The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship is a merit-based program that awards scholarships to three students annually to cover education-related expenses.
It is open to high school students in grades 9 to 12, as well as college and graduate students.
The scholarship program accepts applications twice a year, and in each session, three students are chosen.
The selection process is based solely on the essay submissions, without taking into account financial need or previous academic achievements.
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship Overview.
Named after award-winning authors:
The scholarship is named after Gen Tanabe and Kelly Tanabe, who are accomplished writers and have authored fourteen books on topics related to admissions and scholarships.
Backed by enthusiasm and experience:
Gen and Kelly Tanabe, as the main donors of the program, bring their passion and expertise to support students.
Giving back to society:
Both Gen and Kelly Tanabe are Harvard graduates who benefited from merit-based scholarships themselves. They aim to provide the same opportunity to other students.
Two decades of service:
The scholarship program has been running since 2001, marking 20 years of continuous support for students.
Offering further support:
In addition to awarding merit-based scholarships, the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship program assists students in finding other scholarships that align with their specific requirements and interests.
Eligibility And Application.
Eligibility criteria for the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship:
- Must be a high school student in grades 9-12, college student, graduate student, or adult student.
- Must be a legal resident of the United States.
- Must currently be enrolled in school or planning to start school within the next 12 months.
- Fill out the online application form.
- Submit academic transcripts demonstrating academic excellence.
- Write two essays outlining how you plan to utilize your education to improve your life and community.
- Include two letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, mentors, or other individuals who can speak to your character and achievements in school and beyond.
Additional information:
- Applicants must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Submission deadlines vary each year, so early application is encouraged.
- Finalists may be required to submit additional documents such as tax forms or proof of income to demonstrate financial need.
- The final award decisions are at the sole discretion of The Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship Program jury team members.
Merits & How To Win Of Gen And Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
Benefits of the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship:
Equal opportunity for all:
The selection process is solely based on the essay submission, without consideration of financial need, academic record, or background, providing an equal chance for all students to succeed.
Application flexibility:
Students have the option to choose their own essay topic or even submit a pre-written essay, allowing them to showcase their strengths and interests.
Sufficient time for preparation:
The scholarship application period offers ample time between the starting and ending dates, allowing students to carefully craft their essays and submit their best work.
Tips for winning the Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship:
Focus on the essay:
Dedicate time and effort to creating a compelling essay as it is the primary selection criterion.
Choose the subject wisely:
Avoid using the pre-given essay topics to stand out from the competition. Select a topic related to current events or align it with the judges’ interests, such as the education sector.
Seek guidance from teachers and mentors:
Consult with trusted individuals for help in selecting a topic and refining the arguments in your essay. Gather feedback and make necessary improvements.
Utilize previous work:
If you have a well-written essay from previous school assignments or other scholarships, revise and enhance it to make it as impressive as possible before submission.