A graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Dr. Sonoda established a successful dental practice in Los Angeles. Dr. Sonoda was an active member of the JACL beginning in 1945, in which he was one of the first life members of the One Thousand Club and a past president of the West Los Angeles JACL chapter. The Dr. Kiyoshi Sonoda Memorial Scholarship is restricted to students studying in the field of dentistry. The scholarship is for graduate students. Applicants must be attending an institution of higher learning within the United States in the Fall of 2026. Students deferring enrollment will not qualify for the 2026 scholarship program. Every applicant must be an active National JACL member. JACL membership is open to everyone of any ethnic background. Applicants must hold an Individual or Student/Youth Membership. A Couple/Family membership by a parent will not meet this requirement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Japanese American Citizens League for more information.