The Jihoon Rim Foundation Scholarship supports exceptional undergraduate students of Korean descent. Each year, we select 20 students to receive a $10,000 scholarship, mentorship, and opportunities to connect with a growing community of fellow scholars.
The Award
Each scholar receives $10,000.
Beyond Financial Support
Scholars receive mentorship from our founder, Jihoon Rim, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business and former CEO of Kakao Corp. They also build a peer network with fellow scholars who are leaders in their own right.
A Community for Life
Throughout the year, the Foundation organizes opportunities for scholars to connect:
Annual Reception: An event in New York City honoring each year's new scholars.
Annual Reunion: An all-cohort gathering in New York City bringing together current and former scholars.
Regional Gatherings: Events in New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C., where scholars reconnect and build relationships.
2027 Scholarship Application
We are now accepting applications for the 2027 Jihoon Rim Foundation Scholarship.
Scholarship Award
Each recipient will receive a $10,000 scholarship, paid in two installments:
$5,000 at the annual award reception in New York City on April 10, 2027.
$5,000 in September 2028, upon verification of full-time undergraduate enrollment for the Fall 2028 semester.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
Be of Korean descent and either a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Have graduated from a high school located in the United States.
Be a freshman or sophomore enrolled full-time in a four-year college or university as of the application deadline.
Attend a college or university in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Be enrolled full-time for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Attend the award reception in New York City on April 10, 2027.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Academic achievement and/or leadership potential
Personal essay
Financial need
Required Essay: "Why You?"
Submit an essay of up to 1,000 words explaining why you believe you are a strong candidate for the Jihoon Rim Foundation Scholarship.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the 2027 Online Application Form and submit the following documents:
Resume/CV
College transcript (official or unofficial copy)
Personal essay
One letter of recommendation (academic or professional)
2027–28 FAFSA Submission Summary, including your Student Aid Index (SAI)
All uploaded documents must be submitted in PDF format. Additional submission instructions are provided in the application form.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: January 31, 2027, at 11:59pm Eastern Time
Notification of Results: Early to mid-March 2027
Award Reception: April 10, 2027, in New York City
Questions
Email us at contact@jrimfoundation.org.