Deadline to submit for the 2026 cohort:

June 30, 2026.

What To Expect

There are two types of scholarships. You may apply for one or both. Please see our Terms of Service for more details.
These scholarships are intended for Asian American high school juniors and seniors located in the United States, including Puerto Rico. Scholarships must be intended for use at an accredited college or university.

Merit-Based Scholarship

One-time scholarship of $5000, awarded to one winner.
Apply for this if you meet the National Merit requirements. A copy of your transcript is required for upload.

Impact-Based Scholarship

One-time scholarship of $3000, awarded to one winner.
We take a whole-person approach to impact. Apply for this if you contribute your skills to helping those around you.

Steps to Complete Your Application

Helpful Tips:

• Add contact@aaexcellence.org to your address list.
• Check your spam folders if you don’t see an email from AACBE.
• Reach out to us for any questions or issues: Contact AACBE.
• Have a backup copy of your information and essays ready. This makes it easier for you to paste in your work.
• Essays are limited to 500 words.
• There is the ability to upload or link to additional materials at the end of the application. This is optional.

Create your Account

Step 1: Create an account with a unique email address -> Our system will send you an activation email.
Step 2: Click the link in the email to activate your account.
Step 3: Your account is now activated! Log into the AACBE platform and complete the required sign up process with 2-Factor Authentication in order to use the secure scholarship portal.

Apply for Scholarships

Once logged in, you’ll be able to see your Student Dashboard.
If you can’t complete the application in one sitting, click “Save & Continue to Complete Later” to email yourself a unique link to where you left off.

Step 1: Start your scholarship application and fill in any required fields.
Step 2: Submit your application.
Step 3: The hardest part–waiting! Our committee will review the applications and select a winner. We will notify winners by the end of June. Please add contact@aaexcellence.org to your address book to ensure you can receive emails from us.

Application Fields

Be prepared to submit the following

Essay prompt for all applications:

Describe how your cultural heritage and community achievements influence your professional goals.

Merit Scholarship

• PSAT Information
• Transcript
• Advanced Coursework Information
• Essay prompt:

• Architecture is often defined by what is visible, but the strongest structures rely on a hidden foundation. Describe a significant responsibility you’ve carried–within your family, a cultural community, or a household–that doesn’t appear on a standard resume. What system of care or logic did you build to manage this? How has navigating these ‘invisible’ demands shaped your drive and your ability to lead others?

Impact Scholarship

• Extracurriculars & Leadership Information
• Awards/Honors/Recognition Information
• Non-School Activities
• Employment/Work Areas
• Family/Home Support & Community Stewardship Contributions
• Essay prompt #1:

• What’s your passion and why?

• Essay prompt #2:

• What do you hope to achieve if you’re able to make a career out of your passion?