Dr. Agha Saeed Memorial Scholarship
Thank you for being a valued sponsor at ISF!
Through the support of a generous donor, ISF has established a scholarship honoring the lasting legacy of Dr. Agha Saeed—a visionary leader who has been a foundational pillar of the American Muslim community. This scholarship aims to empower students who are carrying forward his mission—championing civic engagement and the rightful place of Muslims in the fabric of American society.
Dr. Agha Saeed (1948-2021) was a respected scholar and pioneering advocate for Muslim political empowerment in the United States. With academic appointments at UC Berkeley and several California State Universities, he combined his expertise in rhetoric, political science, and ethnic studies with a lifelong dedication to civic justice.
As founder of the American Muslim Alliance (AMA), Dr. Saeed worked to train Muslim leaders, build national coalitions, and integrate Muslims into the American political process. Under his leadership, AMA grew to over 100 chapters across 31 states and became a driving force for civic education and political participation.He also led efforts to defend civil liberties, co-founding the California Civil Rights Alliance, which successfully challenged the PATRIOT Act in California, and establishing the Pakistan American Democratic Forum to promote democracy both in Pakistan and among Pakistani-Americans.
After 9/11, Dr. Saeed helped unite major Muslim organizations through the American Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections, amplifying the community’s voice in national politics. His legacy remains a powerful reminder of the importance of Muslim civic engagement and leadership in American democracy.
Sponsor Another Student
Because of your previous support, your sponsored students received the foundation needed to achieve academically and professionally, increasing American Muslim presence and impacting public policy and opinion where it matters most. Please consider renewing your sponsorship to further that impact. Schedule a call with ISF Director Somayeh Nikooei, renew your sponsorship today, or learn more about ISF's Create Your Own Scholarship Program. Thank you!
Learn More About ISF
Since our founding in 2009, ISF has grown sustainably in our programs, operations, and finances. Learn more about our growth, the achievements of our changemakers, and what we plan to do next in our annual reports.