scholarship funds can be applied towards tuition and expenses at any accredited college, university, community college, fine arts institution, or vocational school.
The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the JACL was initially founded in 1983 as the Greater Los Angeles Singles Chapter. The “Singles” designation was removed in 2014, but the organization has maintained its longstanding commitment to supporting students from single-parent families through this annual scholarship program. This dedication reflects the JACL’s broader mission of fostering educational opportunities and empowering future generations.
The Japanese American Citizens League and its Mission
The JACL, established in 1929, is a national organization dedicated to securing and advancing the human rights of Japanese Americans and all communities of color. The organization’s website details its extensive work in civil rights advocacy, education and community service. The scholarship program aligns directly with the JACL’s core values of fairness, equality, and social justice, aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The scholarship isn’t solely about financial aid; it’s also intended to introduce applicants to the JACL’s mission and vision. By engaging with the organization through the application process, students gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing fight for civil rights and the importance of community involvement. This exposure can inspire future activism and leadership within the Japanese American community and beyond.
How to Apply
Interested students can find the scholarship application through their high school counselors’ offices or directly on the GLA JACL website at https://www.glajacl.org/scholarship. The application is available as a Google Form on the website. Alternatively, completed applications can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed with a postmark date of May 1, 2026. Any questions regarding the application process should be directed to [email protected].
The GLA JACL encourages all eligible students to apply for this valuable scholarship opportunity. The deadline for submission is swift approaching, and the scholarship represents a significant investment in the future of promising young leaders.
The next step for interested applicants is to gather the necessary materials and submit their applications before the May 1st deadline. For those seeking further information about the JACL and its work, visiting their website or contacting the GLA JACL directly is highly recommended. We encourage readers to share this information with any eligible students they know.
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