Sikh students whose lives reflect a genuine commitment to the Panth
If you are a Sikh student in the United States or Canada who will be enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program this upcoming school year, and your life shows a real, sustained connection to the Panth, this scholarship is for you. You do not need to have attended a SYANA event to apply. What matters is that you have put the Panth first in visible ways, through your seva, through the way you carry yourself, and through where you are headed.
Family members of SYANA organizers are not eligible to apply.
Up to $25,000 in awards this inaugural year
Up to five scholarships of $5,000 each
This scholarship is meant for those who have quietly and consistently given their time, energy, and love to the Panth over many years. We are not looking for a perfect resume. We are looking for real commitment: years of showing up, leading where needed, and doing the work that often goes unnoticed. The number of scholarships awarded depends entirely on who applies. We will only award as many as we feel truly reflect this spirit, and we are comfortable awarding fewer or none at all if the right applicants are not in the pool. Each award is given in two stages: the first on the strength of your application, the second once you develop a longer piece on a Panthic topic we assign. The strongest of these may go on to be used in SYANA's annual speech symposium.
Sikhs who live in service to the Guru Khalsa Panth
- Contribution to the Panth, including a steady commitment to seva
- Character, integrity, and values that reflect a Guru-centered life. We care deeply about who you are as a person.
- Leadership, in whatever form it takes for you
- A clear sense of how your studies and your future will serve the Panth
Financial need is considered, but it is not the deciding factor. This award recognizes Sikhs who live in service and dedication to Panthic work, as entrusted to us by the Guru.
Your application
- A personal essay, up to 750 words, responding to the prompt below
- A detailed, resume-style summary of your Panthic leadership and involvement. For each role, include the organization you served, your specific title or position, what you were personally responsible for (not just what the group did, but what you led, organized, built, or managed), the time period and frequency of your commitment, and any measurable impact or outcomes from your work.
- Two recommendation letters from people who know your character and seva well. We care deeply about character and values, so your letters should speak specifically to who you are as a person, with real examples. Recommenders may not be family members or SYANA organizers. Letters may be sent by the applicant or directly by the recommender. Please include full contact information for each letter writer, as we will follow up with them directly.
Send all materials as attachments (PDF preferred) to scholarship@sikhyouthalliance.org.
What does putting the Panth first mean to you? Describe a time you have lived this, and tell us your future plans to put the #panthfirst.
How applications are reviewed
Every application is reviewed blind. Identifying information is removed and replaced with a number, so the writing and panthic seva speak for themselves. Any reviewer with a personal connection to an applicant recuses themselves.
Applications are reviewed by an independent judging committee, separate from SYANA leadership. Their decisions are final.
Key dates
Frequently asked
Do I need to have attended a SYANA event to apply?
No. This scholarship is open to any Sikh student in the U.S. or Canada who meets the eligibility requirements. Prior SYANA involvement is not required.
What should my Panthic leadership summary look like?
Think of it as a resume of your Panthic involvement. For each role, include the organization, your title or position, what you personally led, organized, built, or managed, the time period and how often you served, and any measurable impact. The committee needs to understand what you actually did, not just what you participated in. For example: "Led weekly Keertan practice for 15 youth at Gurdwara Sahib, Sept 2023 to present. Personally responsible for scheduling, selecting shabads, and training three new Keertan jathas" is far more useful than "involved in Gurdwara activities."
Who can write my recommendation letters?
Anyone who knows your character and/or seva well. Gurdwara committee members, community leaders, nonprofit organizers, teachers, mentors, or coaches are all appropriate. We care deeply about character and values, so ask your recommenders to speak specifically to who you are as a person and to include real examples, stories, and moments that show your integrity, your values, and how you carry yourself. Recommenders may not be family members or SYANA organizers.
How do I submit my application?
Email all materials as attachments (PDF preferred) to scholarship@sikhyouthalliance.org by September 15, 2026. Recommendation letters can be sent by you or directly by your recommenders.
What is the Stage Two written piece?
After selection, recipients are assigned a Panthic topic and asked to develop a longer written piece. Details on length and format are provided upon selection. The strongest pieces may be featured at SYANA's annual speech symposium.
Can graduate students apply?
No. This scholarship is for students who will be enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program during the upcoming school year.
How are applications reviewed?
All applications are reviewed blind by an independent judging committee, separate from SYANA leadership. Identifying information is removed so your writing and seva speak for themselves.