Olive Branch Seva Scholarship 2023

About

Olive Branch Seva Scholarship

No award was presented in 2021 or 2022. In 2021, no candidate met the minimum verified service requirement. In 2022, shortlisted candidates withdrew before final selection.

The Olive Branch Seva Scholarship is awarded each year to one student who has demonstrated that service is not a résumé item but a way of life — and who is pursuing education as an extension of that commitment.

The award is paid directly to the recipient's institution, covering tuition and academic fees. It is never paid to the individual.

2023 marked the tenth year of the programme. What began as a single award in 2014 has grown into one of the church's most significant annual acts of investment in the community it serves.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply

Students who are confirmed to enter a recognised college or university within the current academic year
Students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at any stage
Applicants must be residents of Pokhara or Gandaki Province, or active members of Olive Branch Church
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 20 verified hours of community service in the preceding 12 months
One application per student per year
Previous recipients are not eligible to apply again

Criteria

Selection Criteria

Each application is reviewed by a panel of church leaders, educators, and community representatives. Applicants are assessed across the following areas:

Community Service Verified hours and quality of community service, volunteering, or social work 30%

Academic Standing Evidence of academic effort and progress — entering students provide school records; enrolled students provide college transcripts 25%

Statement of Purpose A personal statement (400–800 words) on how the applicant's education will serve their community 25%

Character Reference Two references from community members, teachers, or religious leaders 20%

Key Dates

Timeline

Apr 2, 2023

Applications Open

Application forms available at the church office and distributed through partner schools and colleges

4 weeks after opening

Submissions Close

All applications, supporting documents, and references must be submitted

2 weeks before announcement

Shortlist Interviews

Shortlisted applicants are invited for a brief conversation with the selection panel

Jul 21, 2023

Recipient Announced

Announced at Sunday service and posted on the church notice board. Scholarship transferred to institution within 30 days

Olive Branch Seva Scholarship 2023