Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship

Every spring, the Boston College Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship recognizes a BC junior with a strong academic record who has been actively engaged in Asian American issues and service to the Asian American community on or off campus. These community and service involvements may take many different forms, and are not in any way limited to participation in specifically Asian clubs or activities. The scholarship is an important way in which Boston College recognizes the achievements of all of our students who are engaged in Asian American issues, and we have found students gain a lot from going through the process of applying. 

A selection committee composed of faculty, staff, administrators and the previous scholarship winner reviews all applications. Finalists are selected on the basis of two main criteria:

  • Leadership and participation in activities, on campus or off, that serve others, and that help strengthen the Asian American community and its contributions to the larger American society.
  • Academic accomplishments as evidenced by strong grades, an ambitious selection of courses, and the integration of academic interests with personal goals. 

We will celebrate all the finalists and announce the winner of the scholarship at a banquet in the late spring. All finalists, including the winner, will be presented with a book and a BC Bookstore Gift Certificate worth $1000. The winner will also receive a scholarship of up to $25,000 for their senior year and the finalists will also win a small scholarship.

We will also be holding an info session about the scholarship on January 29, 12–2:00 p.m. at the Thea Bowman AHANA & Intercultural Center Conference Room (Maloney 455).

How To Apply

Applications are due on March 1st, 2024 @ 5:00 p.m. (EST). You can apply through a Google Form. The application is very simple, so please consider applying if you qualify. 

To be considered, you must be:

  • a full-time Boston College junior 
  • a citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0
  • active in community service to the Asian American and wider communities on and/or off campus
  • engaged with Asian American issues and/or the Asian American community
     

The requirements for the preliminary application are:

  • A digital copy of your degree audit.
  • A one-page resume of significant honors and awards, extracurricular and service activities, and employment on and off campus, in which you have participated since you began college.
  • A response to the following questions:
    • Reflecting on your academic experiences at BC, please describe the intellectual question you are most passionate about. (Limit: 300 words)
    • Describe the extracurricular activity you have been involved in that has had the greatest impact on others. (Limit: 300 words)
    • Briefly describe the leadership roles that you have played in college, on and off campus, the nature of your activities, and amount of time (hours/weeks) you devoted to each. (Limit: 250 words).
    • (optional) Is there anything about your background or life experiences that you think the committee should be aware of in considering your application? (Limit: 250 words)
  • An acceptance of a Statement of Certification and Release
     

The strongest of the preliminary applicants will be notified by March 13th, 2024 that they have been selected for a committee interview. Interviewees will be asked to submit a supplementary essay (800-1000 words) on what Asian American issues are most important to them and what solutions they would propose to BC to address these issues. This essay will be due March 27th, 2024.

Interviews will be held on April 6th, 2024 and the finalists will be selected from those interviewed.

Apply Now

Benigno and Corazon Aquino

Benigno and Corazon Aquino

Benigno and Corazon Aquino

Benigno and Corazon Aquino were influential political figures and tireless advocates for democracy in the Philippines. Their leadership and commitment to public service provide admirable models for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Born to and inspired by his politically involved family, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. (1932-1983) was a journalist who began his political career as the mayor of his hometown and later served as a senator (“Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino Jr”). Aquino opposed the authoritarian rule of President Ferdinand Marcos by exposing and protesting the repression, poverty and corruption of the regime. He was committed to fighting for justice and the rights of the Filipino people, which led him to be considered as a front-runner for the 1973 presidential election. Unfortunately, Aquino suffered for being a vocal critic of Marcos, as he was incarcerated, exiled, and later assassinated in 1983 (“Ninoy Aquino”). His unwavering sacrifice inspired countless individuals and ushered massive protests that propelled the movement for social justice in the Philippines. Following the assassination, Aquino’s partner, Corazon “Cory” Aquino (1933-2009) became the first female president of the Philippines in 1986 (“Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino”). She was a symbol of change for the Filipino people and led the country towards democracy and national healing. The Aquino administration dismantled the authoritarian power structure by reinstating a bicameral Congress, repealing repressive labor laws, releasing political prisoners, and investigating human rights abuses under Marcos (“Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino”). Throughout their lives, the Aquinos actively supported the rights and welfare of all individuals, emphasizing peace, good leadership, and civil liberties.

Past Scholarship Recipients

  • Catherine Yoon (2009)
  • Malak Yusuf (2008)
  • Kuong Ly (1007)
  • Annie Le (2006)
  • Jina Moon (2005)
  • Sarah Ha (2004)
  • Cindy Uh (2003)
  • John Huh (2002)
  • Dawn Lozada (2001)
  • Shireen Zaman (2000)
  • Judy Pisnanont (1999)
  • Sophy Theam (1998)
  • Steven Kim & Jocelyn Manuel (1997)
  • Jackson Quan (1996)
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