Sejong Scholarship Foundation in America (SSFA)
Founded in 1997, SSFA has given scholarship funds to university students in need for the past two decades. Originally established by first generation Korean American immigrants as a way of giving back to their community and supporting young talent, the foundation has now passed on to be run by second and third generations. They carry on the work of reaching out to students in America who are dedicated to their academics and future but lack the means to fully pursue their potential. We fundraise, host events, and accept donations In order to continue fulfilling our mission.
SSFA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax deductible.
(EIN: 41-2047979)
Since 1997,
For 25 Years641 Students
Over $618,500
Welcome message
Welcome to Sejong Scholarship Foundation Website. I am proud to be this year's President. Our mission's priority is to serve college and high school students who excel in academic but are in financial needs. In 2018 and going forward, we plan to expand our program and increase scholarship amount so that more students will benefit. As a growing organization, we welcome your comments and suggestions. Please send them to us so we can use them to improve and evolve as a dynamic organization.
John Hwang, President
SSFA Alumni Testimonial
Name: Ara Ko
2022 SSFA Scholarship Recipient
The Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America has been a significant help in alleviating my financial difficulties while I pursued my school activities, several fellowships, and grants, along with managing community art projects concurrently. As the support could be used for individual development, it enabled me to create other materials that could enhance my career as an artist. The assistance from the Sejong Scholarship Foundation was a donation and dedication that I had not experienced in the social programs I participated in, and it has laid a solid foundation for me. I am now painting a better future that I can create.
Testimonials from our alumni prove impacts we have made.
"I'M THANKFUL THAT THIS SCHOLARSHIP DID NOT ONLY THAT, BUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS ALSO GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTEMPLATE HOW MY PRIOR EXPERIENCES HAVE SHAPED MY IDENTITY AS A KOREAN-AMERICAN. . . . I WOULDN'T HAVE MADE IT TO WHERE I AM WITHOUT THE COMMUNITIES AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME. . . .""
"I FOUND OUT ABOUT SSFA THROUGH THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF MARYLAND, WHERE I MET A LOT OF INCREDIBLE AND INSPIRING ASIAN/KOREAN AMERICAN STUDENTS WITH SIMILAR DREAMS. SSFA ENCOURAGED ME TO KEEP WORKING HARD, AND REMAIN POSITIVE WHILE I WAS WORKING TOWARD TO EARN MY UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE."
Why Sejong?
The name of our scholarship program comes from King Sejong the Great, a sovereign ruler of the Joseon dynasty from 1418 to 1450. We as a philanthropic organization took our inspiration from him because he is known as one of the greatest Kings in Korean history for his intelligence and lasting public works, which includes the Korean alphabet. He created the modern Korean alphabet in order to help the common folk read and write, which was incredibly rare back then due to limited access to education of traditional chinese characters. The scientific and phonetic structure of the new alphabet made it incredibly easy to learn. With this new alphabet, King Sejong set out to fix the root of all political, economic, and social disparities, which he knew stemmed from the dissemination of knowledge, hence education. If more people from diverse backgrounds could read and write, and thus share information, then opportunities for upward social mobility would grow, and society’s problems of inequity would decrease. It is this mission of King Sejong that we wholeheartedly adopted and implemented in our foundation’s work. Through our scholarship, we intend to support students, who are promising young intellectuals but cannot afford their education otherwise, so that their future lives are not solely determined by their circumstances.
