Here’s a very unique travel grant opportunity, specifically aimed at California residents. Get ready to get creative! Thanks to Playing with Hire for the link!

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AURORA CHALLENGE GRANT

Only for California Residents
Deadline for Applications: March 31st, 2011

The Japan Language Scholarship Foundation (JLSF) is now accepting applications for the AURORA CHALLENGE GRANT (CG). The grant will be awarded to a citizen of the USA who resides in California and has a unique dream, in any field of endeavor, which is related to Japanese culture and which it would never be possible to realize without traveling to Japan between fall 2011 and summer 2012.

There is no age limit and no GPA/Scholastic achievement requirement. The award will go to an individual with a creative dream or challenge that, if fulfilled, would contribute to global goodwill and intercultural appreciation.

The winner will receive a $3000 scholarship and roundtrip air tickets from the USA to Japan (economy class). The recipient can travel anytime (for any duration) between fall 2011 and summer 2012. By awarding this grant, the Aurora Foundation hopes to help the winner enhance the pursuit of her or his truest, most heartfelt dream by providing the opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience.

All applicants must be citizens of the USA. Selection criteria will include the commitment of the applicants to their dream projects, necessity of Aurora’s support, and positive future potential.

After the Japan trip, the grant awardee will be required to submit a report to the Aurora Foundation about the experience in Japan and progress of the project.

DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION

All applications for the Aurora Challenge Grant must be submitted and postmarked on or before March 31, 2011. Address to:

AURORA Challenge Grant Application
3127 Nichols Canyon Road
Los Angeles CA 90046

One winner will be from California and selection will be announced by June 20, 2011.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Applications will be judged by the AURORA Foundation selection committee and the JLSF Board of Directors, according to the following criteria:
• Firm commitment to his/her dream project and to some facet of Japanese culture.
• Necessity of Aurora Foundation’s support.
• Experience and background pertinent to the applicant’s dream project.
• Future potential to enhance global goodwill and intercultural appreciation of mankind.

Also included on the website is information about previous winners and the ideas for which they were awarded the grant. Some ideas include interviewing a Japanese artist in order to complete a documentary about the artist, researching indigo dying, and photographing the mountain peoples of central Kyushu.

For more detailed descriptions and updates concerning the grant, please see check the website:

www.jlsf-aurora.org