Have questions about the AACO Scholarship Program? Find answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility, applications, the review process, deadlines, and awards below.

2026 Scholarship Applications

Applications are open September 18 through October 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.
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APPLICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

October 18th, 2026 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.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THESE SCHOLARSHIPS?

Applicants must be Afghan-American; demonstrate academic or career goals, community commitment, and financial need; be enrolled in a U.S. educational institution; submit a detailed resume; and agree to serve as a 2027 AACO Scholarship Ambassador. Afghan-American eligibility includes applicants with an Afghan-born parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent. The Sophia and Sabrina Scholarship is available exclusively to Afghan-American women.

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

To ensure opportunities are available to new applicants, previous AACO scholarship recipients are not eligible to apply again.

ARE NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED?

No. Applications must be completed by the individual requesting financial assistance. We encourage you to share this opportunity with anyone who may be eligible to apply.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

WHAT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE?

The Afghan-American Community Organization Scholarship and the Sophia and Sabrina Scholarship are available through the AACO Scholarship Program.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EACH SCHOLARSHIP?

The Afghan-American Community Organization Scholarship is awarded to students who are engaged in 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 recognizes Afghan-American women with similar aspirations to give back to the community.

HOW MANY SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED?

The number of scholarships awarded each year varies depending on available funding. To date, AACO has awarded more than $330,000 to 71 Afghan-American students.

WHO FUNDS THE AACO SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM?

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

REVIEW & AWARDS

WHO IS PART OF THE SCHOLARSHIP REVIEW PROCESS?

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

WHAT STEPS ARE TAKEN TO ENSURE A FAIR REVIEW PROCESS?

AACO uses a multi-step process to ensure a fair and impartial review. Applications are blindly reviewed and independently scored twice by two different reviewers using anonymous applicant IDs. Applications with significant variability between scores are reviewed a third time to ensure consistency and fairness.

Reviewers also complete conflict-of-interest certifications, and individuals with identified conflicts are not eligible to participate in scoring. Applicant identities remain anonymous until finalists reach the interview stage..

WHEN ARE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS NOTIFIED AND AWARDED?

Applicants will be notified of award decisions by mid-November 2026. Awards will apply to the first term of 2027.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

For additional questions, please contact us at scholarships@aa-co.org.