Our History
| Year | History |
| May. 1997 | The Board of Directors of the Korean Society of Maryland (24th President: Mr. Chik S. Chang) approved the establishment of a scholarship fund for Korean American students using the proceedings of a golf tournament ($8,237.95). |
| Dec. 1997 | The Korean American Scholarship Foundation of Maryland was established with Mr. Jong H. Lee and Dr. Joo D. Yoon as the inaugural Chair and the President, respectively. |
| June. 1998 | The name was changed to the Sejong Scholarship Foundation of USA. |
| Sep. 1998 | It was registered to the State of Maryland as a nonprofit organization. |
| Dec. 1999 | The inaugural scholarships were awarded to 12 students, including Ms. Soowon Ha (UMCP), at an award ceremony held at Goongjun Restaurant. |
| Mar. 2000 | Mr. Bobby Kim and Mr. Chik S. Chang were elected the 2nd President and the Chair, respectively. |
| Nov. 2000 | The 2nd-year scholarships were awarded to 23 students, including Mr. Young Ook Shin (Cornell University), at an award ceremony at Q's Restaurant. |
| Nov. 2001 | The 3rd-year scholarships were awarded to 21 students, including Mr. Jooyup Cho (UMBC), at an award ceremony held at Goongjun Restaurant. |
| Mar. 2002 | Mr. Chik S. Chang and Ms. Eun Kim were elected the 3rd President and the Chair, respectively. |
| Dec. 2012 | It was registered to the IRS as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. |
| June. 2002 | A fundraising dinner was held at Goongjun Restaurant. |
| Oct. 2002 | The 4th-year scholarships were awarded to 20 students, including Mr. SangkyungPyun (UM Graduate School), at an award ceremony held at Q's Restaurant. |
| June. 2003 | The Board of Directors approved the 1st amendment of the bylaws. |
| Aug. 2003 | The 5th-year scholarships were awarded to 20 students, including Mr. Chuljoon Hwang (Johns Hopkins University). |
| Mar. 2003 | Mr. Seung K. Rhee and Ms. Eun Kim were elected the 4th President and the Chair, respectively. |
| May. 2004 | A golf outing for scholarship fundraising was held at the River Downs County Club at Pinks berg, raising more than $30,000. |
| Aug. 2004 | A Korean Lyric Concert was held for fundraising at the Maryland Art Center. |
| Aug. 2004 | The 6th-year scholarships were awarded to 33 students, including Ms. Chanmi You (Yale University). |
| Aug. 2005 | The 7th-year scholarships were awarded to 44 students, including 13 high school students and 33 college students at a Concert celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Liberation Day held at the University of Maryland Arts Center. |
| Mar. 2006 | Mr. Peter Lee and Mr. Ok T. Kim were elected the 5th President and the Chair, respectively. |
| July. 2007 | The 8th-year scholarships were awarded to 29 students, including Ms. GiaKan (Duke University). |
| Mar. 2008 | Mr. Peter Leewas reelected and Mr. John Chang was elected the Chair for a 3-year term. |
| Nov. 2008 | The 9th-year scholarships were awarded to 45 students, including Mr. Hyun-Young Yoon (Yanji University & KAIST), who was one of eight recipients of the John Chang Scholarship Fund. |
| Aug. 2009 | The inaugural campaign, "Scholarship of Love," was launched in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $50,000. |
| Nov. 2009 | The 10th-year scholarships were awarded to 42 students, including Ms. Soo-Young Jung ( Virginia Tech), at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. Eight were recipients of John Chang Scholarship Fund and several were receiving from the JC Mission Fund. |
| April. 2010 | Rev. Thorn W. Myung was elected the 7th President. |
| July. 2010 | At a board of directors meeting held at the Mr. Chang's, the bylaws were amended and several directors were appointed. |
| Aug.2010 | The 2nd-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign started in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $60,000. |
| Nov. 2010 | The 11th-year scholarships were awarded to 33 students, including Mr. Enoch Cha, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Jan. 2011 | At a board of directors meeting held at Kimko Restaurant, the bylaws were amended for the second time. |
| July. 2011 | The 3rd-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign began in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $52,000. |
| Nov. 2011 | The 12th-year scholarships were awarded to 31 students, including Mr. Enoch Cha, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Feb. 2012 | Rev. Thorn W. Myung was reelected as 8th President, and Mr. Donald Chang was elected the 7th Chair. |
| June. 2012 | A board of directors meeting was held at Mr. Chang's to elect the Executive Team. |
| Aug. 2012 | A Controller and a Treasurer was appointed at a board meeting held at Kimko Restaurant. |
| Oct. 2012 | The 4th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $49,500. |
| Dec. 2012 | The 13th-year scholarships were awarded to 36 students, including Ms. Hyehyun Choi, at an award ceremony held at the Philippi Church. |
