What?
A tiny effort to assist a few hard-working and meritorious students financially if they already have an ambition of attending top colleges in India, but cannot afford to pursue because of financial constraints.
The idea is to help students financially so that they can attend special coaching required to get top spots in the entrance examination for professional courses in India.
This year is the third edition of an effort started in 2019.
Why are you doing this?
School education is almost free in Kerala and even government schools have good quality. Government and government-aided colleges cost very little money. Also, it is quite easy to get financial assistance from the government, organizations, or even banks if someone has already got admission to a reputed college.
As someone who has been through these stages, we understand that the bridge from higher secondary school to a reputed college is crucial for one’s career.
Our school education does not equip a student completely to get through the hurdle of competitive higher education admission thanks to various highly competitive entrance examinations. So attending special coaching, in addition to higher secondary school education has become a norm.
We personally find this not the ideal situation, because it lacks a level playing field, and the system favors those who can pay for better coaching. But given that such a system has been going on for ages, and the Governments have not fixed the system yet, those who would like to pursue higher education are almost forced to go through such coaching.
Most of the organizations and even banks would not lend money to support entrance coaching, most of which are highly costly. Hence students who cannot afford would end up choosing non-professional courses even if they wish to pursue them.
What are the conditions?
This is a no-strings-attached financial assistance for students, based on academic merit in the past and current financial situation of the student’s family. This would cover fee for the coaching centre, hostel expenses if required, and books. However, students need to ensure excellent and consistent academic performance to continue receiving financial aid.
Who can apply?
Students in Kerala, starting class 11, 12 who like to attend coaching along with school studies, or has finished 12th standard and want to dedicate a full year for coaching during the year 2022-2023. The coaching could be for Engineering, Medicine, Law or Journalism or even Civil Services examination.
Who is behind this effort?
Behind the effort is a couple based out of Malappuram district, currently living in Germany. One of us works as a software professional and other is a master’s degree Student. We are not associated with any other organization for this effort.
How to apply?
Please submit the form at https://cutt.ly/zlptybP
I have applied, what are the next steps?
- Once we receive the initial set of applications(at this point we are not sure of the end date) we’ll make a longlist and ask for copy of certificates.
- From the long list, we’ll form a shortlist.
- Verify the details of shortlisted candidates and if necessary, do background check or ask for references.
- Meet the short listed candidates and select the final recipients.
I have a feedback for you
Please write to us @ contact@aminafoundation.org