Opportunity
The Sok Impact Scholarship
The Sok Impact Scholarship is an annual award for students of Cambodian descent in American colleges and trade schools.[1] Linda and KT Tang, both first-generation Cambodian American college graduates, founded it to recognize identity, resilience and personal growth rather than grades alone.[1][2]
Sponsorship
The scholarship is funded by its founders, Linda and KT Tang.[1] The New York Southeast Asia Network (NYSEAN) hosts the application page and shares the award across the Southeast Asian diaspora.[1][3]
Award and support
Each cycle awards a fund of $5,000, divided among several recipients in amounts from $500 to $1,500. Recipients may use the money for tuition, books, supplies, transportation, living costs or any other expense of their education.[1]
Eligibility
The award is open to students of Khmer heritage who are accepted to or enrolled in a two-year, four-year, vocational or trade school in the United States. High school seniors, undergraduates, graduate students and returning adult learners all qualify. There is no grade-point requirement; the selection panel weighs each applicant's story and potential above academic record.[1]
Application
Applicants submit a personal statement of 500 to 1,000 words about their story, their goals and how the award would help them reach those goals. A creative piece, such as art, writing or music, may be added.[1] In the 2025 cycle, applications opened on April 21 and closed on June 5 at 5 p.m.; winners were announced on September 11, and funds were paid out by the end of the year.[1]