Make a Difference Scholarship

Make a Difference Scholarship is sponsored by Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC). The Make a Difference Scholarship provides financial assistance for higher education to exceptional youth. Eligibility includes being a first-generation immigrant or the first in the family to attend college, being a U.

Scholarships | Community Youth Center Skip to primary navigation The 2026 CYC scholarship application process is now open. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM (PST). These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of private individuals who have thoughtfully designed each opportunity with intention.

Every scholarship reflects the values and vision of its donor, with eligibility requirements carefully set to support students in meaningful and specific ways. Siu Family Charitable Fund Scholarship The Siu Family Charitable Fund Scholarship helps students from low-income, immigrant families afford a college education.

Pursuing a higher education can have a lifetime impact—this scholarship offers youth in the community the opportunity to achieve success and develop their knowledge and passion to become the next generation of leaders.

Scholarship amount: $2,500 each An immigrant youth or youth of immigrant parents who is the first person in their immediate family to attend college Open to incoming freshman and enrolled full-time at an accredited two-year or four-year college in Fall 2025 A citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States Current CYC youth participant Resident of San Francisco Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Strong family and community support Creativity and resourcefulness Personal strengths including maturity, motivation, and potential to succeed Civic engagement and community service experience CYC Cindy Tong Scholarship The CYC Cindy Tong Scholarship honors the legacy of Cindy Tong, former CYC Director of Development and Communications, who played a vital role in strengthening and sustaining the organization.

Cindy was a dedicated leader who embodied the CYC core values, advocating for youth, community, and cultural empowerment. With a background in journalism, Cindy was passionate about uplifting Chinese Americans and amplifying underrepresented voices. She was deeply involved in the Organization of Chinese Americans and worked with numerous local nonprofits, using her expertise to advocate for social justice and equity.

This scholarship is dedicated to supporting students pursuing studies in journalism or careers in the social sector, continuing Cindy’s legacy of storytelling, advocacy, and community impact. Through this opportunity, we hope to inspire the next generation of changemakers who, like Cindy, are committed to making a difference.

Scholarship amount: $2,500 Must be a high school senior or current college student planning to pursue or currently studying journalism, communications, media studies, or a career in the social sector (nonprofit work, public service, social justice, or community advocacy).

A citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States Current CYC youth participant Resident of San Francisco Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Must have a strong record of volunteerism, leadership, or advocacy work, particularly in supporting underserved communities or uplifting marginalized voices.

Preference will be given to students with financial need, as demonstrated through a brief financial statement in the application. Must demonstrate a passion for storytelling, advocacy, or public service, aligning with Cindy Tong’s lifelong dedication to empowering others.

Make a Difference Scholarship The Make a Difference Scholarship recognizes that being accepted into college is a major milestone, but that there are obstacles that could discourage someone from pursuing a higher education and realizing their dreams. The Make a Difference Scholarship eases the financial constraints of higher education with a four-year award so that exceptional youth can fully concentrate on their studies and potential.

Scholarship amount: $6,000 each Award period: To be renewed annually for 4 years ($1,500 each year) First-generation immigrant or first in family to attend college A citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States Accepted and committed to a University of California for 2025 3.

0 GPA to renew scholarship every year Maintaining full course load during the academic year Current CYC youth participant Eddy Zheng has a lifelong commitment to serve the children, youth, and families in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Eddy immigrated to the United States from China with his family when he was 12 years old.

“Like many immigrant youth before and after me, I did not have a choice on whether or not I wanted to come to the U.S.,” he said. “I know firsthand the difficulties, barriers, and frustrations the young people in our community are going through—and what can happen when they can’t get the help and support they need to succeed.

” Eddy’s mission is to use his experiences to inspire and motivate young people to invest in their education, raise awareness about the detrimental impact that the Prison Industrial Complex has on the Asian and Pacific Islander population, and to build racial solidarity among people of color.

Eddy is the President & Founder of New Breath Foundation, and works to mobilize resources to support Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) harmed by violence and the unjust immigration and criminal justice systems.

A 2019-21 Rosenberg Foundation Leading Edge Fellow and a 2015-17 Open Society Foundation Soros Justice Fellow, he served as Co-Director of the Asian Prisoner Support Committee and co-founded ROOTS, the first-ever ethnic studies program in San Quentin State Prison.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 each Current or former CYC youth Demonstrates understanding or desire to understand how culture, history, and identity play an important role in building racial solidarity.

Culture: historical practices/traditions History: significant past events such as those affecting a nation(s), institutions, or groups of people and their effects on society; immigrant experience(s) Identity: the discovery of oneself; their unique personality, character, and values Personal strengths including maturity, motivation, and potential to succeed The Lee Family Scholarship supports immigrant youth who are the first in their immediate family to pursue a college education.

Rooted in a commitment to expanding access and opportunity, this scholarship uplifts students who have navigated the immigrant experience while demonstrating resilience, determination, and a strong sense of purpose. The Lee Family Scholarship is designed for students with a curiosity for the social sciences and a desire to explore how their lived experiences connect to broader social, cultural, and community issues.

Through this opportunity, we aim to empower emerging leaders who are driven to better understand the world around them and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Scholarship amount: $3,000 Incoming freshman enrolled full-time at an accredited 2- or 4-year college (Fall 2026); first in immediate family to attend college Immigrant student who is English-speaking and bilingual (all languages welcome) U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident Current CYC youth participant Creativity and resourcefulness Personal strengths (maturity, motivation, potential to succeed)