Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) Scholarship Program

The eighth annual AACO Scholarship Program supports undergraduate, graduate, and vocational students committed to the betterment of the Afghan-American community and those engaged in aid work within the community. Since its inception in 2018, the program has awarded nearly $300,000 in total scholarship funds.

Purpose

AACA believes developing a strong scholarship program is one of the most powerful ways to support, empower, and engage the next generation—to continue building the legacy as a diaspora and fulfill the dreams of parents who sacrificed everything. Scholarships level the playing field by removing the financial burden of education, allowing students to focus purely on academic pursuits. There are no other scholarship opportunities specifically for the Afghan diaspora.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Vocational students
• Must demonstrate commitment to empowering the Afghan-American community
• Must demonstrate financial need

Award Amounts

• Total annual funding: $30,000 distributed among recipients
• Specific individual award amounts not specified

Geographic Scope

• Afghan-American community (primarily US-based)

Focus Areas

• Empowerment of Afghan-American community
• Aid work within the community
• Academic advancement

Background

• Named scholarships within the program:
  • Afghan-American Community Organization Scholarship: Awarded to students engaged and committed to empowering the Afghan-American community with demonstrated financial need
  • Sophia and Sabrina Scholarship: Created in honor of the founders of the AACO Scholarship program; specifically targets Afghan women with aspirations to give back to the community

Application Process

Deadline: Applications due Tuesday, April 1st at 11:59 PM PST (annual)

Note: 2025 applications have closed as of the provided date (April 3, 2026)

Required Materials

• Application form (details available in 2025 AACO Scholarship Application Preview)
• Specific required documents not listed in provided content

How to Apply

1. Review the AACO Scholarship Application Preview for sample questions
2. Complete the application form
3. Submit by April 1st at 11:59 PM PST
4. Contact scholarships@aa-co.org with questions

Additional Resources

• FAQ page available on website
• Application preview document with sample questions available