| Feb. 2013 | Ms. HyeJa Chang was elected the 8th Chair at a board of directors meeting held at Kimko Restaurant. |
| Sep. 2013 | The 8th-year “Scholarship of Love sponsorship golf invitation was held |
| Oct. 2013 | The5th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $44,200. |
| Nov. 2013 | The 14th-year scholarships were awarded to 27 students, including Mr. Chris Jihyun Ahn, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Jan. 2014 | John Hwang was elected the 9thPresident. |
| Sep. 2014 | The 9th-year “Scholarship of Love sponsorship golf invitation" was held |
| Oct. 2014 | The 6th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $51,150. |
| Nov. 2014 | The 15th-year scholarships were awarded to 33 students, including Ms. Kim, Esther, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Jan. 2015 | Mr. Rev. Thorn W. Myung was elected the 9th Chair at a board of directors meeting held at Tongnamoo House Restaurant. |
| Aug. 2015 | The 10th-year “Scholarship of Love sponsorship golf invitation was held |
| Oct. 2015 | The 7th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $63,300. |
| Nov. 2015 | The 16th-year scholarships were awarded to 33 students, including Ms. Kwon, Hye Lin, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Feb. 2016 | John Hwang was elected the 10th President. |
| Aug. 2016 | The 11th-year “Scholarship of Love sponsorship golf invitation" was held. |
| Oct. 2016 | The 8th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $43,400. |
| Nov. 2016 | The 17th-year scholarships were awarded to 33 students, including Ms. Lee,Joanna, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Feb. 2017 | Mr. Rev. Thorn W. Myung was elected the 10th Chair at a board of directors meeting held at Dae jang Geum Restaurant. |
| Aug. 2017 | The 12th-year “Scholarship of Love" sponsorship golf invitation was held. |
| Oct. 2017 | The 9th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed in partnership with the Korea Times, raising $44,980. |
| Nov. 2017 | The 18th-year scholarships were awarded to 32 students, including Ms. Christina Jisoo Kim, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Feb. 2018 | Albert Kim was elected the 11th President. |
| Aug. 2018 | The 13th-year "Scholarship of Love sponsorship golf invitation" was held. |
| Oct. 2018 | The 10th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed. |
| Nov. 2018 | The 19th-year scholarships were awarded to 25 college and 4 high school students from over 10 states at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Oct. 2019 | The 11th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed. |
| Nov. 2019 | The 20th-year scholarships were awarded to 24 college and 6 high school students at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Feb. 2020 | Albert Kim was elected the 12th President. John Hwang was elected the chairman at a board of directors. |
| Oct. 2020 | The 12th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed. |
| Nov. 2020 | The 21th-year scholarships were awarded to 25 college and 2 high school students at an award ceremony held via Zoom. |
| Oct. 2021 | The 13th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed. |
| Nov. 2021 | The 22th-year scholarships were awarded to 29 college and 1 high school students at an award ceremony held via Zoom. |
| Feb. 2022 | John Hwang was elected the 13th President. Albert Kim was elected the chairman at a board of directors. |
| Jun. 2022 | 2022 “Spread Your Love” Art Contest and Exhibition was held at Baltimore Bayside Cantina Restaurant’s outdoor space. Trophy and prizes were awarded to 21 students in the award event. |
| Sep. 2022 | The 14th-year "Scholarship of Love" campaign was completed in partnership with the Korea Times. |
| Nov. 2022 | The 23th-year scholarships were awarded to 31 students, including Mrs. Hogan, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference. |
| Feb. 2023 | John Hwang was elected the 14th President. Albert Kim was elected the chairman at a board of directors. |
| May. 2023 | 2023 “I Am Proud'” Art Contest and Exhibition was held at Baltimore Bayside Cantina Restaurant’s outdoor space. Trophy and prizes were awarded to 30 students in the award event. |
| Nov. 2023 | The 24th-year scholarships were awarded to 29 students at an award ceremony held at Baltimore Bayside Cantina Restaurant. |
| Feb. 2024 | John Hwang was elected the 15th President. Yong Jung was elected the chairman at a board of directors. |
| May. 2024 | 2023 “I Am Proud'” Art Contest and Exhibition was held at Baltimore Bayside Cantina Restaurant’s outdoor space. Trophy and prizes were awarded to 30 students in the award event. |
Our Donators
SSFA would like to thank all the individuals and organizations listed below for donating to our organization for over the past 20 years. Your contributions in time and resources have made our work possible. We will continue to support and to foster talented young students, who wish to pursue academic opportunities with relieved financial distress.
