San Jose Buddhist Church Scholarships

The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Scholarship is offered to outstanding graduating high school seniors. To qualify for this award, candidates must belong to families who are members of the San Jose Betsuin. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement, participation in school, temple and community activities and work experience. Look for Betsuin Scholarship information through your Betsuin youth organization and “the Dharma” newsletter.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin (SJBCB) Scholarships

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Scholarship 

The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Scholarship is offered to outstanding graduating high school seniors.  To qualify for this award, candidates must belong to families who are members of the San Jose Betsuin.  Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement, participation in school, temple and community activities and work experience.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Adult Buddhist Association (ABA) Scholarship

The San Jose Betsuin’s Adult Buddhist Association, in recognition of the value of education and especially for the young people of our Sangha, have established this scholarship for a graduating high school senior who has attained academic achievements in addition to their support of temple and community activities.

San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association (BWA) Lady Kujo Scholarship

The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin BWA has established this scholarship to be awarded to either a graduating high school student who is planning on attending college/trade school or a student currently enrolled in college/trade school. Recipients of this award are Buddhist individuals who are active members of S.J. Betsuin-sponsored programs and participate in activities that complement the humanitarian efforts of Lady Takeko Kujo, co-founder (with her sister-in-law, Kazuko Ohtani) of the Buddhist Women’s Association. Lady Kujo gave a greater voice to Buddhist women and helped provide aid for many of those in the poorest areas where the need was greatest. Preference is given to relatives of San Jose BWA members.

Ray and Lucy Matsumoto Scholarship

Ray and Lucy Matsumoto have established this scholarship to honor a graduating high school senior who is active in Betsuin youth activities.  The Matsumotos prefer to award this scholarship to a student who plans to attend a community college or trade school or is considering pursuing a business major as they hope to promote the importance of a business education

Shizue and Sadao Sakai Memorial Scholarship

The family of Shizue and Sadao Sakai established this scholarship to be awarded to either a graduating high school student or a student currently enrolled in college.  The recipient must be supportive in their community and active within the Buddhist Church.

Ben and Kimie Sanematsu Memorial Scholarship

This college scholarship was initially endowed by Ben Sanematsu in memory of his wife, Kimie Yanagawa Sanematsu, a dedicated educator for twenty-five years. An active Betsuin members and successful undergraduate student is awarded this college scholarship. The award has been changed to honor both Ben and Kimie Sanematsu.

Larry and Lynn Handa Scholarship

Larry and Lynn Handa have established this scholarship to be awarded to either a graduating high school student or a student currently enrolled in college who is/was active in SJ Betsuin youth activities. The Handas are happy to award this to any deserving student, but, if possible, prefer to award this scholarship to a student who plans to pursue a career in the fields of STEM or education.

Walter and Chizuko Sano Memorial Scholarship

The Sweeney family has established a scholarship to be awarded to a graduating high school senior in memory of the late Walter and Chizuko Sano, who were active supporters of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. The recipient of this award is a student who has been active in Betsuin youth activities and has demonstrated strong leadership skills.

Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) Scholarship

Fred and Helen Nitta Scholarship

The Fred and Helen Nitta Scholarship was established with a generous donation of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nitta of Watsonville, California to commemorate their twenty-fifth anniversary in 1964. This award is to honor and give recognition to an outstanding Buddhist senior who attends Dharma School or is a member of a Jr YBA/YBA at a BCA temple.

For more information, please go to the Nitta Scholarship website.