The Korean American Citizens League of New England (KACL-NE) welcomes high school and college students to apply for its annual Civic Engagement and Leadership Summer Scholarship. This program supports Korean American students interested in public service, civic leadership, and community engagement.

About KACL-NE

Founded in Massachusetts, KACL-NE is the region’s oldest Korean American organization. As a non-partisan, non-profit group, its mission is to empower Korean Americans and their allies through civic engagement, leadership development, and cultural programming.

Since 1998, the summer scholarship has served as KACL-NE’s signature workforce development initiative, offering students the chance to complete a free internship in community organizations or municipal, state, or federal government offices. Scholarship recipients also receive mentoring and professional development support from the program director, board members, and accomplished Korean American leaders. Due to limited funding and the program’s strong impact, it has become increasingly competitive.

Program Requirements

Scholarship recipients must:

1. Be actively involved in community service
2. Participate in at least one KACL-NE community service event within the year
3. Complete a recognized civics internship related to public policy, voter registration, or government (local, state, or federal)
4. Submit an end-of-program evaluation and a short reflection essay for publication in KACL-NE’s annual journal

Internships must be completed between June and August. Scholarship awards are distributed upon verification of all requirements.

Scholarship Amounts:

• $1,000 for high school students
• $2,000 for college students
  (Final award amounts may vary depending on part-time or full-time status.)

Participating Offices

Past scholarship recipients have interned with:

• Rep. Vanna Howard (17th Middlesex)
• Rep. Tackey Chan (2nd Norfolk)
• Rep. Tram Nguyen (18th Essex)
• Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (City of Boston)
• Rep. Chynah Tyler (7th Suffolk)

Typical Responsibilities may include:

• Constituent Services: Logging outreach and drafting response letters
• Research: Preparing memos on policy issues
• Hearings & Briefings: Attending committee hearings and reporting back
• Legislative Tracking: Monitoring bills, amendments, and testimony
• Communications: Supporting social media, drafting statements, and other communication tasks
• General Office Support: Assisting with administrative or operational duties

Community Service Project

Beginning this year, fellows must complete a community service project that benefits Korean American communities in New England. Projects may take the form of volunteer service with KACL-NE, a research paper, video or creative project, or another initiative that reflects both the student’s interests and community needs. KACL-NE will provide guidance throughout the process.

Application Timeline (Annual dates; subject to change)

• Early March: Applications open
• April 30: Application deadline
• Mid–May: Interviews conducted on a rolling basis
• By May 31: Final decisions released
• June: Annual fundraiser, orientation, and training
• June–August: Civic engagement internship period
• Mid-August: Student Dinner and Award Ceremony

Applications are reviewed as they are received, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be a current high school or undergraduate student in good standing
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of Korean heritage
• Live in New England or attend a college in New England
• Hold a minimum GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale)
• Show commitment to Korean American communities and alignment with the KACL-NE mission
• Demonstrate strong communication skills
• Show initiative, adaptability, and willingness to learn

What Students Are Saying

“Serving as an intern last summer inspired me to pursue a career in public service. It showed me how meaningful it is to give back to the community.”

“No matter where I go next, this internship helped me build transferable skills I’m truly proud of.”

Questions? Email info@kacl-ne.org.