It's Time to Get Involved: 7 Opportunities, Internships & Scholarships for Students in the JA Community

As a college student, there are always two things sitting in the back of my mind: internships and scholarships. One of the most difficult things about being a college student is finding opportunities that suit your interests and background. However, I have found that whether you are a Japanese American looking for a scholarship specific to you or someone who wants to cultivate their understanding of Japanese culture and history, there are tons of internship programs to choose from! Here is a list of seven great opportunities with details on their eligibility requirements, deadlines, and more.

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1. Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship

Application Deadline: February 21, 2025 11:59PM (EST)

Looking to study abroad in Japan during your time in college? The U.S.-Japan Council created the Toshizo Watanabe Endowed Scholarship Fund through an incredible $10 million donation from Mr. Toshizo Watanabe. The program has been running since 2016 and allows for both Japanese students to study in the United States and American students to study in Japan. The scholarship prioritizes low-income students in order to create opportunities for those in financial need to study abroad.

Eligibility:

• US Citizenship
• Good academic standing at an accredited college or university in the US
• Undergraduate or graduate students
• Demonstrates financial need for international study (i.e., would not be able to pursue international study without financial assistance or support)

Application Materials:

• Online Application Form
• 1-3 Essays
• Resume
• REcommendation Letter
• Study Abroad Certification Form
• Financial Certification Form
• Proof of Residency Documentation

For more information about this scholarship and how to apply, visit their website here.

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2. Sports Camp of America (SCOA) Senior Camp Counselor Summer Internship

Application Deadline: February 23, 2025

‍Are you an athlete looking for a unique opportunity to volunteer abroad? The SCOA Senior Camp Counselor Internship program brings American students to Japan to run an American-style sports camp and bridge the gap between Japanese and American sports. The program gives interns the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture, develop teaching skills, and stay with a homestay family. Although it is unpaid, the costs of airfare, food, and lodging are all covered by the program.

Eligibility:

• College student or recent graduate
• Participated in a team sport, cheer, or dance in high school or college
• Native level English speaker

Application Materials:

• SCOA Application Form

Program Dates: 

• Dates: July 13, 2025 - August 16, 2025

For more information about this program and how to apply, visit their website here.

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3. JACL National Scholarship Program

Application Deadline: Friday, March 3, 2025 11:59PM (HST) for entering freshmen; Friday, April 4, 2025 11:59PM (HST) for all other applicants

Since 1946, the JACL National Scholarship Program has been helping students chase their dreams through higher education. The program has over 30 awards to choose from and gives out over $70,000 in scholarships every year.

Eligibility: 

• Must be planning to attend a full-time college, university, trade school, business school, or any other institution of high learning within the US at the undergraduate or graduate school level in the Fall of 2025 (Entering freshmen may apply if they are high school seniors).
• Must be a current National JACL member with a student/youth membership. Student/youth memberships cost $30-$40 per year. For more information on how to become a member or renew your membership, click here.

Application Materials:

• Proof of JACL Membership
• Personal Statement
• Letter of Recommendation
• Official Transcripts
• Work Experience
• Recent Headshot
• JACL and Community Involvement

For more information about this scholarship and how to apply, visit their website here.

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4. Nikkei Community Internship Program

Application Deadline: Friday, April 4, 2025 11:59PM (PST)

‍Every summer the Nikkei Community Internship program works with over fifteen partner organizations to give participants the opportunity to develop skills and projects to better the JA community. This internship takes place over the course of eight weeks and is fully paid in the form of a stipend upon completion of the program.

Eligibility:

• Must have completed at least 1 year of college or equivalent

Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Letter of Recommendation

Program Dates: 

• June 16, 2025 - August 8, 2025

For more information about this program and how to apply, visit their website here.

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5. Japanese American Storytelling Intern

This program accepts interns on a continuous and rolling basis, so there is no application deadline.

‍If you are looking to develop your Japanese skills and learn more about Japanese American experiences and history, this is the program for you! The U.S.-Japan Council’s Japanese American Storytelling Program is an unpaid remote internship that provides college students with the professional opportunity to supervise and manage presentations given to students in Japan.

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate or graduate level college student
• Light Japanese translation/comprehension levels

Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

For more information about this program and how to apply, visit their website here.

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6. Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) Internship

This program accepts interns year-round, so there is no application deadline.

If you are based in the SoCal area and are looking to connect with the JA community, the GVJCI internship is the perfect opportunity for you! The GVJCI accepts interns year-round to assist in events, social media, marketing, and more and provides the opportunity to develop career skills and work with community leaders in a non-profit organization.

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate or graduate level college student

Application Materials:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

For more information about this program and how to apply, visit their website here.

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7. Yo! Internships and Yo! Camp Staff

Yo! Camp New Staff Application Deadline: February 28, 2025 at 11:59PM (PST)

‍As someone who started as an intern, I would be remiss if I didn’t include the many Yo! Internship and Staff opportunities in this list. Yo! recruits Camp, Magazine, and Media Marketing interns every year and provides them with the opportunities to work in a collaborative environment with other Japanese and Japanese American college students.

Currently, Yo! is only accepting Yo! Camp staff applications. Yo! Camp is a seven day sleep-away camp that provides a unique opportunity for Japanese American youth to engage in community bonding and self discovery in a safe, hands-on environment. Yo! Camp is looking for counselors, instructors, operations, medical, and kitchen staff. No experience is required, only a passion for building community!

Eligibility:

• 18 years or older

Application Materials:

• Yo! Camp New Staff Application

Yo! Camp Dates: 

• June 29, 2025 - July 5, 2025

For more information about this program and how to apply, visit Yo! Camp's website here. 

Yo! Internship Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are not yet open, but stay tuned!

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These are just a few of the hundreds of programs and opportunities for Japanese American students and those interested in Japanese culture. To all the other students out there who are feeling burnt out of their internship and scholarship search, stay hopeful! There’s something out there for everyone.