In 2017, the OrigamiUSA Board of Directors approved a fund to pilot a scholarship program for young origami enthusiasts to attend the Pacific Coast Origami Convention (PCOC) 2017 in Redondo Beach, CA. After a very successful experience, we continued the scholarship program, funding at least two young people each year to attend the Annual Convention or PCOC with funds raised from generous members.
In remembrance of Meenakshi Mukerji, a beloved member of the paperfolding community, her family is generously sponsoring an additional PCOC scholarship awarded to someone that exemplifies Meenakshi’s giving and compassionate spirit. The "Meenakshi Mukerji Scholarship” will be available this year for PCOC 2025.
In 2025, we anticipate awarding two scholarships for the OrigamiUSA Annual Convention held on July 18-21 in New York City and three scholarships for PCOC held October 30-November 3 in Sacramento, California.
Applications and nominations will open on March 1, 2025, and will close on April 15, 2025, 6:00 pm EDT. Award notifications will be sent in May.
Please direct any questions to scholarships [at] origamiusa.org.
Selection Criteria
An applicant should be a young person who shows great promise as a folder and who would benefit from developing their skills and ideas by attending an origami convention. The person does not have to be a creator/designer. We value involvement in the origami community and look for individuals with passion and potential to become leaders in the community.
- The applicant must be 18 years old or younger on December 31, 2025.
- The applicant can reside anywhere in the world. If the person resides outside the United States, the recipient/family is responsible for passports and any required visas.
- The online application form must be completed and submitted by April 15, 2025, 6:00 pm EDT.
- The application must be approved by an adult Parent/Guardian by completing the consent form (emailed after submission) before April 15, 2025, 6:00 pm EDT to scholarships [at] origamiusa.org.
- Judging criteria and submission tips.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship benefits for each chosen applicant and a parent/guardian include:
- Convention fees for each chosen applicant.
- Convention housing and food for each chosen applicant and accompanying parent/guardian. Travel reimbursement allowance (including air) up to $500 for each chosen applicant and up to $500 for their accompanying parent/guardian.
- A one-year Junior Membership in OrigamiUSA.
- Opportunities for mentorship and involvement with OrigamiUSA at Convention and beyond.
Submission Process
You may either apply yourself or nominate someone else for consideration.
To Apply Yourself or for Your Child
- Submit the application by filling out this application form:
- You must be signed into a website account in order to submit an application. Please login to your account or if you do not have one, please register for one.
- Have the adult parent/guardian sign the consent form that will be emailed to them upon receipt of the application.
Upon submission of each form, the applicant and parent/guardian will both receive a confirmation email.
To Nominate Someone Else
- Submit your nomination by filling out this nomination form:
- You must be signed into a website account in order to make a nomination. Please login to your account or if you do not have one, please register for one.
- The individual you have nominated will receive an email inviting them to provide additional information for consideration by the committee.
Please be sure to check the email address you provide to ensure successful delivery of the nomination.
Upon submission of the nomination form, you will receive a confirmation email.
Reminder: once you nominate a young person, they must still complete the application form themselves by the deadline of April 15, 2025, 6:00 pm EDT.