(Sent to BME undergraduate and graduate students and post doctoral fellows on behalf of Prof. Chi Hwan lee)

From: KSEA <noreply@ksea.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 9, 2022 1:10 PM
To: Lee, Chi Hwan <lee2270@purdue.edu>
Subject: 2022 Young Generation Forum Announcement
Importance: High

Dear KSEA Members,

We at KSEA are very pleased to announce the 2022 Young Generation Forum (YGF) program to be held from August 1st to August 6th, 2022, in Seoul, South Korea. Undergraduate students with US permanent residency or citizenship who have not previously attended YGF are eligible to apply and participate in this program. For graduate students and postdocs, please refer to the separate announcement for the Young Professional Forum (YPF).

Each year since 2002, the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KOFST) and the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) have been hosting the Young Generation / Young Professional Forum by bringing young Korean Heritage scientists and engineers from all over the world to Korea. The goal is to share the Korean vision of science and technology around the world.

This year, we are also offering a 1-month global research internship opportunity with the University of Science and Technology (UST) to select YGF attendees (Dates: either July 1st to July 31st or August 8th to September 7th). Participation in the internship program is optional.

Eligibility and Criteria

1. Undergraduates students in STEM*:
1. Enrolled in science and technology-related departments
2. Born on or after 1992.1.1
3. Able to commit to attendance by April 15th, 2022
4. Able to communicate in English and Korean
5. US Citizens or Permanent residents (with verification of US Passport or US Permanent Resident card)
6. Have not attended a prior YGF

Note: Additional consideration will be provided for socially disadvantaged (orphans, single parents, adoptees, etc.)

YGF Program Highlights

• Trip to Korea includes hotel, meals, and activities
• Airfare support to Korea
• Opportunity for global networking with scientists and engineers
• Attend lectures by industry leaders
• Heritage and cultural tours
• Once-in-a-lifetime experience

This year, the Korea Federation of Korean Industries will host 80 Korean youth scientists and engineers from the United States, Britain, Canada, Japan, China, Russia, and 40 Korean young scientists and engineers in Seoul Korea. We will be sending 15 students from KSEA.  Please note that in case of worsening of the pandemic, YGF will be switched to take place in North-America. Final decision regarding this should be announced in June.

The YGF is a global leader in building a global community of domestic and foreign experts around high-tech science and technology, and facilitating the exchange of ideas between them. The Korean Federation also seeks to promote the ethnic bonds between students from ethnic Korean students from across the world.

Program Summary

* Program is subject to change

Application (you must complete all three parts)

1. Sign-up for or renew your KSEA membership at the KSEA membership page
1. $0 for undergraduate members
2. Membership term is valid until June 30th
3. Please take note of your KSEA membership ID number (you will need it for the application)
2. Fill out and submit the YGF Application
1. Submit proof of legal US Residency
2. US Passport, US Green Card, US Permanent Resident card –
1. Social security cards, driver's licenses, state ID cards, and bank statements are NOT valid proofs of legal residency.
3. To help us match your file with your application, please name your file:
   ext (example: Doe_John_1999.pdf)

Deadline: Sunday, March 13th, 2022, 11:59pm PT

UST Global Research Internship Program Highlights

• The UST Global Research Internship Program aims to bring accomplished overseas students and give them hands-on research experience in one of the UST campuses
• Eligibility: Interested undergraduate (1st - 4th year) YGF applicants (The program may be canceled if there are no participants) who are interested
• Duration: 1 month [Select either: (1) Before YGF: 7/1-7/31; (2) After YGF: 8/8-9.7]
• Location: University of Science and Technology campus (10 campuses, including KIST)
• Final location assignment is determined by the UST internship committee
• Application: Included in YGF application
• The program will cover: lodging, visa documents, insurance, stipend, PI/mentor assignment

Please review the FAQ below for additional information. Please write yg.committee@ksea.org with questions.

