Iranian-American Scholarship Fund (IASF)

The Iranian-American Scholarship Fund empowers students of Iranian heritage by supporting academic excellence, financial need, and community service while building a lasting tradition of generosity and belonging.

Donate Now

Apply for Scholarship

Iranian-American Scholarship Fund

The Iranian-American Scholarship Fund empowers students of Iranian heritage by supporting academic excellence, financial need, and community service while building a lasting tradition of generosity and belonging.

Donate Now

Apply for Scholarship

You Donate

Your generous help provides students with needed financial assistance. You may establish a named tax-deductible scholarship.

Students Apply

Each year students apply to the IASF. To date, we have awarded 410 scholarships to incredibly bright and talented students nationwide.

We Award Scholarships

Our scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, financial need, and commitment to community service.

Students Graduate

The scholarships also provide students with a strong sense of identity, unity, and pride for the community that supports their academic goals.

Why IASF matters

Students across the United States are turning to the Iranian-American community for support. IASF helps make higher education more accessible while strengthening pride, connection, and future giving.

Organization profile

IASF became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2005 and is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. It is non-political, non-religious, and community-supported.

IASF history at a glance

1997 |

Discussions begin with the University of California, San Diego to establish the first scholarship for students of Iranian heritage.

1998 |

The “Mother Fund” is established at UCSD, a Board of Trustees is formed, and fundraising begins in the San Diego Iranian-American community.

1998–1999 |

IASF awards its first five scholarships at UCSD.

2001 |

After Proposition 209, funds are transferred from UCSD to the Persian Cultural Center so scholarships can continue.

2005 |

IASF becomes an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit administered by a volunteer Board of Directors.

2005–2008 |

Eligibility expands from San Diego to Southern California, then statewide, and eventually nationwide.

2016–Present |

IASF continues scholarship support, including awards for undergraduate, graduate, PhD, and Iranian Studies applicants.

Board of Directors

Volunteer leadership guiding the mission

CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Sarah E. Aghassi, Esq.* – Chair
Mariam Ahwazi – Treasurer
Shahri Estakhry*
Nadia Farjood, Esq.
Pouya Jamshidi, M.D.
Farnaz Mehrayin – Secretary
Kourosh Mehrayin – Vice Chair
Susan Missaghieh
Vahid Niki, DDS
* Trustees

CURRENT ADVISORY BOARD

Mahasti Afshar, PhD
Behrooz A. Akbarnia, M.D.
Ali Gheissari, PhD*
Gita Khadiri, Esq.
Mariam Khosravani
Mahmood Mahdavi, M.D.
Jasmin Moshirpur, M.D.
Vali Nasr, PhD
Hossain Ronaghy, M.D.
Massih Tayebi, PhD
Majid Zarrinkelk, CPA

PAST BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Kelly Afsahi
Behrooz A. Akbarnia, M.D.
Susan Alavi Sullins
Arsalan Dadkhah, PhD
Touraj Daryaee, PhD
Ali Gheissari, PhD
Golrokh Golshan Kashirad
Mehdi Kazemzadeh
Gita Khadiri, Esq.
Samira Khazai
Mariam Khosravani
Mahmood Mahdavi, M.D.
Haida Massoud Mojdehi, Esq.
Javid Najafi, M.D.
Nasrin Rahimieh, PhD
Hossain Ronaghy, M.D.
Haleh Tayebi
Laleh Zayanderoudi

Supporting students. Strengthening community. Inspiring future leaders.

IASF exists to provide meaningful scholarship support and to foster a culture where students succeed, stay connected to their community, and one day give back to others.

410

Scholarships Awarded

$950K

Funds Awarded

A growing legacy of support

Since its founding, IASF has built credibility among donors, applicants, and the wider community through sustained scholarship support and volunteer leadership.