Our Story

For nearly 50 years, the Korean Canadian Scholarship Foundation (KCSF) has invested in the potential of Korean Canadian students and families—reducing barriers to education and opening doors to opportunity.

What began as a community-led scholarship initiative has grown into a national organization committed to developing the next generation of Korean Canadian leaders through scholarships, leadership development, mentorship, and community learning.

Our Mission

To empower Korean Canadian youth to achieve their full potential by providing financial support, leadership development, and meaningful community connections.

Our Vision

To shape a thriving Korean Canadian future powered by changemakers and sustained by intergenerational investment in the next generation.

Our Values

Belonging – We foster genuine community connection by building authentic relationships that create space for diverse perspectives and inspire growth and confidence by helping individuals find their unique voice. When Korean Canadians are seen, heard, and included, they can grow, contribute, and lead with confidence.

Excellence – We deliver high-impact programs and culturally significant experiences with integrity, intention, and care—deepening meaningful links across generations and cultivating the talent and leadership potential of exceptional Korean Canadians.

Empowerment – We champion the exceptional potential of Korean Canadians by investing in emerging leaders, cultivating authentic mentorship, and creating pathways that inspire growth, confidence, and transformative impact.

Legacy – We honor the responsibility to invest in the next generation by nurturing a spirit of generosity, strengthening cultural identity, and fostering resilience across our community. Guided by trust, creativity, and collective purpose, we strive to leave an enduring impact for future generations.

Our Roots

KCSF was founded by early Korean Canadian community leaders who believed deeply in education as a pathway to stability, contribution, and belonging. At a time when many families were navigating new lives in Canada with limited resources and networks, KCSF emerged through collective generosity—supporting students whose talent and ambition deserved opportunity.

Over decades, thousands of students have been supported through KCSF scholarships, many of whom now contribute as professionals, leaders, and community builders across Canada.

The Dream Tree

KCSF’s work has long been guided by the image of the Dream Tree. Planted by earlier generations, the Dream Tree represents the hopes families held for their children—and the belief that, with care and community support, those dreams could take root and grow.

Today, the Dream Tree continues to grow—nurtured by new generations and shaped by evolving needs.

Evolving to Meet Today’s Needs

While scholarships remain foundational, KCSF recognizes that financial support alone is no longer enough.

Korean Canadian youth and emerging leaders also need:

• Access to leadership development opportunities

• Professional networks and mentorship

• Spaces where identity, belonging, and leadership can be explored together

In response, KCSF has expanded its work to include leadership programs, mentorship initiatives, and national convening—building pathways that support students and emerging leaders at multiple stages of their journey.

Looking Forward

As KCSF enters its next chapter, we remain grounded in the values that first planted the Dream Tree—while intentionally growing toward the future.

By investing in people, relationships, and leadership pathways, we are ensuring that the Dream Tree continues to flourish for generations to come.

We invite students, alumni, donors, volunteers, and partners to be part of this shared commitment to the future of Korean Canadian leadership.