Scholarships for Higher Education Program
Since 2012, the Scholarship for Higher Education Project has provided over 240 scholarships to financially disadvantaged rural youth. Our scholars are from Kralanh, Srei Snam, Varin, Taing Kork, and Kampong Leaeng Districts, primarily from our Dream Management Program.
PEPY’s scholarship is unique in that it includes so much more than tuition. First, we provide 3 years of tuition to a university or vocational school in Siem Reap. In addition, scholars receive a bicycle, computer access, 1.5 years of living allowance, and healthcare until they obtain jobs. Our students study in the university and degree program of their choice, achieving the goals they have set for themselves. Lastly, all first-year scholars attend our Learning Center giving them extensive academic, professional, and interpersonal skills.
Since 2012, the Scholarship for Higher Education Program (SHE) has provided over 300 scholarships to financially disadvantaged rural youth. Our scholars come primarily from the same districts we serve as part of Dream Management Program.
PEPY’s scholarship is unique because it includes more than the cost of studies. SHE students are provided 3 years of study in the university degree program or vocational school of their choice within Siem Reap, preparing them to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Scholars also receive a bicycle with safety gear, computer access, 1.5 years of living allowance, and healthcare until they obtain jobs. Lastly, all first-year scholars attend our Learning Center giving them extensive academic, professional, and interpersonal skills.
PEPY scholarships differ from the traditional programs because we equip young people with the foundational skills to pursue the careers of their choice. Our scholars have gone on to work as teachers, accountants, lawyers, school principals, nurses, entrepreneurs, and politicians among other professions.
Key Initiatives and Events:
Integration Day
Scholars come from rural communities, so they are adapting to life in the city for the first time. The PEPY team helps students as they navigate living together, culture shock, and prepare for higher education enrollment. Integration Day is a multi-day event for new scholars to meet, learn more about PEPY, and discover beautiful Siem Reap.
Tutoring Corner and Mentorship Initiative
Older PEPY scholars have a chance to give back to the program as a mentor or tutor for younger scholars. Mentors help scholars succeed academically, professionally, and in their personal lives. Since implementing these initiatives during COVID times, our scholars’ GPAs have improved, and they have all reported improvement in their mental health and well-being.
Parents Annual Meeting
Annual activity where we bring together scholars and parents to inform and update them, give them an overview to parents to see firsthand the impact that program has had on them. This cornerstone activity is about changing the mindset of families on why education matters. Raising awareness of the importance of education and support systems.
PEPY Championship
Alumni, scholars, and team members come together for an epic football (American soccer) tournament once a year. While cheering each other on, we get the chance to celebrate and strengthen our community for several weeks. The PEPY team and PEPY Alumni Association coordinate training so both men and women have the opportunity to learn and play.
Integration Day
Scholars come from rural communities so they are adapting to life in the city for the first time. The PEPY team helps them as they navigate living together, culture shock, and prepare for higher education enrollment. Integration Day is a multi-day event for new scholars to meet, learn more about PEPY, and discover the city.
Community Payback Projects
To ensure PEPY’s impact is felt more broadly in our target communities, scholars at the Learning Center implement community projects. Scholars encourage their community, peers, and family to see the tangible results of education by providing training, volunteering, or running an event.
Tutoring Corner and Mentorship Initiative
Older PEPY scholars have a chance to give back to the program as a mentor or tutor for younger scholars. They help them succeed academically, professionally, and in their personal life. Since implementing these initiatives during COVID-19 lockdowns, our scholars’ GPAs have improved. Also, they have all reported an improvement in their mental health and well-being.
PEPY Championship
Alumni, scholars, and team members come together for an epic football (American soccer) tournament once a year. While cheering each other on, we get the chance to celebrate and strengthen our community for several weeks. The PEPY team and PEPY Alumni Association coordinate training so both men and women have the opportunity to learn and play.
