Kyoto Prize Scholarship

Geographic Scope: San Diego County, California, USA and Tijuana, Mexico (Baja California region)

Program Overview: Since 2004, The Kyoto Symposium Organization has offered scholarships to college-bound students from public and private high schools in San Diego and Mexico. In partnership with local universities, KSO has provided nearly $5 million in scholarships to the San Diego and Baja California region. The organization seeks to recognize extraordinary students who are actively pursuing the betterment of society.

Annual Award Structure:

• U.S. (San Diego): Three $10,000 scholarships; up to 8 additional scholarships given to Finalists and Semi-Finalists ranging from $500 to $1,000
• Mexico (Tijuana): Three scholarships of MXN-100,000 (~$5,000 USD) each

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be a graduating senior at a San Diego County public, private, or parochial high school (U.S.)
• Plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Be actively involved in serving their community as demonstrated by involvement in community, extra-curricular activities, or work experience
• Criteria go beyond academic performance—KSO seeks students actively pursuing the betterment of society

Selection Process:

• 9 Finalists selected for interview phase
• Interviews are 30 minutes in length, conducted via Zoom
• 3-panel interviews covering application, field of study, future goals, and connection to current Kyoto Prize Laureate and Inamori Foundation
• Final selections made by mid-February

Connection to Kyoto Prize: Scholarship recipients present at the annual Kyoto Prize Symposium Gala and meet Kyoto Prize Laureates. The 2025 Laureates recognized are:

• Advanced Technology: Shun-ichi Amari (artificial neural networks, information geometry)
• Basic Sciences: Azim Surani (genomic imprinting)
• Arts and Philosophy: Carol Gilligan (ethics of care and justice)

Contact Information:

• **U.S.
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 261078, San Diego, CA 92196

About the Founder: Dr. Kazuo Inamori, global entrepreneur and humanitarian, created the Kyoto Prize in 1984. The Inamori Foundation presents this international award annually in November to recognize individuals and groups worldwide who have made outstanding contributions to the betterment of the global community. The Foundation's activities are based on the belief that humanity's future depends on balancing scientific development with spiritual depth.

Application Process

Application Portal: Applications are submitted through partner organizations:

• U.S. (San Diego): San Diego Foundation's Common Application portal
• Mexico (Tijuana): Fundacion Internacional de la Comunidad portal

Applicants must visit the partner organization websites to apply.

Application Timeline (2025-2026 Cycle):

• U.S. Application Period: November 4, 2025 - January 6, 2026
• Mexico Application Period: October 22, 2025 - December 5, 2025
• Portal opens in early November
• 9 Finalists notified by end of January
• Interviews held in early February
• Final selections made by mid-February
• Winners notified by mid-February

Required Application Materials:

1. Common Application Essays (required):
   • Question 1 (250 words max): Describe your educational and career goals and explain how your interest in them developed. If undecided, describe possible goals and how you might explore them.
   • Question 2 (500 words max): Choose ONE:
   • Explain how an important personal accomplishment, challenge, or experience has impacted your life. What did you learn and how will you apply this lesson in the classroom or community?
   • Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes, or contributed to group efforts over time.
2. Kyoto Prize Essay (required - 500 words max):
   • Select ONE of the current Kyoto Prize Laureates and describe what inspires you most about his/her life, achievements, work and contributions to society.
3. Supporting Documents (for initial application):
   • Official or unofficial transcript reflecting all 4 years of high school
   • At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, coach, and/or advisor

For Finalists (Additional Requirements Before Interview):

• Most recent unofficial school transcript
• Reference letter from a teacher, counselor, adviser, or coach
• High-resolution head-shot photo

Note: All three essay questions are required to complete the application. It is strongly suggested that supporting documents be prepared in advance.