SAIL Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Asian Pacific American Bar Association

Description
**Overview**
The SAIL Scholarship recognizes law students with strong professional promise and leadership potential. It is administered by the NAPABA Law Foundation and funded through the SAIL Scholarship Fund. Each year the Foundation awards at least one $7,500 scholarship to a qualifying candidate. The scholarship supports students across their second and third years of law school.

Key takeaways
- Awarded by the NAPABA Law Foundation from the SAIL Scholarship Fund
- Recognizes professional promise and leadership potential
- At least one $7,500 scholarship is awarded annually
- Supports recipients during their 2L and 3L years

Eligibility
**Who may apply**
The scholarship is for current 1L law students who will be 2L students beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional professional promise and leadership potential. The program does not specify residency or citizenship in the provided text; applicants should confirm any additional eligibility rules in the official FAQ. Meeting the eligibility requirement is a prerequisite to being considered.

Key takeaways
- Open to current 1L students who will be 2Ls in Fall 2026
- Requires demonstrated professional promise and leadership potential
- Confirm any additional eligibility details in the FAQ
- Eligibility must be met before application is considered

Evaluation Criteria
**What reviewers evaluate**
Applicants are assessed on five core dimensions: academic excellence (undergraduate and first-year law school), leadership experience, volunteerism or public-interest service, knowledge of or commitment to addressing issues affecting one or more AAPI communities, and a demonstrated commitment to “pay it forward.” Each element is considered in the selection process to identify candidates with both achievement and community-oriented impact. Reviewers weigh the combination of academic record, experiential leadership, and community commitment when making decisions.

Key takeaways
- Academic excellence in undergraduate studies and 1L year is required
- Leadership experience is a significant factor
- Volunteerism or public-interest service is considered
- Knowledge of or commitment to AAPI community issues is important
- Demonstrated commitment to “pay it forward” is evaluated

Selection Process and Interview
**How finalists are chosen**
A selection committee reviews applications against the evaluation criteria and may invite applicants to participate in a video interview with one or more committee members. The interview is used to clarify application materials and assess professional promise, leadership potential, and community commitment. Final award decisions are made by the committee based on the complete application and, if conducted, the interview.

Key takeaways
- Applications are reviewed by a selection committee
- Applicants may be asked to participate in a video interview
- Interviews clarify application materials and assess fit with scholarship goals
- Final decisions are committee-driven

Award Value and Disbursement Conditions
**Amount and payment schedule**
The SAIL Scholarship total award is $7,500, distributed in two equal payments. The first half is disbursed in August of the recipient’s second year of law school; the second half is disbursed in August of the recipient’s third year of law school. The second disbursement is conditional on the scholar maintaining strong academic performance, good character, and continued dedication to the scholarship’s principles.

Key takeaways
- Total award: $7,500
- Paid in two equal installments of $3,750
- First payment: August of the 2L year
- Second payment: August of the 3L year, subject to continued performance and conduct

Application Timeline and Requirements
**When to apply and what to check first**
Current 1L students planning to be 2Ls in Fall 2026 should submit their applications according to the Foundation’s published timeline. Exact application deadlines, required documents, and submission instructions are provided in the scholarship FAQ and official application materials. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the FAQ before applying to confirm deadlines, documentation, and any additional expectations.

Key takeaways
- Apply as a current 1L who will be a 2L in Fall 2026
- Check the scholarship FAQ for deadlines and required materials
- Follow the Foundation’s published submission instructions
- Review expectations and eligibility before applying

History of the Award and Donor Recognition
**Origins and support**
The SAIL Scholarship exists because of the generosity of Sharon and Ivan Fong, whose support established the SAIL Scholarship Fund. The NAPABA Law Foundation administers the fund and manages the annual awards. The scholarship reflects a philanthropic commitment to developing future leaders in the legal profession, especially those engaging with AAPI community issues.

Key takeaways
- Established through the generosity of Sharon and Ivan Fong
- Administered by the NAPABA Law Foundation
- Intended to support emerging legal leaders with community focus
- Funded via the SAIL Scholarship Fund

Before applying, consult the official scholarship FAQ to confirm all procedural details and expectations.