Regards,

Dennis Cha
2022 KSEA YGF & YPF Co-Chair

Clara Kim
2022 KSEA YGF & YPF Co-Chair

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility Questions

Q: I am a graduate student – can I still apply?
A: Graduate students are not eligible to apply to YGF. Instead, please refer to announcement regarding Young Professional Forum (YPF).

Q: I am a working professional (i.e. non-student); can I still apply?
A: Unfortunately, no.

Q: I have attended school in the US, but I am not a citizen nor a permanent resident. May I still apply?
A: Unfortunately, no.

Q: I am not a US Citizen / Permanent Resident. Can I still apply?
A: KSEA is only in charge of the US applicants. Other countries (e.g. Canada) must apply through their sponsoring organization.

Q: Do I need to be active in KSEA, or a current member?
A: YES. The only requirement is that you are a paid/registered member of KSEA at the time of application.

Q: Are there any exceptions to the eligibility requirements?
A: No, unfortunately not.

Application Questions

Q: Is a copy and paste from an unofficial transcript OK for the application?
A: Yes, it is. However, all information on your application may be subject to verification.

Q: What are the criteria for judging applicants?
A: The admissions process is holistic. We are looking for three things: academic achievement, leadership achievement and/or interesting experiences. It isn't necessary to show achievement in all three aspects, but please try to show positive attributes in at least one of these aspects. Also, as this is an intense networking forum, we want to see that you can handle long days that are full of meeting many new and very interesting people, sightseeing, and working on team building exercises.

Q: What should I do if my summer plans are unknown?
A: Unfortunately, you will need to determine your summer plans before applying. We highly discourage people from canceling as KOFST does not wait-list candidates and cancellations reduce the number of spots accepted from the U.S. the following year. On the other hand, you may submit your application, and can let us know by the application deadline if you still would like to attend.

Q: Are there any other special considerations?
A: Yes, KOFST encourages socially disadvantaged students to apply, such as being an adoptee, an orphan, from a single parent family, etc. There is a place in the application to indicate this.

Q: What does it mean to be a finalist versus getting the final notification from KOFST?
A: Finalist means that you were nominated by KSEA to attend, and are likely to attend. However, final acceptance is pending review by the KOFST.

Program Questions

Q: How will the program be affected with COVID-19?
A: KOFST and KSEA are closely monitoring how the COVID-19 pandemic pans out the next few months. If you are selected to participate, we will keep you notified in terms of changes in the program, schedule, testing/vaccination requirements. Please note that in case of worsening of the pandemic, YGF will be switched to take place in North-America. Final decision regarding this should be announced in June.

Q: Is the trip really covered?!
A: Yes, food and lodging is fully covered by KOFST at no expense to you. You will have to purchase your own flight tickets and will be reimbursed after the conference, up to $1,400 (West Coast), $1,500 (Middle), and $1,600 (East Coast), for a round-trip. Your location (west, middle, or east) is determined by the address listed on your application.

Q: What if my round-trip flight costs more than the allocated amount (listed above)?
A: Unfortunately, summertime flights to Korea are expensive and the reimbursement amount might not cover the entire amount. Attendees are expected to cover the difference, but we hope that the free lodging, free meals, and the flight reimbursement (plus the experience!) offset any major financial burden.

Q: Can I arrive earlier or leave later than the YGF program dates?
A: Yes, we encouraged participants to arrive early or stay later for further sightseeing, family visits, or post-forum meet-ups with your new YGF friends depending on your schedule. You may purchase your airplane ticket to accommodate this extended schedule. However rooming and meals outside of the YGF program will be on your own. You may coordinate with your fellow US attendees via Facebook group or email once accepted.

Q: What is the purpose of this trip?
A: The goal of this program is to increase collaboration and create networks between promising young students with Korean heritage from around the world. The idea is to start an intellectual / cultural exchange, and to help promote ties between ethnic-Koreans around the world as the future global leaders.