#LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Against The Grain Productions

Description
**Purpose and focus**
The #LiveLikeLyly Memorial Scholarship provides targeted financial support and visibility for Asian American students pursuing careers in fashion or graphic design. It is a program designed to advance emerging creative talent while honoring the spirit of its namesake. The scholarship emphasizes both artistic work and academic commitment, encouraging applicants to demonstrate creative excellence alongside leadership and community engagement.

Key takeaways:
- Supports students majoring in fashion or graphic design.
- Aims to promote Asian American creative talent.
- Evaluates both artistic submissions and academic/leadership credentials.

History of the Award
**Origin and dedication**
The scholarship was established in memory of Lyly Koenig Mendez, a gifted graphic and fashion designer whose life and work inspired the ATG community. Lyly’s story—an Operation Babylift adoptee who built a creative career, appeared in ATG productions, and remained generous in spirit—shaped the scholarship’s mission to celebrate creativity and resilience. The award is a living tribute to Lyly’s values and encourages recipients to carry forward her passion and generosity.

Key takeaways:
- Named for Lyly Koenig Mendez, an artist and ATG supporter.
- Honors Lyly’s creative legacy and personal resilience.
- Created to reflect her commitment to art, community, and life.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Applicants must meet specific demographic, residency, academic and extracurricular criteria to qualify. Eligibility requires at least 25% Asian and/or Pacific Islander heritage, U.S. citizenship/ national/ legal permanent residency, and current or incoming full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. institution in a fashion or graphic design program. Candidates must also demonstrate leadership through community service or extracurricular involvement and maintain a minimum unweighted 3.0 GPA. Family members of ATG Board members are not eligible.

Key takeaways:
- Minimum 25% Asian/Pacific Islander heritage required.
- Must be U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident.
- Full-time student (high school senior or college-level) in fashion/graphic design.
- Minimum GPA 3.0 and demonstrated leadership/community service.
- Board family members are ineligible.

Selection Criteria
**How recipients are chosen**
Selection follows a points-based rating system across five distinct categories that together determine the award winner. Judges evaluate the quality of the content submission (essay and artistic portfolio), academic performance, leadership and community service contributions, letters of recommendation, and performance in a phone or in-person committee interview. The applicant with the highest combined score across these categories receives the scholarship.

Key takeaways:
- Five-category rating system determines the winner.
- Categories: submission quality, academics, leadership/service, recommendations, interview.
- Highest cumulative score wins.

Award Value and Disbursement
**Amount and payment process**
The scholarship award is a $1,000 grant intended for tuition and eligible school fees. Award funds are issued directly to the recipient’s educational institution in the student’s name to ensure proper application toward academic expenses. Scholarship recipients are also asked to provide a short (approximately one-minute) “thank you” video for ATG’s social media as part of recipient responsibilities.

Key takeaways:
- Award amount: $1,000.
- Funds paid directly to the school in the student’s name.
- Winners must submit a ~1-minute thank-you video for ATG social media.

Application Timeline
**When and how to prepare**
The scholarship is offered on an annual cycle; exact application windows and deadlines are published each year by ATG and should be confirmed on their official site. Prospective applicants should prepare a polished essay, an artistic portfolio, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation well ahead of posted deadlines. Allow adequate time for the committee review and the required interview stage when planning submission.

Key takeaways:
- Offered annually; check ATG for current deadlines.
- Prepare essay, portfolio, transcripts, and recommendations early.
- Expect a review period and a possible interview as part of the process.