Enabling today's scholars, empowering tomorrow's leaders
Founded in 1997, the Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) has given scholarship funds to university and high-school students in need for nearly three decades — giving back to our community and supporting young talent.
Watch our story
Two short films about our students, our ceremonies, and nearly three decades of giving back.
Education changes everything
Our program is named for King Sejong the Great, who created the Korean alphabet so that ordinary people could read and write. He understood that opportunity grows when knowledge is shared — that education is the root of social mobility.
We carry that mission forward: supporting promising students who cannot otherwise afford their education, so their futures are not determined by their circumstances.
More about us
Latest stories
Art Contest
The Korea Times
We Drew the Future With Our Imagination
Newspaper coverage of the 5th Art Contest awards ceremony at Bayside Cantina, where 21 winners received prizes under the theme "Towards the Future."
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Art Contest
2026 SSFA Art Contest Results — "Into the Future"
We received 79 submissions from students in Maryland and Virginia. Trophies and cash prizes were awarded; Bayside Cantina sponsored an additional Special Prize.
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Art Contest
5th Annual
2026 "Into the Future" Art Contest
The Sejong Scholarship Foundation invites students in grades K–12 to imagine the world years from now. Winners are recognized at our in-person awards ceremony and exhibition in May 2026 in Baltimore.
Read storyPrograms & opportunities
Scholarships
Need- and merit-based awards for high-school and college students in the DMV area.
Learn more →Art Contest
Our annual K–12 contest celebrates the creativity of young artists with trophies and cash prizes.
Learn more →Speech Contest
Students develop confidence and voice through public speaking.
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"The support I received could be used for my own development — it enabled me to grow as an artist and laid a solid foundation for me. I am now painting a better future that I can create."
Common questions
Quick answers about who we are, who can apply, and how your gift helps.
- What is the Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America?
- The Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1997. We award need- and merit-based scholarships to high school and college students across the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. One hundred percent of donations go directly to student scholarships.
- Who can apply for an SSFA scholarship?
- Students in the greater Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area can apply. We welcome graduating high school seniors and current college students who show academic promise and financial need. Applicants submit transcripts, an essay, and references during our annual application window each spring.
- Is my donation to SSFA tax-deductible?
- Yes. SSFA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-2047979), so every gift is fully tax-deductible. You can donate online in minutes through our secure Donate page, or mail a check. Every dollar you give funds scholarships for deserving local students.
- How long has SSFA supported students?
- SSFA has awarded scholarships since 1997, helping hundreds of students afford college and pursue their goals. Each year our award ceremony celebrates a new class of recipients alongside the donors and volunteers who make the program possible. Read more on our About and News pages.
Your gift opens a door to opportunity
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Every donation directly funds scholarships for deserving students.