What do I need to know about the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship?

I'm exploring various scholarships to help with college expenses and came across the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship. Can anyone explain how this scholarship works? I'm particularly curious about eligibility requirements, any specific application components like essays, and any deadlines I should be aware of. Also, if you have experience applying to this scholarship, what tips would you recommend to increase my chances of winning?

The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a merit-based program open to students of all backgrounds and fields of study. The scholarship was named in honor of the authors and namesakes, Gen and Kelly Tanabe, who both are Harvard graduates and well-known writers in the field of education. This scholarship offers a unique opportunity because it is open to 9th-12 graders, college students, and grad students.

As for eligibility, this scholarship doesn't require a certain GPA or test score. Getting down to specifics, students must be 9th-12th grade high school, college, or graduate student including adult students residing in the U.S.

For the application, students are required to write a short personal statement (max 250 words) answering one of three question. The scholarship is awarded based on the student's ability to communicate why they should be chosen to receive it or what they will do with it.

One thing to note is you're only allowed to submit one application per year (a year is defined as 12 months from the date of your last application). The deadlines usually fall around July and December each year, so be sure to check back periodically to see when the next submission period opens.

In terms of advice, the most effective personal statements for this scholarship are ones that are concise, well-written, and honestly reflect the applicant's own experiences and aspirations. You need to persuade the reviewers that you are worthy and will put the scholarship to good use. Emphasize your academic achievements, personal goals, and dedication to your field. Remember, storytelling can be powerful; if you can tell your story effectively and authentically, you'll have a strong chance of capturing the committee's attention. Good luck!