SSFA Events, Programs, and Seminars Schedule

2023 “I AM PROUD” Art Contest

2022 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony

“Never give up on your dreams, and make a challenge”

On November 26th, 2022, the SSFA scholarship award ceremony was held, awarding 31 students (27 Undergraduate/Graduate students, 4 high school students) of $35,500 scholarship. The ceremony was held at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City. $3,000 grand prize was awarded to Ara Ko (MICA), $2,000 prize was awarded to Minsu Kang (George Washington University), Nayoung Kim (University of Maryland, College Park), Daeun Lee (Northwestern University), and Jihyun Lim (Georgetown University). The ceremony was facilitated by Eunjung Ko.

President John Hwang expressed his celebratory remarks and gratitude for the students. “Make a challenge with the dream and vision to create a better world, and live a life that gives back to the community.”

Chairman Albert Kim stated, “I am pleased to have SSFA continue its mission for the 25th anniversary, awarding the students in need with the scholarships. We will continue to anchor our mission on supporting the talents that will lead the society.”

Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan gave a opening speech, “Keep the pride as the Korean Americans, and continue your identity”. Mrs. Hogan stated, “I have never forgotten about the motherland for the 43 years I have lived in America. Staying aware of our roots and identity is very important.” She also continued to give examples of her efforts to advocate about Korean culture, such as the day of Taekwondo, Korean Way establishment, and Korean American Day commemorations. She emphasized, “Do not back up or give up, but continue forward”. If you stay true to yourself, you will always succeed.”

In the ceremony, Mrs. Hogan presented the Governor’s citation to Yongyun Ji, Kyunghyun Yun, Jonghun Kim, and Geumdal Park. President John Hwang presented the appreciation plaque to Mrs. Hogan. Both President Hwang and Mrs. Hogan were awarded the John Olszewski Executive commendation. During the ceremony, selection committee member Professor Yongyun Ji (Towson University, Department of Business) gave remarks of selection, and Ara Ko gave the remarks of award. Founded in 1997, SSFA has awarded $618,000 to 641 High School and Higher Education students.

The 23th-year scholarships were awarded to 31 students, including Mrs. Hogan, at an award ceremony held at the Turf Valley Resorts and Conference.

2022 Scholarship of Love sponsorship golf invitation

2022 “Spread Your Love” Art Contest

2021 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony

2021 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony (11/27/2021 3PM via Zoom): 30 students across the country received the SSFA scholarship due to their academic excellence and leadership potentials. These future Korean American leaders were supported and encouraged by SSFA President Albert Kim and Chairman John Hwang.

2020 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony

Covid-19 couldn't stop us recognizing our students and supporting our community.

2020 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony (11/28/2020 2PM via Zoom): 27 students across the country received the SSFA scholarship due to their academic excellence and leadership potentials. These future Korean American leaders were supported and encouraged by SSFA President Albert Kim.

2019 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony

2019 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony (11/30/2019 6PM): 24 college and 6 high school students across the country received the SSFA scholarship due to their academic excellence and leadership potentials. These future Korean American leaders were supported and encouraged by SSFA Board of Directors and the Ceremony’s Keynote Speaker SJ Lee Heneshel, Senior Advisor of Department of Defense.

2018 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony

2018 Sejong Scholarship Foundation of America (SSFA) Scholarship Award Ceremony (11/24/2018 6PM): 25 college and 4 high school students from over 10 states and schools across the country received the SSFA scholarship due to their academic excellence and leadership potentials. These future Korean American leaders were supported and encouraged by SSFA Board of Directors and the Ceremony’s Keynote Speaker Ms. Elise Song Kurlander, Assistant Attorney General of the State of Maryland.

2018 Speech Contest

The 2018 SSFA Speech Contest for High School students successfully ended on October 20th. We'd like to first and foremost thank all of the contestants for participating, parents for supporting them, and judges for taking part in this event. It was once again a beautiful occasion for our community to come together and witness the burgeoning young talents tell their own unique stories about what it means to be Korean American. We'd like to congratulate the winners for their wonderful speech delivery and compelling testimonies. We were all truly impressed to hear the young generation's perspective on their journeys to grow up embracing but often reconciling their Korean and American roots. Each presentation was poignantly told and intelligent; we were moved by your thoughtful messages into exploring your identities as Korean Americans and meaningful effort to express how you learned to bridge the gap between the two distinct cultures.

2018 Scholarship of Love sponsorship golf invitation

2017 Scholarship Awards

2012 Scholarship Awards