The Eastern District Council, in memory of Thomas Hayashi, an outstanding Nisei civil rights advocate and attorney in international law, established this award in his honor. It was Mr. Hayashi's philosophy to encourage other Nikkei to enter the legal profession as a means of securing justice for the disadvantaged. This is a law scholarship. Every applicant must be an active National JACL member. JACL membership is open to everyone of any ethnic background. Applicants must be planning to attend a college or university within the United States. Students deferring enrollment will not qualify for the scholarship program. Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, school administrator, employer, coach, or community leader. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Japanese American Citizens League for more information.