Creating Pathways: The Growth of the GSGC Scholarship Program

A Gap Between Potential and Opportunity

The Global Sojourns Giving Circle Scholarships Program began as a vision brought to reality in 2023, at a moment when we were seeing girls from our clubs complete high school but face an uncertain path forward. While they had worked hard to reach this milestone, many lacked the financial means and support needed to access vocational college or university, leaving a gap between potential and opportunity.

From there, the process of bringing this vision to life began. We worked to design the policies and systems needed to support young people through this next phase, evolving the idea into a structured and sustainable program. By early 2024, we had formalized the scholarship, receiving 21 applications and selecting 12 girls to pursue studies in fields such as nursing, pharmacy, teaching and culinary arts.

Strengthening and Expanding the Program

As the first year unfolded, we learned a great deal — not only about how to run the programme, but about what young people need as they transition into new and often unfamiliar environments. Entering college or university is not only a financial shift, but a personal one. It requires confidence, adaptability and the ability to navigate spaces that can feel overwhelming at first. Through ongoing mentorship and support, we have been able to walk alongside scholars as they begin to find their footing.

In 2025, we refined the process further. We introduced interviews, transitioned to Google Forms and expanded the program to include boys from our Boys Clubs, recognizing that they too face barriers in accessing further education. We received 25 applications and increased the number of scholarships to 16. Two boys joined the program, one studying engineering and the other accounting, and all scholars are progressing well.

Beyond academics, many of the scholars are actively engaging in sports, poetry, fashion and the arts, finding ways to balance their studies with their passions and identities. These are not only students, but young people shaping their sense of self and future.

We also strengthened our systems by introducing regional administrators based at our Youth Mentorship Centers. They support the disbursement of funds, track academic progress, and maintain communication with parents, helping to ensure that each scholar is supported holistically.

A Bridge to What Comes Next

Throughout the year, we track grades, hold monthly mentoring sessions, and continue to support scholars as they navigate both the opportunities and challenges of being in new learning environments. When they return home, they reconnect through the Youth Mentorship Centre, where they engage in job shadowing and internship opportunities. We have also built relationships with the institutions they attend, creating a more connected and supportive journey.

What is becoming increasingly clear is that the scholarship program is not only about access to education, but about creating a bridge into the next phase of life. It is about ensuring that young people are not left to navigate this transition alone, but are supported, guided and encouraged as they step into their future.