In a commendable effort to foster educational excellence and create opportunities for underprivileged students, Dompet Dhuafa USA has made a collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa East Java. By allocating IDR 36,000,000, Dompet Dhuafa USA aims to support the educational needs of 20 children through the Youth Ekselensia Scholarship program. This initiative is designed to provide not just financial aid, but also to nurture the overall development of its beneficiaries, preparing them to become future leaders. Let’s delve into the details of this impactful program.
The Youth Ekselensia Scholarship program is set in Malang, East Java, a region selected for its diverse student population and significant need for educational support among many families. The program’s holistic approach ensures that students from various backgrounds, including orphans and economically disadvantaged families, can benefit from this opportunity.
The implementation of the Youth Ekselensia Scholarship program is well-structured and meticulously planned. Here’s a detailed timeline of the program’s activities:
January 2024: Roadshow and Registration Campaign
The program begins with a roadshow and scholarship registration campaign across all high schools (SMA/MA/SMK) in Malang. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the scholarship and encourage eligible students to apply.
February 2024: Scholarship Registration Opens
Students are invited to submit their applications, along with necessary documents, during this period. The registration process is designed to be accessible to all eligible students.
March 2024: Document Screening’s
A thorough review of the submitted documents is conducted to shortlist candidates based on their academic records and socio-economic background.
April 2024: Written Tests
A rigorous written examination is conducted for the 118 students who have been shortlisted from the initial screening process.
May 2024: Interviews and Home Visits
Of the 118 students, only 40 students will go the next process to undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes personal interviews and home visits to assess their eligibility and need for the scholarship.
June 2024: Announcement and Leadership Camp
The final selection of 20 students is announced, including 2 orphans, 8 students who have lost one parent, and 10 economically disadvantaged students. These students participate in the Ekselensia Leadership Camp, designed to equip them with essential skills for personal and academic growth.
June 2024 – May 2025: Scholarship Program Execution
Throughout this period, scholarship recipients receive continuous support, including financial aid and mentorship, to ensure their academic success and personal development.
June 2025: Graduation Ceremony
The program culminates in a graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of the scholarship recipients.
The Youth Ekselensia Scholarship program is not just about providing financial aid; it also focuses on developing the moral and intellectual capacities of its beneficiaries. Here are some of the key achievements from the 2023-2024 batch:
Moral Development
All scholarship recipients have shown remarkable progress in their Quranic recitation and memorization. 100% of the students have memorized selected Hadiths, and 70% have memorized Juz 30 of the Quran. Their moral conduct and behavior have been evaluated as excellent.
University Admissions Preparation
The program has significantly contributed to the academic success of the students. Four beneficiaries successfully gained admission to public universities through the SNBP (Seleksi Nasional Berdasarkan Prestasi) route with zero tuition fees. Meanwhile, eleven students are awaiting results from the SNBT (Seleksi Nasional Berdasarkan Tes) examinations.
Leadership Training
The leadership skills of the students have seen considerable improvement. They have shown enhanced abilities in collective decision-making, task distribution, time management, conflict resolution, and social project execution.
The Youth Ekselensia Scholarship program exemplifies Dompet Dhuafa USA’s commitment to empowering future leaders. By providing financial support and fostering moral and intellectual development, the program aims to create a brighter future for its beneficiaries.
