Scholarships for Higher Education Project

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 Project. 

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 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 Project. 

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. 

“I received a PEPY scholarship in 2016. Only 4 students received a scholarship from PEPY that year and it changed my life. It allowed me to go to Pannasastra University and study International Relations. During my first year of study, I also attended PEPY’s Learning Center. The Learning Center gave me skills in English, soft skills, and computer programs. It helped me to make changes in my community during our Community Payback projects. This inspired me to keep giving back, and I continue to join in projects that support rural communities. I have done tree planting with Youth of Cambodia for families to be able to have access to wood. I also joined PEPY sharing events so that I can speak and motivate high school students to continue their studies.”
Sothearith
“I received a PEPY scholarship in 2016. Only 4 students received a scholarship from PEPY that year and it changed my life. It allowed me to go to Pannasastra University and study International Relations. During my first year of study, I also attended PEPY’s Learning Center. The Learning Center gave me skills in English, soft skills, and computer programs. It helped me to make changes in my community during our Community Payback projects. This inspired me to keep giving back, and I continue to join in projects that support rural communities. I have done tree planting with Youth of Cambodia for families to be able to have access to wood. I also joined PEPY sharing events so that I can speak and motivate high school students to continue their studies.”
Sothearith

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 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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

“I remember that I was very interested in the PEPY scholarship because it gave me the opportunity to go to any school I wanted. When I received the scholarship, I was so happy because my dream to study in a university was coming true. Without PEPY, my family would have had no way to support me getting a higher education. I studied Accounting at Vanda Institute and complete my studies in December of 2019. Accounting was always a really enjoyable subject for me and I believe studying this field will lead to a lot of opportunities for me.”
Chantoeu
“I remember that I was very interested in the PEPY scholarship because it gave me the opportunity to go to any school I wanted. When I received the scholarship, I was so happy because my dream to study in a university was coming true. Without PEPY, my family would have had no way to support me getting a higher education. I studied Accounting at Vanda Institute and complete my studies in December of 2019. Accounting was always a really enjoyable subject for me and I believe studying this field will lead to a lot of opportunities for me.”
Chantoeu