The Japan Exchange & Teaching Program Alumni Association of Northern California Announces its 2022 Scholarship Recipient
San Francisco, CA – The Japan Exchange & Teaching Program Alumni Association of Northern California (JETAANC) Scholarship Selection Committee has selected Jessica Leon of Lowell High School in San Francisco, California as its 2022 scholarship recipient. The Selection Committee was impressed by Jessica's academic excellence, sustained interest in Japan, commitment to Japanese language study, and dedication to her community as a leader and mentor.
Like many people, Jessica's introduction to Japanese culture began with anime, but it soon blossomed to include Japanese language study, cultural immersion, and community engagement. Jessica is the current president of the Japanese National Honor Society and part of the Japantown Youth Leaders (JYL) leadership team. As part of JYL, Jessica has worked to address public needs, including a project in 2021 to provide support to elderly community members who were struggling due to isolation during the pandemic. Jessica is also highly active in other community service and peer mentorship activities, including serving as a tutor, camp counselor, and food bank volunteer. Jessica will enroll at the University of California, San Diego this fall, where she intends to major in Japanese.
Since 2002, the JETAANC Scholarship has been awarded annually to high school seniors in northern California and Nevada who have demonstrated academic excellence, possessed an interest in Japan, made outstanding contributions to their communities, and who have been accepted into an accredited college or university.
For more information about the JETAANC Scholarship, contact scholarship@jetaanc.org.
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The Japan Exchange & Teaching Program Alumni Association of Northern California (JETAANC) serves as a network and resource for JET Program alumni in Northern California and Nevada—the jurisdictional region of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco—and provides assistance to the JET Program and other activities that strengthen U.S.–Japan relations. Please visit the JETAANC website for more information: www.jetaanc.org.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program seeks to enhance internationalization in Japan by promoting mutual understanding between the people of Japan and those of other nations. The program aims to enhance foreign language education and promote international exchange at the local level through the fostering of ties between Japanese youth and foreign youth alike. Please visit the JET Program website for more information: https://jetprogramusa.org.