Our FAQs will be periodically updated, so please check back often for new questions and answers.

AFGHAN-AMERICAN CONFERENCE

WHAT IS THE AFGHAN-AMERICAN CONFERENCE?

The Afghan-American Conference is an annual Conference for members of the Afghan-American community to engage in meaningful dialogue, grow professionally, and build relationships.

The Conference is equal parts professional, cultural, spiritual, social, and personal. It is a holistic event consisting of keynote speeches, S.E.E.D. Talks (Supportive Empowered Engaged Diaspora), industry sessions, skill-building workshops, roundtable discussions, safe space caucuses, town halls, arts, and entertainment.

Please see our agendas from previous years for a more detailed look into the Conference weekend:

WHO HOSTS THE AFGHAN-AMERICAN CONFERENCE?

The conference is an annual event hosted by the Afghan-American Community Organization (AACO) and produced by the AACO Committee consisting of Afghan-American professionals and students from across the U.S.

Please refer to the Our Team section of our website to learn more about the AACO Committee.

WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?

This Conference is open to all individuals who identify as members of the Afghan diaspora, are at least 18 years old and not a high school student, and, when the Conference is held in-person, have appropriate documentation to travel to the United States. Unfortunately, we cannot assist with travel visas, including providing documentation to obtain a visa.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Every individual will be required to complete an application form. If accepted, you will be sent a confirmation email with a private link to submit your registration fee and confirm your Conference attendance. Sign up for our newsletters to get notified when applications are available or visit the Conference section of our website for more information.

I HAVE GREAT IDEAS. MAY I PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE?

Yes! Participants have two options to present. To apply for either or both of these roles, please submit an application for this year's annual conference when available via the AAC page.

Facilitate a Session: Facilitate or co-facilitate a breakout session at the Conference. Applying for this role also allows you to submit a proposal for a new session topic and the ability to lead it.
S.E.E.D. Speaker: Share a short, TED-style talk on an idea, story or topic you are interested in to the Afghan-American community and inspire the audience. Applying for this role will allow you to learn more about S.E.E.D and submit a proposal for a S.E.E.D talk.

IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM AT THE CONFERENCE?

AAC is committed to honoring and celebrating the arts. Every year, we host a Saturday night banquet at the Conference to showcase talented artists from across our Afghan diaspora.

Apply to AAC’s Got Talent: Please send us an email at programming@aa-co.org for more information.

WHY DO I HAVE TO APPLY IF I AM AFGHAN?

All Conference attendees are individuals who identify as members of the Afghan diaspora, and since space is limited at AAC, we request that everyone apply to attend.

WHY DO YOU ENCOURAGE YOUNG AFGHANS SPECIFICALLY TO APPLY?

Our goal is to provide a safe space for up and coming members of our community to come together. We acknowledge that more established members in the community are integral and their wisdom and experiences are invaluable. That is why anyone over 18 years old is eligible to apply and attend.

I'M AN ALUM. WHY DO I NEED TO APPLY AGAIN?

Space is limited at AAC, and we want to provide the opportunity for all members of our diaspora to attend the Conference. Thus, to ensure that the process is fair, alumni are asked to reapply each year.

Additionally, the application helps reset intentions every year, and the questions we ask our alumni differ from those we ask of first-time participants. Through your application, we love to learn about how your conference experience has impacted you, what you’ve learned, and what you hope to gain from the year ahead.

WHO REVIEWS MY APPLICATION, AND WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?

Members of the AACO Committee will review all applications. The ideal candidate is one who demonstrates a passion for the Afghan-American community, critical thinking about difficult issues impacting our diaspora, and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue. We utilize a formal rubric and assess candidates blind to ensure fairness in each application. We are looking for effort, thoughtfulness, passion, and creativity in your application. Click here to read examples of compelling submissions from previous participants.

WHEN WILL I HEAR BACK?

The application dates vary each year. Once you submit your application, AACO will send you an email with information on when you can expect a notification of your application status. Please do not make travel plans until application decisions are final.

CAN I APPLY IF I AM NOT FROM THE USA?

Yes, past participants have come from a range of locations including Canada, Germany, Australia, Sweden, and Afghanistan. Each one of our participants brings valuable insight to our Conference. However, priority will be given to those applicants who identify as Afghan-American. In addition, during years when the Conference is held in-person, we unfortunately cannot assist with travel visas.

IS THERE A FEE TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE?

Yes. In order to enhance the Conference experience for all attendees, we do collect a registration fee. These fees are used for venue, food, marketing, logistics, materials, and other Conference related expenses. Registration fees vary each year.

WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD THE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FEE?

Our goal is to make the Conference accessible to as much of the community as possible. The registration fee is reduced for students and we also offer a limited number of fee waivers for the Conference registration each year. Unfortunately, we are not able to assist with travel and lodging costs.

HOW DOES AAC USE FUNDS RAISED THROUGH SPONSORSHIPS, DONATIONS, AND REGISTRATION FEES?

The Conference is a costly event. We allocate every dollar raised in sponsorships, donations, and registration fees to support the Conference, and other year-round community initiatives and events. Our sponsorships and donations allow us to cover the cost of the Conference and keep registration fees low for our participants, without sacrificing the quality of the event.

AACONNECT

WHAT IS AACONNECT?

AAConnect, a Google Group Listserv, is a national network and resource base for 1,000+ Afghan-American students and professionals who seek to build professional relationships with one another and to provide resources for our communitys. Members of AAConnect can both receive and send opportunities to others via email.

If you would like to be added as a member, you can request to join our AAConnect listserv here.

