Importance of a scholarship to the recipient
The feeling of being selected for a scholarship is rewarding and fulfilling, and indeed volumes could be written if the recipients were asked to recount their individual benefits of getting sponsored to pursue education, particularly at the university level. This section would only summarize some of the salient benefits of the scholarship to the awardee. They include;
- Scholarships give bright students a chance to further their education and to blossom their talents, which otherwise they could not have afforded.
- Also, the recipient is able to solely focus on his/her studies without having to worry about tuition and upkeep finances, thus enabling one to concentrate on excelling and creating impact.
- A scholarship enables students to gain invaluable knowledge, skills and new experiences as a result of exposure. Most of them take up leadership and transform their institutions and communities.
- Most become role models and beacon of hope for many others
Since Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, financial need, among others, or some combination of criteria, preparation for a successful scholarship application is critical.
Below is advice from our experience in guiding many who have received local and international scholarships:-
- First of all, identify and ensure you have read and ascertained that you meet the eligibility criteria of the given scholarship
- Make your application as early as possible, avoid late applications.
- Have your academic transcripts, personal statement (Statement of purpose/Motivational statement) ready. Also, have at least referees available to recommend you.
- Make as many applications as possible
- Read and be ready to adhere to the any terms and conditions attached to the scholarship programme.
- Seek assistance from those who have benefited from the scholarship programme or from experts who understand what grantors and education institutions look for. Ayenit Alolom Africa is here to guide and support you be successful scholarship recipient
Importance of a scholarship to society/country
Education in itself is a worthwhile investment that catalyses development of any society. There are numerous cases of scholarship recipients that can be cited, who have gone on to transform their societies through the acquired knowledge and competencies. Other benefits of scholarships include;
- Accelerated development and transfer of knowledge, which boosts domestic technology and economic growth.
- Scholarships also enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation among countries. This is good for trade, job creation and investments.
Importance of a scholarship to the grantor
Setting up a scholarship scheme is a valuable way in which institutions and corporations illuminate their responsibility to their community . Positioning the company as valuing education, investing in the community and increasing access to higher education for disadvantaged groups. As the cost of education rises and talented minds from underprivileged economic backgrounds are locked out of higher education. The corporate person then becomes the guardian of this individuals. Education is a powerful enabler of a society, hence any investment into scholarships is direct profitability to the global community.
Scholarship is an integral part of a graduate recruitment or talent development programme, which in the long run shapes the company’s growth and reputation in the eyes of the public and future generations.
If you wish to position your company institution as caring about education, training and development of future generations, please speak to us. Ayenit Alolom Africa is here to guide on impactful strategies that contribute to the satisfaction of all your stakeholders.
You can target the scholarship to a specific subject or university or widen the eligibility to achieve a greater reach and then select the applicants that interest you. You could also include a work placement as part of the programme as part of preparing individual for the actual recruitment e An institution wishing to invest in their local area and support their local community may consider offering a scholarship to people from their local area. This could either be aimed at people who are resident or have been educated locally, or for use at the nearest University, encouraging students from further afield to come to the region. It could be a useful tool for development organisations to promote the area.
If you would like to associate your brand with encouraging out of classroom talent, e.g Music or sporting achievement, offer a scholarship to those students who show outstanding achievement, allowing them to develop their skills at the same time as studying for a degree.
Preparation for a successful scholarship application.
- First of all, identify and ensure you have read and ascertained that you meet the eligibility criteria of the given scholarship’
- Make your application as early as possible, avoid late applications.
- Have your academic transcripts, personal statement (Statement of purpose/Motivational statement) ready. Also, have at least three referees available to recommend you.
- Make as many applications as possible.
- Read and be ready to adhere to the any terms and conditions attached to the scholarship programme.