Support a Scholarship Fund for First Generation Learners

Project Background:

Eastern Himalayan Foundation (EHF) works with first-generation learners/ college go-ers from the districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. These are young people from families earning under Rs. 3 lakhs a year, where parents work in tea gardens or daily wage jobs, and where higher education has always felt out of reach because the opportunity never felt possible.

Through our EmpowerED programme, we introduce students to universities and fellowships that were not accessible to them. Through the program, we build their skills for entrance tests and interviews and support every step of the application process from application, tests, interviews to applying for financial assistance. 

Last year, we sent over 50 students for UG/PG courses and to Fellowships across this country.

Most of them secured a college seat with up to a 100% need-based scholarship or a fellowship averaging Rs. 22,000 per month. This is not just an opportunity for a year, but a turning point for a young person and their entire family. 

This year, 32 students have been selected to various UG/PG courses and Fellowships. We are still awaiting results for 70 more students.

Current Challenge & Ask:

In the current scenario, almost 50% of the students are dropping off even after being selected by the University. Most of these students have received only up to 75% financial assistance from the College. As the remaining rounds of selection close, we expect more students to face the same gap. It would be unfair to let this financial gap and not their capability decide their future. 

Keeping such students in mind, we are aiming to raise Rs. 12 lakhs by 10th June to support students with their course fees. 

Your contribution to build a Scholarship Fund for these students would not only support a young person, but also inspire an entire family and community as they become the first to pursue a path not taken before.

Our responsibility:

As part of our process, every student will be vetted by EHF through academic records, family income documents, teacher recommendations, and background verification before support is extended.

Annexures below have additional program details:

Annexure 1: Program status (as of 21st May 2026)

Programme Snapshot

Students Reached – 373

Total applications to different institutions – 162

Students Selected – 32

Local schools / colleges reached

Darjeeling Govt. College 

Kalimpong College 

Ghoom Degree College 

Southfield College 

Kurseong College 

Cluny Women's College 

Sonada Degree College 

Bijanbari Degree College 

Mirik College 

St. Robert's School

St. Teresa's School

St. Xavier's School

St. Michael's Higher Secondary School

Mountain Heritage School 

Sai Sundaram School 

Nepali Girls' School 

St. Teresa's Girls High School 

Sunrise School

Where students have applied to

Ashoka University

Azim Premji University

Shiv Nadar University

BML Munjal University

Teach For India

Sports For Transformation