High School Class of 2026 and College Students
Graduating high school seniors and full-time college students, the prestigious Servant Leadership Awards were established by the Council of Asian Pacific Americans (CAPA) to encourage the educational advancement of Michigan Youth and to foster involvement and servant leadership in their communities.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 CAPA Leadership Summit on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Oakland University. Winners MUST be present to receive the award.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Application must be submitted via the CAPA 2026 Servant Leadership Awards Google Form by October 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
CAPA SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Two $500 scholarships for high school senior students Four $500 scholarships for college students
APPLICATION
Click here to download application 2026 Servant Leadership Awards Application
ELIGIBILITY
Must be a full-time high school senior or college student with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent). Must attend or plan to attend a Michigan institution. Participates in community service, school activities, cultural organizations, diversity initiatives or civic engagement. Must be willing to volunteer at a CAPA signature event and serve on CAPA’s Youth Committee. Ongoing volunteering is encouraged to gain valuable experience and build connections. Submits completed application, including personal essay and letter of recommendation, by the application deadline.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Community Service (40 points)
General Community Service – Demonstrated commitment to volunteerism, service activities to the community-at-large or regardless of culture, ethnicity or heritage. For example: volunteering in a hospital, food bank. Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion – Demonstrated meaningful servant leadership and community service that fosters cross-cultural understanding, benefits minority communities, and/or underserved populations. For example – participating in the AAPI Heritage month activities, volunteering at events to help the elderly or disabled, or giving a talk about the importance of DEI.
Leadership and Character (30 points)
Letter of Recommendation(s) from Teacher or Coach or a Nominator Letter providing evidence of leadership experience, integrity, responsibility, initiative, teamwork, dependability, and positive character.
Personal Essay (30 points)
A clear and thoughtful essay describing the applicant’s educational and career goals, service experiences, cultural identity, leadership development, and commitment to giving back to the community. Also identify which leader you look up to or what quote resonates with your leadership style. [Applicants are NOT allowed to use AI in writing their essay. Limit word count to 300 words.]
DECISION
Awardees will be announced at the CAPA Leadership Summit on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Oakland University. Student winners must be present at the CAPA Leadership Summit to receive their award. The decision of CAPA’s Scholarship Committee is final.
For questions, email the Scholarship Chair at scholarsaward@capa-mi.org.