Go For Broke | Scholarships

The Go For Broke National Education Center's (GFBNEC) Legacy Scholarship and Lawson Iichiro Sakai Memorial Scholarship program invites high school and college students to apply for this opportunity to support their service and education endeavors. We are excited to have students explore and analyze the legacy of the Japanese American soldiers of World War II (WWII) and its impact on contemporary themes (e.g., social justice, discrimination, civil liberties, and democracy), as it reflects the challenges faced by minority groups during times of conflict.

This year's theme, "Carrying Forward the Go For Broke Spirit," challenged students to consider how the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the Japanese American soldiers of WWII can inspire us to address today's social challenges through community service and personal action.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Go For Broke Legacy Scholarship, Sagar Bastola and Nowshin Nova, and the recipients of the Lawson Iichiro Sakai Memorial Scholarship, Itai Hershko and Kemoni Dunn!

In 2025, we reached a record milestone with over 400 applicants. A dedicated jury of individuals deeply engaged with the Go For Broke legacy reviewed submissions through multiple rounds of deliberation before selecting the four outstanding students to receive $1,000 each.

2025 High School & College GFB Legacy Scholarship

Eligibility

Contest is open to all high school (9th through 12th grades) and college (undergraduate and graduate) students.

Prior winners are ineligible for entry in the same category, but may submit an entry under a different category.
Applicants to the Go For Broke Legacy Scholarships can also apply for the Lawson Iichiro Sakai Memorial Scholarship. Students can win either the GFB Legacy Scholarship or the Lawson Iichiro Sakai Memorial Scholarship, but not both. To be considered for the Lawson Iichiro Sakai Memorial Scholarship, please complete the additional section in the application.

How to Apply

TO ENTER: Submit an ESSAY (400–500 words) on the following prompt.

Carrying Forward the Go For Broke Spirit: How can the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the Japanese American soldiers of WWII inspire us to address today's social challenges through community service and personal action?

Applications for the 2025 Go For Broke Legacy Scholarships are closed.

Award Recipients

Go For Broke Legacy Scholarship

High School Division

Nowshin Nova

College Division

Sagar Bastola

Lawson Iichiro Sakai Memorial Scholarship

High School Division

Kemoni Dunn

College Division

Itai Hershko

Lawson Iichiro Sakai Memorial Scholarship

GFBNEC is pleased to organize the 4th Annual Lawson Iichiro Sakai Memorial Scholarship, a part of the annual Go For Broke scholarship, established by family and friends of the Nisei WWII veteran to recognize students with outstanding community service. One high school student and one college (undergraduate or graduate) student will be selected based on active participation and support of their community.

About Lawson Iichiro Sakai

Born in Los Angeles in 1923, Lawson fully embodied the spirit of courage, patriotism and sacrifice. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he tried to enlist in the military service, but was classified as an “ineligible alien.”

When the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated unit of Japanese Americans, was formed in 1943, Lawson immediately volunteered. During his service he participated in the liberation of Bruyeres, France, and the rescue of the “Lost Battalion” in 1944, receiving a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman Badge.

After the war, Lawson founded the “Friends and Family of Nisei Veterans” group and generously shared his WWII experience as a way of honoring those he fought alongside with. A dedicated member of the GFBNEC family, Lawson’s commitment to community serves as a driving force of this scholarship.

GFBNEC is honored to administer this scholarship on behalf of the generous family and friends of Lawson Sakai.

Available resources

Hear the first-person perspectives in GFBNEC’s Hanashi Oral History Collection of over 1,200 audio-visual interviews that provide valuable insight on the veterans experience. Visit goforbroke.org/hanashi-oral-history-collection, or our affiliated website, the Japanese American Military History Collective at ndajams.omeka.net.
Additional narratives, stories and impacts of the Go For Broke legacy can be found on the GFBNEC YouTube channel.

Please see additional resources about the GFBNEC story and its connection to contemporary issues at goforbroke.org.