HOW CAN I JOIN THE AACONNECT LISTSERV?

Request to join here! Approval to join may take 24-48 hours. Please note that all attendees of AAC will automatically be added to listserv.

HOW DO I USE THE AACONNECT LISTSERV?

Using AAConnect is as simple as 3 steps:

Once added, send your resources/inquiries via email to aaconnect@googlegroups.com.
Wait for admin approval of email in 24-48 hours.
Watch the responses roll through! Posts that are deemed inappropriate for the listserv will get denied (more details would be shared in these situations). To change your notification preferences, log into the listserv directly through Google Groups.

QUESTIONS?

Please feel free to email us at aconnect@aa-co.org with any additional questions.

HOW ELSE CAN I STAY CONNECTED?

You can also stay connected with AACO and our community through social media - find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.

SCHOLARSHIPS

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

For 2023, the application deadline was May 29th, 2023 at 11:59 PM PT.

Late applications will not be accepted. We recommend that you allow ample time for submission to avoid any technical issues and give yourself the opportunity to ask us any questions about the application.

WHAT IF I MISS THE DEADLINE?

We do not consider any applications once the deadline has passed. There are no exceptions.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE?

Afghan-American Community Organization Scholarship
Sophia and Sabrina Scholarship (New!)
Afghan-American STEM Scholarship (New!)

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EACH SCHOLARSHIP?

The Afghan-American Community Organization Scholarship will be awarded to Afghan-American students who are engaged and committed to empowering the Afghan-American community and demonstrate financial need.
The Sophia and Sabrina Scholarship was created in honor of the founders of the AACO Scholarship program. Their investment in the community is a testament to their belief in the diaspora, youth, and the power of education. This scholarship hopes to inspire and recognize Afghan women with similar aspirations to give back to the community.
The Afghan-American STEM Scholarship was established to support Afghan-American students pursuing higher education in a STEM subject. By covering educational expenses, this scholarship will support the recipient in achieving their goals to positively impact and contribute to the Afghan community.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIPS?

Eligible applicants are:

U.S. citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents with Green Card

Students from all U.S. states are encouraged to apply
If you are undocumented or a Canadian citizen or an Afghan student studying abroad in the U.S., please reach out to us for separate support

Afghan-American

You were born in Afghanistan, one or both of your parents were born in Afghanistan, a grandparent or great-grandparent of yours was born in Afghanistan

Able to show proof of enrollment in an educational institution to prove you are a student

High school seniors, incoming college freshman, current students, transfer students, and trade school students are encouraged to apply
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable

Able to show proof of financial need

An institution financial aid award letter is required
Tax returns, FAFSA award letters, or student account statements are acceptable. The more details, the better for us to truly understand your financial need.

Able to submit a thorough resume
Able to provide thoughtful and complete essay responses that detail exceptional and unique academic and career goals as well as demonstrate commitment and creativity in empowering the Afghan-American community.

In addition to the above, only women are eligible for the Sophia and Sabrina Scholarship and only STEM majors are eligible for the STEM scholarship.

Due to 501(c)(3) IRS rules, immediate family members of AACO Board of Directors, AACO Committee and Sub-Committee members, and scholarship donors are not eligible to apply. To ensure more students have the opportunity to receive scholarship funds, previous AACO scholarship award recipients are not eligible to receive funding twice.

CAN I APPLY AGAIN IF I RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP IN THE PAST?

To be fair to all applicants, previous AACO scholarship recipients are NOT eligible to apply again.

ARE NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED?

Nominations are not accepted - applications must be completed by the individual who is requesting financial assistance. That said, please do encourage anyone you know who is eligible and could benefit from this opportunity to apply.

IS THERE A MINIMUM GPA REQUIREMENT TO APPLY?

No, there is no minimum GPA requirement to apply for our scholarship. Our application process is composed of a holistic review and GPA only plays one part of many in determining the recipients.

WHO IS PART OF THE SCHOLARSHIP REVIEW PROCESS?

The Review Committee consists of current and former AACO Committee, AACO Board of Directors, past scholarship recipients, and AACO Scholarship Program donors.

WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO MAKE THIS A FAIR REVIEW PROCESS?

The AACO Scholarship Program Review Committee takes all the necessary steps to ensure that the application and review process is fair. All reviewers complete a conflict of interest certification to ensure they do not score applications for individuals they may know. Immediate family members of AACO Board of Directors, scholarship donors (donors who have contributed significantly towards scholarships), Committee and Sub-Committee Members, and previous AACO scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply due to potential conflicts of interest. Also, applicants will be given an anonymous applicant ID number during the review process so reviewers will not see the names of who they are reviewing until it is time to interview application finalists.

WHEN ARE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS NOTIFIED AND AWARDED?

Recipients selected for scholarship funding will be notified by August through email. At that time, recipients will need to complete verification paperwork and prepare for funds disbursement. AACO will then disburse funds directly to the recipient’s college or university before Fall 2023 classes begin.

WHO FUNDS THE AACO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM?

The scholarships available through the AACO Scholarship Program are funded by members of the Afghan-American community.

HOW MANY SCHOLARSHIPS ARE BEING AWARDED?

The number of scholarships awarded each year varies, depending on available funding.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION?

A link will be shared on May 7th, 2023.

If you have further questions, please contact us at operations@aa-co.org

Our FAQs will be periodically updated, so please check back often for new questions and answers.

AFGHAN-AMERICAN CONFERENCE

AACONNECT

SCHOLARSHIPS

OTHER QUESTIONS