By 2020, substantially expand globally the number of scholarships available to developing countries, in particular least developed countries, small island developing States and African countries, for enrolment in higher education, including vocational training and information and communications technology, technical, engineering and scientific programmes, in developed countries and other developing countries.
Project 1: Conduct a National Scholarship Needs Assessment
Specific: Conduct a comprehensive national assessment in [Specific Country] by December 2024 to identify the current landscape of scholarship opportunities and gaps, particularly for students from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries. Analyze priority fields of study (vocational training, STEM) and target demographics.
Measurable: Track the completion of the needs assessment and analyze the data collected on existing scholarship programs, funding sources, and areas of under-representation.
Achievable: Partner with the Ministry of Education, scholarship providers, and higher education institutions to conduct the assessment. Utilize existing data collection methods and conduct surveys with students and relevant stakeholders.
Result-Oriented: Generate a national report highlighting priority areas for scholarship program development and identify target beneficiaries for increased access.
Time-Bound: Complete the assessment by December 2024.
Impact Assessment:
Analyze data on the current volume of ODA flows for scholarships disaggregated by sector (vocational training, STEM) and type of study (undergraduate, graduate). Identify gaps in scholarship provision for students from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries.
Project 2: Develop a National Scholarship Expansion Strategy
Specific: Develop a national scholarship expansion strategy in [Specific Country] by June 2025, based on the data collected in Project 1. The strategy will outline specific actions to increase scholarship opportunities, focusing on priority fields (vocational training, STEM) and target beneficiaries (LDCs, SIDS, African countries).
Measurable: Track the development and national adoption of the scholarship expansion strategy, analyze the allocated budget and funding sources for new scholarships.
Achievable: Partner with the Ministry of Education, development agencies, and scholarship providers to develop the strategy. Identify innovative financing mechanisms such as public-private partnerships.
Result-Oriented: Establish a clear roadmap for increasing the volume of scholarships available, particularly for priority fields and target demographics.
Time-Bound: Develop and adopt the strategy by June 2025.
Impact Assessment:
Monitor progress in implementing the scholarship expansion strategy and track the volume of ODA flows for scholarships over time, disaggregated by sector and type of study, with a focus on changes related to LDCs, SIDS, and African countries.
Project 3: Launch National Scholarship Programs with a Specific Focus on Vocational Training and STEM Fields
Specific: Launch a series of national scholarship programs in [Specific Country] by December 2025 to support students from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries pursuing higher education in vocational training and STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). These programs will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and relevant training materials.
Measurable: Track the number of scholarships offered in vocational training and STEM fields, the number of scholarships awarded to students from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries, and the total budget allocated for these programs.
Achievable: Partner with technical and vocational education institutions (TVEIs), universities offering STEM programs, and the private sector to co-fund scholarships. Utilize a transparent selection process focusing on merit and financial need.
Result-Oriented: Increase the number of skilled graduates in critical vocational and STEM fields, contributing to economic growth and development in the target countries.
Time-Bound: Launch the scholarship programs by December 2025.
Impact Assessment:
Analyze data on the volume of ODA flows for scholarships disaggregated by sector (vocational training, STEM) and beneficiary country (LDCs, SIDS, African countries).
Conduct tracer studies to track the career paths of scholarship recipients and their contributions to the workforce in their home countries.
Project 4: Establish Partnerships with Universities in Developed Countries and Other Developing Countries to Offer Scholarships for Students from LDCs, SIDS, and African Countries
Specific: Establish partnerships with universities in [Number] developed countries and [Number] other developing countries by June 2025 to offer scholarship opportunities for students from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in various fields.
Measurable: Track the number of partnership agreements signed with universities, the number of scholarships offered through these partnerships, and the specific fields of study supported.
Achievable: Partner with international organizations, development agencies, and university networks to facilitate partnerships. Explore mechanisms like student exchange programs and joint scholarship initiatives.
Result-Oriented: Diversify scholarship opportunities for students, providing access to a wider range of programs and institutions in different countries.
Time-Bound: Secure partnership agreements by June 2025 and launch scholarship programs for the following academic year.
Impact Assessment:
Monitor the volume of ODA flows for scholarships allocated to partnerships with universities in developed countries and other developing countries.
Conduct surveys with scholarship recipients to assess their academic experience and career aspirations after studying abroad.
Project 5: Develop Targeted Scholarship Programs for Women and Girls in STEM Fields
Specific: Develop targeted scholarship programs in [Specific Country] by December 2024 to specifically support women and girls from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries pursuing higher education in STEM fields. These programs will offer additional mentorship, academic support services, and leadership development opportunities.
Measurable: Track the number of scholarships awarded to women and girls in STEM fields, the types of support services provided, and the number of participants in mentorship programs.
Achievable: Partner with women in STEM organizations, universities offering STEM programs, and private sector companies to co-create and fund scholarships.
Result-Oriented: Increase the participation of women and girls in STEM fields, promoting gender equality in education and the workforce.
Time-Bound: Develop and launch the scholarship programs by December 2024.
Impact Assessment:
Analyze data on the volume of ODA flows for scholarships disaggregated by sector (STEM) and gender of beneficiaries.
Conduct interviews with scholarship recipients to assess the impact of mentorship and support services on their academic success and career choices in STEM fields.
