After escaping tyranny and deprivation, North Koreans make a perilous journey through China seeking freedom. Most North Korean escapees resettle in South Korea, but a small group has come to the United States. These escapees face ongoing challenges adapting to life in the United States. Most are self-sufficient but have little chance for professional advancement. Some have sought to improve their opportunities through higher education but face economic obstacles. The North Korean Freedom Scholarship will help escapees become successful members of our communities.

Working closely with leaders in the Korean American community and others, the Bush Institute is creating a scholarship and mentoring program to benefit North Korean escapees and help them build productive, prosperous lives as new Americans. Administered by the Communities Foundation of Texas, these scholarships will support escapees in pursuing a range of educational opportunities and help them to realize their potential.

Applications open January 1, 2017. To stay informed and receive scholarship notifications, please sign up here for updates.