Scholarships
In 1999, Sigay Kauyagan became aware of quality students in our university tutorial program who were forced to leave university studies mid-semester due to financial hardship. Many students come from large families living in isolated, conflict plagued communities. Sigay Kauyagan then initiated a local-business funded scholarship program that has become a safety net for students and families on the edge of extreme poverty. Scholars are involved in regular training and enrichment programs offered by Sigay Kauyagan, such as managing finances, leadership, time management, study skills, art projects, health drama, and oral English enrichment. The program that started with ten students offering to cover their tuition and to help with their books and food has helped hundreds of students graduate with developed personal and professional skills and a degree. This university degree and our scholarship program provide hope, influence, and security for the students’ families and communities.
Our university scholarship program has expanded to helping elementary and high school students and their families in our surrounding communities. Many families cannot afford to send all their children to school the same year. Our family-based approach provides support for all members of the family to make certain these children study well to gain essential education.
“I am a cultural minority student. My father is a farmer and my mother is a homemaker. There are five of us in my family. I am a fourth year college student majoring in Fisheries and Aquaculture. My parents’ earnest desire is for their children to complete their studies. However, due to the lack
of finances they sadly advised me to pause my studies. Being determined to continue on, I applied for menial jobs to support my studies. I am convinced that education is the key to helping my family out of poverty. It has not been easy to support myself in school. Through the help offered by Sigay Kauyagan, my load became lighter. Sigay Kauyagan also strengthened my hope. I consider it a blessing. Now, I am able to focus on my studies. The scholarship fund covers my academic required costs, field trips and other school related expenses. I can now concentrate on my exams rather than think of how to cover my costs each day. This scholarship makes my future seem brighter. My dream to be a successful aquaculturist is close to becoming a reality. In addition, my desire to help my parents, brothers and sisters is now possible. Thank you so much!”
– Hadija
