At One Chance Fund, we believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and enabling young people to achieve their full potential. In this article, we will outline the steps we take to select students for our sponsorship program.
Step 1: Defining Selection Criteria
The first step in the selection process is to define the criteria that will be used to evaluate applicants We use a combination of vulnerability ( 50% ) , academic excellence ( 30% ) , and poverty ( 20% ) as our selection criteria. Vulnerability refers to a student's socio-economic background, including factors such as victims of conflicts, access to basic services, and the availability of support systems. Academic excellence is based on a student's performance in school, including grades, attendance, and participation in extracurricular activities. Poverty is measured using a combination of income and expenditure data.
Step 2: Call for Applications
Once the selection criteria have been established, we call for applications from interested students. We use a variety of channels to reach potential applicants, including our website, social media, and referrals from schools, community & religious leaders, and local government officials.
Step 3: Reviewing Applications
Once we have received applications from interested students, we review them based on the criteria we have established. This involves carefully examining each application to ensure that it meets the minimum requirements and is eligible for consideration. We may also conduct additional research or verification to confirm the information provided in the application.
Step 4: Conducting Phone Interviews
After reviewing the applications, we shortlist the most qualified candidates and conduct phone interviews to further assess their suitability for the program. During these interviews, we ask questions about the students' academic and personal backgrounds, their goals and aspirations, and their reasons for applying for the scholarship.
Step 5: Visiting Students' Homes
The next step in the selection process is to visit the shortlisted students in their homes. This allows us to conduct physical interviews, verify the information and documents provided in the application, and assess the students' living conditions and support systems. It also gives us an opportunity to engage with the students' parents or guardians and explain more about our program and what it entails.
Step 6: Awarding Scholarships
After completing the home visits, we award scholarships to the most deserving students. This is typically done at a special event where we meet with the students and their guardians, explain more about the scholarship, and answer any questions they may have. The students are then given an offer letter outlining the terms and conditions of the scholarship.
Step 7: Signing the Offer Letter
Once the scholarship offer has been accepted, the student's parent or guardian must sign the offer letter to confirm their agreement to the terms and conditions of the scholarship. This is an important step that ensures that both the student and the guardian understand their responsibilities and obligations under the program.
Step 8: Enrollment in the One Chance Fund Program
After signing the offer letter, the student is enrolled in the One Chance Fund program. This typically involves attending orientation sessions, meeting with mentors, and participating in other activities designed to support their academic and personal development.
In conclusion, the selection process for our sponsorship program is carefully designed to ensure that we identify and support the most deserving students. By combining vulnerability, academic excellence, and poverty as our selection criteria, we are able to identify students who are in need of support and have the potential to excel in their studies. At One Chance Fund, we believe that by providing these students with the support and resources they need, we can help them break the cycle of poverty and achieve their dreams.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of young people and help them achieve their full potential.
