Scholarships

The NAPABA Law Foundation carries out its work primarily by awarding scholarships and fellowships that promote the interests of the Asian Pacific American community. Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships and over $1 million in fellowships and internships.

The Foundation awards scholarships on a nationwide basis to law students who demonstrate a commitment to serve or contribute to the Asian Pacific American community as future leaders. These scholarships are made possible by donations from numerous corporations, law firms, bar associations, and individuals.

NLF welcomes corporate, foundation, community, and individual donations to support its educational and charitable activities. All donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Han C. Choi Scholarship

The NAPABA Law Foundation has partnered with the Choi Family to create the Han C. Choi Scholarship, to honor a NAPABA Trailblazer, mentor and leader, who embodies grit and courage in the face of great adversity. The Scholarship Fund will benefit a 1L or 2L law student who exhibits academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, mentorship experience, and demonstrates an interest in AAPI civic issues. Special consideration will also be given to applicants who have been adversely affected by cancer (as a survivor, or family member of a victim or survivor). 

Award Amount: $5,000

Deadline: April 18, 2025 - 5 pm ET

Please review the online application instructions prior to submitting an application.

The SAIL Scholarship Program provides private mentorship, executive-level networking opportunities, and financial support for educational expenses for award recipients. The scholarship is awarded to a 2L student starting in the 2025 Fall Semester (current 1L students should apply) who has outstanding professional promise and leadership potential. Applicants will be evaluated for (a) academic excellence in their undergraduate school years and first year of law school, (b) leadership experience, (c) volunteerism or service in the public interest, (d) knowledge of social and cultural issues of any one or more AAPI communities or commitment to making a significant impact on issues affecting one or more AAPI communities, or both, and (e) commitment to “pay it forward.” The NAPABA Law Foundation will award from the SAIL Scholarship Fund at least one $7,500 scholarship each year, half of which would be distributed to the recipient in his or her second year of law school and the remainder of which would be distributed to the recipient in his or her third year of law school.

The SAIL Scholarship is made possible due to the generosity of Sharon and Ivan Fong.

Award Amount: $7,500 split equally over 2 years. First disbursement will be in August of the second year of law school. Subject to the Scholar’s continued (i) strong academic performance and good character; and (ii) dedication to the concepts set forth in scholarship, the second disbursement will be in August of the the third year of law school.

Deadline: June 30, 2025 - 5:00 pm ET

Before applying, please review the Frequently Asked Questions to understand SAIL Scholarship requirements and expectations. 

NLF Scholarships

NLF Scholarship

NLF Presidential Scholarship

The Low Family Scholarship

LimNexus Scholarship

NLF Scholarships 

In addition to the named scholarships, NLF will award at least one $5,000 scholarship with reference to the quality of the applicant pool.

NLF Presidential Scholarships 

NLF awards two NLF Presidential Scholarships at $7,500 each yearly. Recipients are selected each year from all scholarship applicants in consultation with the NAPABA President, who selects awardees who have demonstrated outstanding leadership to serve the APA community.

The Low Family Scholarship

In recognition of the NAPABA Law Foundation’s 20th Anniversary in 2014, NLF Board Member Ronald Low, one of the original founders of NAPABA, and his wife Wanda Denson-Low, retired Senior Vice President for the Boeing Company and former recipient of the NAPABA 2004 Women’s Leadership Award, have generously donated $50,000 to the NLF to fund this scholarship in perpetuity. One $2,500 scholarship will be awarded annually to a law student who has a history of demonstrated leadership and/or community service to the Asian Pacific American Community.

LimNexus Scholarship

In 2004, the Foundation established the Lim, Ruger & Kim Scholarship. Today, the firm, with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, has a fresh new name, “LimNexus,” and celebrates its 30th Anniversary. LimNexus continues its support of the Foundation by offering a $2,500 scholarship.

NLF uses an online combined scholarship application for the scholarships listed above.

• Fall Application Deadline for 2024: September 4, 2024 | The application must be complete by 5 p.m. ET

• November 2024 | NLF Scholars announced

Please review the application and scholarship FAQs prior to contacting NLF.