Bridging Cultures: Chinese Heritage in Modern San Diego

The San Diego Chinese Art and Cultural Society (SDCACS) is proud to offer a scholarship opportunity for promising high school students who demonstrate an appreciation for Chinese art and culture and an ability to express this through a creative video medium.

I. Scholarship Award

  • Total Awards: up to 3 winners

  • Award Amounts: $1,000 for each award

  • Use of Funds: Awards are intended to support the student's continued education.

II. Eligibility

  • Residency: Must be a high school student (grades 9-12) currently residing in San Diego County.

  • Academic Standing: Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

  • Future Plans: Must plan to attend a higher education institution (2-year college, 4-year university, or vocational school) upon graduation.

  • Affiliation: Applicants do not need to be of Chinese descent to apply, but the video submission must clearly focus on Chinese art or culture.

  • Submission Limit: Only one video submission per student is allowed. Group submissions are not accepted.

III. Video Submission Theme & Focus

  • Theme: "Bridging Cultures: Chinese Heritage in Modern San Diego"

  • Goal: Applicants must create a short video that demonstrates artistic talent while exploring and celebrating elements of Chinese art or culture as it exists or influences life in San Diego.

  • Suggested Focus Areas:

  1. Visual/Performing Arts: Feature and discuss a form of Chinese art (e.g., calligraphy, painting, dance, or music) and highlight its presence or interpretation in the San Diego community - and beyond, in the global community.

IV. Video Requirements

  • Duration: Maximum of 3 minutes (180 seconds). Videos exceeding this limit will be disqualified.

  • Format: Must be high-quality digital video (e.g., MP4 or MOV).

  • Resolution: Minimum resolution of 720p.

  • Originality: All content (video, audio, music) must be original work or utilize royalty-free/licensed material. Any use of copyrighted material without permission will result in disqualification.

  • Language: English or a combination of English and Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese). If non-English dialogue is used, clear English subtitles must be included.

  • Opening Screen: Video must begin with a 5-second title screen listing: Video Title, Applicant Name, and Date. (This 5 seconds does not count toward the 3-minute limit.)

  • Content: Content must be appropriate for a general audience and align with the mission of SDCACS.

V. Submission Materials Checklist

The complete application must be submitted electronically by the deadline and include:

  • Official High School Transcript/Report Card: Verifying GPA and enrollment.

  • Video Submission: Uploaded to an unlisted YouTube or Vimeo link provided in the application form (ensure the link remains accessible until the awards date).

  • Video Abstract/Description (max. 250 words): A summary of the video's focus and the specific cultural element it highlights.

  • Media Release Form: Signed by the applicant (and parent/guardian if under 18) granting SDCACS permission to screen the video publicly.

  • Confirmation of Submission: You will receive a confirmation email from sdcartcultural@gmail.com within 3 days acknowledging receipt of your video.

VI. Judging Criteria (Evaluation Weights)

Submissions will be evaluated by a panel based on the following equally weighted criteria:

  • Cultural Relevance & Accuracy (20%): How accurately and effectively the video reflects the chosen aspect of Chinese art/culture.

  • Creativity & Originality (30%): The unique approach and imaginative way the theme is interpreted and presented.

  • Technical Quality (15%): Clarity of video, quality of audio, editing flow, and overall production value.

  • Clarity & Impact (35%): How well the message is conveyed, the storytelling, and the overall impression on the viewer.



VII. Important Dates

  • Application Opens: December 20, 2025

  • Submission Deadline: January 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST

  • Notification of Winners: February 15, 2026

  • Awards Ceremony: March 7, 2026 at SDCACS Chinese New Year Event at Balboa Park (TBD)

Important Note: The SDCACS reserves the right to withhold awards if submissions do not meet the minimum standard of quality or adhere to the guidelines.