Empowering the next generation of Japanese women leaders through education in the US
In 1871, at the age of 11, Sutematsu was sent to the U.S. as a member of the government mission. In 1882, she graduated from Vassar College as a valedictorian. She was the first Japanese woman to graduate from a college in the U.S. as well as in Japan. Upon returning to Japan, Sutematsu contributed to promote the educational and social status of the Japanese women.
Even after 100 years, women in Japan still face various obstacles in a social environment. We hope that Sutematsu scholars will embody the spirit of Sutematsu and demonstrate what she learned in the U.S. to empower more women to make a sustainable impact in the society.
Thanks to the leadership of Akiko Kuno (trustee, vice president of US Japan society, and a great granddaughter of Sutematsu), other founding members, and many supporters, we were able to raise 35 million yen, enough to fund the tuition for 4 years in a college in the U.S. The first Sutematsu scholar was selected. She has been admitted at Wellesley College. Second scholar will be enrolled at Mount Holyoke College.
We are accepting donations (Yen or USD) for the third scholar. As of April 2025, we have raised 75% toward the target of $295,000.
Even after 100 years, women in Japan still face various obstacles in a social environment. We hope that Sutematsu scholars will embody the spirit of Sutematsu and demonstrate what she learned in the U.S. to empower more women to make a sustainable impact in the society.
Thanks to the leadership of Akiko Kuno (trustee, vice president of US Japan society, and a great granddaughter of Sutematsu), other founding members, and many supporters, we were able to raise 35 million yen, enough to fund the tuition for 4 years in a college in the U.S. The first Sutematsu scholar was selected. She has been admitted at Wellesley College. Second scholar will be enrolled at Mount Holyoke College.
We are accepting donations (Yen or USD) for the third scholar. As of April 2025, we have raised 75% toward the target of $295,000.
Objectives
- To help develop female leaders who will work to improve the social status of women;
- To support Japanese women to study abroad to fully develop their individual abilities regardless of field and to grow as leaders who will contribute to the building of a prosperous and peaceful society;
- To ensure that the spirit of Sutematsu is continued by future generations; and
- To send and support at least one scholar each year on a continual basis to a traditional women's liberal arts college in the United States.
Destination
The Sutematsu Scholars will have the opportunity to study for four years at one of the following six small, historic, residential, liberal arts college for women in the eastern United States known for fostering women leaders.
- Vassar College (coeducational since 1969)
- Barnard College
- Bryn Mawr College
- Mount Holyoke College
- Smith College
- Wellesley College
Scholarship
- The scholarship will be awarded to one female Japanese high school graduate who will attend one of the above-mentioned colleges for four years ($65,000 per year).
- Sutematsu Scholars will be entitled to all the privileges and benefits extended to Grew Bancroft Scholars, including preparatory support for college application, guidance during study abroad, and consultation on post-study career path.
Eligibility
- Applicants must have Japanese citizenship and have graduated from a Japanese high school or have completed at least eight years of formal education in Japan.
- The family income of the applicant must be no more more than 20 million yen.
- The applicant must have self-recognition as a woman.
Selection
Selection is managed by the Grew Bancroft Foundation
Donors list
We are accepting donations for the third scholar. As of February, 2025, we have raised 71% toward the target of $295,000.
Message from the Sutematsu scholar
I am truly grateful for the opportunity that the Oyama Sutematsu Scholarship has given me. Thanks to the support that I am receiving, I have enrolled at Wellesley College and am about to complete my first semester of studies. The generous contributions made by donors have enabled me to take this important step forward in my life and career—one that I could not have achieved on my own.
At Wellesley College, I am surrounded by a beautiful campus and warm, inspiring people, and I am experiencing the most fulfilling and stimulating days of my life. Every day, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to be in such a wonderful environment, and for the support of everyone who made this possible.
I look forward to your continued support of the Oyama Sutematsu Scholarship in the future. Thank you once again.
The first Sutematsu Scholar, Wellesley College Class of 2028
At Wellesley College, I am surrounded by a beautiful campus and warm, inspiring people, and I am experiencing the most fulfilling and stimulating days of my life. Every day, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to be in such a wonderful environment, and for the support of everyone who made this possible.
I look forward to your continued support of the Oyama Sutematsu Scholarship in the future. Thank you once again.
The first Sutematsu Scholar, Wellesley College Class of 2028