Our purpose
About the ZIUSA Scholarship
We want our students to have the chance to see how far their education can take them. Through the ZIUSA Scholarship, our community comes together to support them, encourage them, and remind them that we believe in their future.
Mission and history
Established in 2022, the ZIUSA Scholarship reduces financial barriers to higher education and honors Zomi students who pair academic excellence with service to the Zomi community. Beyond the financial award, it is a community-recognized mark of excellence that students carry into their academic and professional growth.
Through the 2026 awards, the program has awarded $41,250 to 25 scholars across five countries: the United States, Myanmar, India, Thailand, and South Korea.
Eligibility
The scholarship is open to Zomi students who are
- high school seniors planning to attend college, or
- current college or university students, or
- college graduates pursuing further education, including MA, MS, PhD, MD, JD, and other advanced degrees.
Students at institutions in the United States and internationally are welcome. Wherever you are in your academic journey, you are encouraged to apply.
Selection criteria
The committee evaluates applicants on three equally weighted factors.
Academic excellence
Excellence takes many forms, not just grades and test scores. The committee looks for challenging coursework, upward academic progress, research and original projects, creative or technical work, persistence through obstacles, and students who balance school with family, work, or community responsibilities.
Service to the Zomi community
Service that strengthens the Zomi community, past and future. Examples include mentoring younger students, organizing cultural or church events, preserving language and history, advocacy and mutual aid, translation and interpretation, student leadership, fundraising for families in need, and building connections across the diaspora.
Future commitment to the Zomi community
How an applicant plans to keep serving. The committee wants to understand how past work connects to future goals and how continued education will strengthen the community.
These examples are illustrations, not an exclusive checklist. If you are learning deeply and moving forward with integrity and curiosity, that is achievement worth sharing.
How selection works
Application review
The selection committee reviews every complete application based on the three criteria.
Finalist interviews
Selected applicants are invited to an interview.
Awards
After interviews, awardees are chosen and announced. Winners are formally recognized at the annual ZIUSA Khawmpi.
Application checklist
A complete application includes the following documents, each uploaded separately in the application portal.
- Resume of one to two pages
- Two letters of recommendation from third parties (not family members or friends)
- High school transcript
- College transcript (not required for high school seniors)
- Personal photo in Zomi traditional clothing
- Personal statement of 750 words or fewer
The resume, letters of recommendation, and personal statement may be written in English or Zolai.
Timeline for the 2027 cycle
- November 15, 2026Applications open
- March 15, 2027Applications due by 11:59 p.m. Central Time
- March 15 – May 15, 2027Finalist interviews
- After May 15, 2027Winners announced