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All The Same Organization

ATS Cultural Spotlight Scholarship

Create. Celebrate. Connect.

ATS Cultural Spotlight Scholarship

Both of our founders, Vivian Ho and Anika Luangaphay, grew up distant from their cultures before reconnecting with them. For Vivian, that connection came through art.

Now, we’re inviting U.S. high school students in grades 9–12 to explore their own culture through original art and writing.

Create.

An original artwork or craft inspired by your culture.

Write.

Up to 250 words explaining its cultural significance.

Celebrate.

Help us showcase cultures from across the country.

Scholarship awards

$1,250+ Prize Pool

First place

$1,000

+ publication

Second place

$150

+ publication

Third place

$100

+ publication

5 Finalists & 10 Semifinalists · Multiple Cultures Represented

Apply · Read the Rules
Number of recipients: 40

Cultural Surprises

Underserved communities are often made up of diverse cultures that may be underrepresented or unappreciated. Join Cultural Surprises and help celebrate different cultures through creativity and art!

What Will Volunteers Do?

  • Volunteers will be assigned a culture to research and learn about.
  • Volunteers will use what they learn to create an art or craft inspired by that culture.
  • Possible projects include:
    • Paintings and drawings
    • Cultural greeting cards
    • Yarn art and woven crafts
    • Sculptures and clay art
    • Mini culture books or fact cards
    • Paper crafts
    • Traditional-inspired patterns and designs
    • Cultural posters
    • Digital art
    • Other creative projects inspired by the assigned culture

How Will the Creations Be Used?

Volunteers can receive volunteer hours in exchange for completed projects. Their creations will then be used to celebrate and appreciate different cultures by:

  • Including them in supply and care packages
  • Displaying or distributing them at cultural and community events
  • Sending them to recipients who share or are connected to the culture represented
  • Using them in schools and community programs to encourage cultural awareness
  • Sharing them through cultural celebrations and educational activities

Create. Learn. Celebrate. Share.

Traditional Art

Traditional art created by a Cultural Surprises volunteer

Digital Art

Digital art created by a Cultural Surprises volunteerDigital art created by a Cultural Surprises volunteerDigital art created by a Cultural Surprises volunteerDigital art created by a Cultural Surprises volunteer
Volunteer Creations

Cultural Surprises

Royal Bengal Tiger — India
Royal Bengal Tiger — India
Celebrate Aboriginal Art, Culture & Storytelling
Celebrate Aboriginal Art, Culture & Storytelling
Querida Diana
Querida Diana

Celebrating Hmong Culture

Created by Bianca Gonzalez

Celebrating Hmong Culture

Created by Cheviane Leung

Cultural Surprises artwork enlarged