The Kyiv School of Economics has launched a new scholarship program Generation Forward Scholar. The $1 million program was created with financial support from the Ideas and Education team of the Open Society Foundations and in partnership with the International Renaissance Foundation (IRF).
Who can apply for the Generation Forward Scholar?
The new scholarship programme is aimed at students affected by the war, in particular young people have been forced to leave their homes, relocate from temporarily occupied territories, or face other consequences of the war. The funding will support over 200 scholarships and is aligned with the Open Society Foundations’ goal of supporting the role of higher education in rebuilding open societies.
During the war, access to education for many young people depends on more than academic achievement. Forced displacement, living in temporarily occupied territories, and other consequences of the war can directly affect students’ ability to continue their studies. The primary goal of Generation Forward Scholar is to ensure that students facing these circumstances can retain access to education.
Svitlana Denysenko, Executive Director of KSE Foundation says the opportunity to study in Ukraine is extremely important for students: “At a time when many young Ukrainians face uncertainty, access to education gives them more than knowledge and opportunities — it gives them a sense that they are needed in Ukraine and can build their future here. It is especially important that our international partners recognize the value of investing in young people. Ultimately, the impact of this support will be seen in what these students do next — in their research, projects, and contributions to Ukraine’s development”.
“Many students are struggling right now: some have had to leave their homes, some have come from Russian-occupied territories, and many are simply trying to keep up with their studies while their lives continue to change. For them, a scholarship can make the difference between staying in Ukraine and leaving their homeland. We want these young people to complete their education and then put what they’ve learned to use here in Ukraine. They will be the ones rebuilding businesses, running public services, and contributing to the development of their own communities,” said Oleksandr Sushko, executive director of the International Renaissance Foundation.
