The Paul and Katherine Ohtaki Memorial Scholarship was established by the estate of Paul and Katherine Ohtaki of San Francisco. Mr. Ohtaki was a successful businessman dedicated to the Japanese American community, and served many organizations with his gentle and dignified leadership qualities. When incarcerated in camp as a teenager, he wrote articles for his hometown newspaper on Bainbridge Island, and is featured in the book titled "In Defense of Our Neighbors." The legacy of Paul and Katherine Ohtaki reaches far beyond their lifetimes to help students achieve their educational goals and dreams. The scholarship will be awarded to entering freshmen. Entering freshman applicants must be high school seniors. Applicants must be planning to attend college, university, trade school, business school, or any other 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.