Opportunity
Sok Impact Scholarship
The Sok Impact Scholarship gives students of Cambodian descent in the United States $500 to $1,500 toward college or vocational training.[1] Linda and KT Tang, Cambodian American college graduates who were the first in their families to attend college, founded it.[1] Applicants in any field may apply, and grades are not a requirement.[1]
Sponsorship
Linda and KT Tang created the award to give back after their own education.[1] Linda Tang grew up in Santa Ana, California, and with help from mentors and scholarships she went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees.[1] KT Tang came to the United States in middle school as a Trieu Chau Cambodian immigrant, started at a University of California campus and finished an engineering degree at Cal Poly.[1] The founders present the scholarship as the first step toward Next Khmer, a wider effort around education, service and cultural ties between generations, with mentoring and professional networking planned.[2]
Award and support
The 2025 fund was $5,000, given as single awards of $500 to $1,500.[1] Students can spend the money on tuition, books, supplies, transportation or living costs while they study, and say in their application how they plan to use it.[1] The award is not renewable, but earlier recipients may be considered again in later years.[1] Winners show proof of enrollment before the money is paid out.[1]
Eligibility
Students of Cambodian descent qualify if they have a place at, or already attend, a college or training program in the United States.[1] Community colleges, four-year universities, vocational and trade schools and certificate programs all count.[1] High school students, current college and graduate students and adults going back to school may apply.[1] There is no minimum grade point average.[1]
Application
Applicants write a personal statement of 500 to 1,000 words about their background, their goals, their tie to Cambodian heritage and what the award would make possible.[1] A piece of creative work, such as art, writing or music, may be added and can help in selection.[1] A recent transcript is optional.[1]
The 2025 round opened on April 21, 2025, and closed on June 5, 2025, at 5 p.m.[1] Applicants heard by email on September 11, 2025, and the money was to be paid by the end of 2025.[1] As of October 7, 2026, the program's page gave no dates for a 2026 round.[1]
Recipients
The 2025 round chose eight students of Cambodian descent, from first-year college students to candidates in graduate and professional programs.[2] Seven received $500 each, and one received the $1,500 grand prize.[2]