Ukraine Global Scholars

Introduction

Ukraine Global Scholars (UGS) was founded in May of 2015 by 5 young Ukrainians, who either graduated from or are currently enrolled at Harvard College, Yale College, and the University of Pennsylvania. 3 of the 5 founding team members also attended selective Deerfield, Choate Rosemary Hall, and St. Mark’s private boarding schools free of charge to their families. Collectively, the founders won in excess of $1.8 million in grants and scholarships, putting UGS in a strong position as academic mentors and advisors. 

The problem that UGS aims to solve

Despite difficult conditions and lack of resources for the youth, Ukrainian students consistently demonstrate top performance in international academic competitions. Nevertheless, younger Ukrainians remain strongly underrepresented at top high schools and colleges, particularly compared to other Eastern European countries. Furthermore, the total number of Ukrainian students in the US has declined from ~1750 in 2009 to ~1450 in 2013. 

Services that UGS provides

UGS reaches out to families in all corners of Ukraine, particularly in small towns and rural areas, and identifies top talent through a 3-stage application process consisting of an on-line application, standardized tests, and a series of online interviews with UGS board members and volunteers. 

Following the selection process, UGS provides the following services to its finalists: (1) leads a six-week online test prep boot camp, (2) conducts a two-week camp covering the full cycle of the application process, (3) covers standardized tests costs, (4) provides continuous 1-1 mentorship support on personal development and career opportunities after the camp, and (5) advises on financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

UGS progress to date

Since its inception in May of 2015, UGS:
(1) Received 150+ applications during the 2014-2015 round and selected 13 students as finalists
(2) Held its first camp and mentored the first intake of students in Aug-Dec 2015 (admission decisions expected by Apr 2016)
(3) Got incorporated as a nonprofit entity both in the US and in Ukraine
(4) Developed a website (UkraineGlobalScholars.org) and an online application module
(5) Expanded the team of its advisors and mentors from 10 to 20 persons
(6) Organized a one-day workshop in Kyiv, receiving 650+ signups within 48 hours
(7) As a part of the marketing campaign, appeared on Hromadske Radio, gave interviews to top educational platforms such as Osvita.ua, and met with top Ukrainian influencers
(8) Currently works on creating an online course in Ukrainian/Russian about education opportunities in the US
(9) Aims to launch a 6-week test prep boot camp in June in addition to a 2-week college advising camp 

UGS needs

In 2016, UGS seeks to raise $50 thousand to cover its operating expenses. Our goal is to select 30 finalists in the summer of 2016, a target that translates into almost $25 thousand in SAT/TOEFL test fees as well as prep material and test report costs. Another $20 thousand will cover our summer camp expenditures, including living and travel costs for our finalists. The remaining $5 thousand will go toward marketing, administrative, and miscellaneous needs. 

Conclusion

UGS’s mission is to break stereotypes about lack of opportunities for Ukrainian youth. Leading by our own example, we hope to educate bright Ukrainian students not just about different ways of obtaining coveted degrees but also about the merits of education in general. We find young talent early on and stress the importance of networking, community, and giving back through regular mentor-mentee interactions. We believe that this approach will have a greater impact on our students’ personal, educational, and professional lives. Ultimately, we want to contribute to raising world-famous scientists, business and political leaders who would change the role of Ukraine in the world.
Your contribution to UGS would help us reach the ambitious milestones that we set for 2016.

We appreciate your support!

Respectfully,
UGS Team