Pars Youth Grant – The American Dream

Pars Youth Grant – The American Dream

Funder: PARS Equality Center in partnership with the Kordestani Family Foundation

Overview: A financial scholarship program designed to support the academic success of the next generation of students who identify as being of Iranian descent or are actively working to uplift the Iranian American community.

Award Details

• Award Amount: Varies based on financial need and institutional costs (up to $5,000 per student)
• Payment: Scholarships are paid directly to the college or university
• Duration: One-time grant; recipients may not reapply in subsequent years

Geographic Scope

California

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL of the following:
• Currently graduating from high school in California
• Identify as being of Iranian descent, OR demonstrate a strong commitment to serving and uplifting the Iranian American community through volunteer work, leadership, advocacy, or cultural engagement
• California resident
• U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident
• Accepted to and planning to enroll in an accredited college or university in California
• Demonstrate financial need (must apply for FAFSA)
• Maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Students attending California Community Colleges as a first step in their 4-year academic journey are welcome to apply

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:
• Financial need – 40%
• Academic merit – 30%
• Essay content and personal story – 20%
• Community involvement/leadership – 10%

Contact Information

• Email: info@parsequalitycenter.org
• San Jose Center: (408) 261-6405
• LA Center: (818) 616-3091

Nondiscrimination

The Pars Grant welcomes all eligible applicants and does not discriminate based on any protected status. Preference may be given to students of Iranian descent or those who have shown a strong commitment to supporting the Iranian American community, in alignment with the organization's mission to uplift underrepresented populations.