1st Mariner Bank | Albert Kim. CPA | Ben Choi | Best Car Wash | Best Home Care | Best World Inc. | Bizflow Corperation | Bob Yi | Byung W. Jun | C&E Financial Services | C2 Education Center (Bobby Kim) | Care Free Land USA | CBMC | Chung H. Lee | Clean Edge, Inc | Convege Tech Inc. | Dae H. Lee | Dae Jang Geum | David Lee | Doo S. Chang | Du Suk, Chang | East Central Sports Association for the Disabled | East West Accup & Herbs Clinic | Eun Kim | Eun Hee, Choi | Eul-Mo, Kang | Eung Kwon Kim M.D. | Flagstar bank | Food Value | Gcoop USA | Giant Realty | Go Eun&Associotes,llc | Grace Byun | Grace Presb. Church | Han, Misop | Heineken USA | Ho Choi Pro | Ho Nam Friendly Asso. | Hong J. Kim | HoonJung Choi | Hye J. Chang | Hyo S., Ahn | Hyung Kim | In H. Chang | Jack’s tire | Jae B. Yoo | Jae C., Jung | Jae D. Yoo | Jae S. Bae Esq. | Jane Roger | Jay Kim | JC Mission | Ji H. Ryu | Jik S. Chang | Jin H. Park | Jinny Choi Realty | John Hwang | John Jang | John Kang D.D.S. | Jonathan Ahn, Esq. | Jong Hwa Lee | Joo D. Yun M.D. | Joseph, Jeon CPA | Joyful Adult Medical Daycare Center | Jun Park. D.D.S. P.A. | Jun Young Park D.D.S. | JungKi Baik | Jung M. Choi | KA Community Asso. Of Ho. Co., Inc. | Kagro of MD, Inc | Keunsu, Han | Ki S. Kim | Kim’s Auto Electric Services | Kirsh Cleaners | Ko I. Song | KoAm Scholarship Foundation | KoAmerican Church of Philippi | KoAmpac | Korean Business Enterprise Asso. | Korean Chinese Restaurant | Korean Embassy | Korean Presb. Of Baltimore | Korean Resource Center | Korean Society of MD | KiHwa Han | Kun H. Jung | Kyong Hyon, Yon | Laurel's Best Dentist | Lawrence J. Butler | Lee & Associates | LK Inc(Honey Pig Restaurant) | Lotte Plaza | M&T Bank | MAC (Maryland Athletic Club) | Magic Stitch, Inc | Mattew Lee | MD Amateur Athletic Asso. | MD Car Wash Asso. | MD Dry Cleaning Asso. | MD Sports Association | MD Motor Cycle Riders Club | MD Women's Golf Asso. | Mega Realty & Inv. Inc | Mi H. Shin | My Life Foundation Inc. | Nam Myung Ja | Neulpuleun Golf Club | New York Life Insurance | Northwind Liquors | Parkside Liquor, Inc | Pearl Car Wash | PEH (JULIAN B. WILLS) | Peter Lee | PNC bank | Poor Boys Sports LLC | Pyung K. Park | Realty 1 MD | Republic National Distnbuting Co. LLc | Rev. Kang H. Lee | Ridgely Auto Services | Rotary Club of Woodlawn-Westview | Ryland home Inc. | Sang J. Kim | Sang K. Han | Seong Ok Baik Realty | Sam Young, Lee | Seung H. An | Seung K. Yoo | Seung Paik | Soo Shin | Southern Glazer Wine | Southern Maryland Oil Co. | Standard Restaurant | Standard Restaurant Equipment | Steve Jang Insurance | Sun Travel, Inc | Sun Trust Bank | SUNG &SUE Inc. | Sung T. Choi | Sung W. Lee | Sung&Hwang Law Office, LLP. | Susan Oh (Giant Realty) | The Korea Times | Thorn Myung | Tony Kim | Top Travel | Triple-C Wholesale | Turf Valley Resort Hotel | Village Liquors | Welcome Home Realty | Wings Sports Bar | Won Do Wholesale | Won K. Kim Insurance | Wonchul, Chang | Wonder Enterprises Inc. | WooRi Jib | WSFS Bank | Yang Ho, Choe | Yeong H. Oh M.D. | Yong I. Chung | Yong Ik, Jong | Yong K. Kim | Young Nam Friendly Asso. | Young R. Cho | Young Seoung, Song | Young W. Yoo | Young's Construction, Inc. | Yu K. Jun | Yu Mi Hogan
The Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America, Inc. Reaches GuideStar Platinum
The Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America, Inc. (SSFA) today earned the Platinum GuideStar Nonprofit Profile Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information. By sharing metrics that highlight progress SSFA is making toward its mission, the organization is helping donors move beyond simplistic ways of nonprofit evaluation such as overhead ratios. To reach the Platinum level, SSFA added extensive information to its Nonprofit Profile on GuideStar: basic contact and organizational information; in-depth financial information; qualitative information about goals, strategies, and capabilities; and quantitative information about results and progress toward its mission. By taking the time to provide this information, SSFA has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and to giving donors and funders meaningful data to evaluate SSFA. Please find the SSFA profile at https://www.guidestar.org/profile/41-2047979 and share it with your friends and colleagues. We truly appreciate your support and encouragement.
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