Project 6: Create Merit-Based and Needs-Based Scholarship Programs to Cater to Diverse Student Needs
Specific: Develop a dual scholarship program in [Specific Country] by June 2025, offering both merit-based scholarships recognizing academic excellence and needs-based scholarships providing financial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries.
Measurable: Track the number of scholarships awarded through each track (merit-based and needs-based), the criteria used for selection, and the socio-economic background of scholarship recipients.
Achievable: Partner with government agencies, scholarship funds, and civil society organizations to develop selection criteria and fundraising strategies. Utilize transparent application processes and clear communication.
Result-Oriented: Ensure a diverse pool of scholarship recipients by recognizing both academic merit and financial need, promoting equitable access to higher education for students from various backgrounds.
Time-Bound: Develop the scholarship program framework and launch application processes by June 2025.
Impact Assessment:
Analyze data on the volume of ODA flows for scholarships disaggregated by type (merit-based, needs-based) and beneficiary demographics (LDCs, SIDS, African countries).
Conduct surveys with scholarship recipients to understand their socio-economic backgrounds and how the scholarship program has impacted their educational opportunities.
Project 7: Streamline Scholarship Application Processes and Provide Comprehensive Information and Support Services to Potential Applicants
Specific: Streamline scholarship application processes in [Specific Country] by December 2024 to make them more user-friendly and accessible for students from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries. Develop a centralized online platform for scholarship information, application submission, and tracking.
Measurable: Track the number of website visits, scholarship applications submitted, and the user satisfaction with the online platform.
Achievable: Partner with IT specialists and scholarship providers to develop a user-friendly online platform. Provide information and resources in multiple languages, and offer technical assistance to potential applicants.
Result-Oriented: Reduce barriers to applying for scholarships by simplifying processes and providing comprehensive support services, encouraging a wider pool of students to participate.
Time-Bound: Develop and launch the online platform by December 2024.
Impact Assessment:
Monitor website traffic data to analyze the reach and accessibility of scholarship information for students from target countries.
Conduct surveys with potential applicants to assess their experience using the online platform and the effectiveness of information and support services.
Project 8: Develop Public Awareness Campaigns to Promote Scholarship Opportunities and Encourage Applications from LDCs, SIDS, and African Countries
Specific: Launch a national public awareness campaign in [Specific Country] throughout 2025 to raise awareness about available scholarship opportunities, particularly for students from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries. Utilize various media channels like television, radio, social media, and community outreach programs.
Measurable: Track the reach and impact of the public awareness campaign through media monitoring and surveys. Analyze the level of awareness about scholarship opportunities among target demographics before and after the campaign.
Achievable: Partner with media outlets, educational institutions, and youth organizations to develop engaging campaign materials. Organize information sessions and workshops in communities with high concentrations of students from target countries.
Result-Oriented: Increase public knowledge about scholarship opportunities, motivating students from LDCs, SIDS, and African countries to pursue higher education and contribute to a more informed and empowered student population.
Time-Bound: Launch the public awareness campaign in January 2025 and conduct activities throughout the year.
Impact Assessment:
Conduct surveys with students to assess their awareness of scholarship opportunities and their interest in applying for higher education, disaggregated by country of origin.
Analyze media coverage and public discourse to evaluate the impact of the campaign in raising awareness among target demographics.
Project 9: Establish a National Scholarship Management Information System (SMIS)
Specific: Develop and implement a National Scholarship Management Information System (SMIS) in [Specific Country] by June 2025. This online system will track all scholarship programs, applicant data, application processes, and scholarship awards, ensuring transparency and efficient management.
Measurable: Track the development and implementation of the SMIS, the number of scholarship programs registered in the system, and the number of applications processed electronically.
Achievable: Partner with IT specialists and scholarship providers to develop the SMIS. Utilize existing data management frameworks and ensure data security.
Result-Oriented: Improve the efficiency and transparency of scholarship management, facilitating informed decision-making and resource allocation for future scholarship programs.
Time-Bound: Develop and launch the SMIS by June 2025.
Impact Assessment:
Analyze data on application volume, scholarship disbursement rates, and student demographics within the SMIS to identify trends and potential areas for improvement in scholarship programs.
Conduct satisfaction surveys with scholarship providers and applicants to assess their experience using the SMIS.
Project 10: Conduct Regular Monitoring and Evaluation of Scholarship Programs
Specific: Establish a system for regular monitoring and evaluation of scholarship programs in [Specific Country] by December 2024. This will involve collecting data on program effectiveness, student outcomes (graduation rates, employment), and the impact on national development goals.
Measurable: Track the development and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation framework, the types of data collected on scholarship programs, and the analysis of program effectiveness.
Achievable: Partner with research institutions and education experts to develop evaluation tools and collect data through surveys, focus groups, and program reports.
Result-Oriented: Ensure data-driven decision-making for scholarship programs, optimizing their impact on student success and national development priorities.
Time-Bound: Develop the monitoring and evaluation framework by December 2024 and initiate data collection for the first evaluation cycle.
Impact Assessment:
Analyze data on scholarship program completion rates, student employment outcomes, and contributions to national development goals (e.g., skilled workforce development).
Conduct cost-benefit analyses to assess the return on investment in scholarship programs.
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