Scholarships
Helping deserving students in Prayagraj stay in school and pursue their dreams through financial support, mentorship, and academic resources.
About Our Scholarship Program
Jana Vidya Foundation's scholarship program was created to address a painful reality in Prayagraj: thousands of bright, motivated children drop out of school every year because their families cannot afford fees, books, or uniforms. For daily-wage earners, even a small annual fee can force a difficult choice between education and survival.
Jana Vidya Foundation has awarded more than 50 scholarships to underprivileged students in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The scholarship program covers school fees, textbooks, uniforms, and transportation costs for children from low-income families in areas including Phaphamau, Naini, Jhunsi, and Handia. Founded in 2023, Jana Vidya Foundation identifies scholarship recipients through a needs-based assessment that considers household income, number of dependents, and the student's academic performance and motivation. Each scholarship is renewable annually, provided the student maintains regular attendance and satisfactory grades. The program aims to reduce school dropout rates and give every child the opportunity to complete their education. Scholarship recipients also receive mentorship and access to free coaching at Jana Vidya Foundation's learning centers across Prayagraj.
Our scholarship program is not just about writing a check. It is a holistic support system. Every scholarship recipient is paired with a volunteer mentor who tracks their progress, helps with academic challenges, and provides emotional encouragement. We believe that sustained, personal engagement is what turns a scholarship into a life-changing opportunity.
Since launching the program, we have seen a significant reduction in dropout rates among recipients. Students who previously considered leaving school are now setting goals, preparing for competitive exams, and imagining futures they never thought possible.
Who Is Eligible
Our scholarships are designed for students who demonstrate academic potential but face financial hardships that threaten their ability to continue their education. Eligibility is determined through a transparent, needs-based assessment process.
- Students enrolled in classes 1 through 12 in government or government-aided schools in Prayagraj district.
- Families with a combined annual household income below the poverty threshold as defined by the Government of India.
- Students who maintain regular attendance (minimum 75%) at their school or at a Jana Vidya Foundation learning center.
- Priority is given to first-generation learners, girls, children of single parents, and students from scheduled castes and tribes.
- Applicants must submit a brief essay explaining why education matters to them, along with supporting income documentation.
Our selection committee — comprising Jana Vidya Foundation trustees, volunteer educators, and community representatives — reviews each application carefully. We visit homes when possible to verify financial need and to understand the student's circumstances firsthand. This rigorous process ensures that scholarships reach those who need them most.
What the Scholarship Covers
A comprehensive support package that removes every financial barrier to a child's education.
School Fees & Tuition
We cover annual school fees, examination fees, and tuition charges so that financial barriers never prevent a deserving child from continuing their education.
Books & Stationery
Scholarship recipients receive textbooks, notebooks, writing materials, and other essential supplies at the start of each academic session.
Uniforms & Transport
For students who attend schools far from home, we provide school uniforms and cover transportation costs to remove logistical barriers to attendance.
Coaching & Mentorship
Scholarship holders receive access to exam preparation coaching at our learning centers and one-on-one mentorship from trained volunteers.
Our Impact
The numbers tell one story, but the human impact goes deeper. Among our scholarship recipients, 95% have remained in school — compared to the district average where roughly one in four students from low-income families drops out before completing secondary education. Several recipients have scored in the top percentile of their board exams.
We are particularly proud that 40% of our scholarship recipients are girls. In communities where girls are often the first to be pulled out of school, our program actively prioritizes female education. Parents tell us that seeing their daughters succeed academically is changing deep-rooted attitudes about gender and education within their families and neighborhoods.
Fund a Scholarship
For as little as a few thousand rupees a year, you can keep a child in school. Your contribution covers fees, books, uniforms, and mentorship for one full academic year.
When you fund a scholarship, you receive regular updates on your sponsored student's academic progress. We share report cards, photographs, and personal letters so you can see the tangible impact of your generosity. Corporate sponsors can fund multiple scholarships or establish named scholarship funds tied to specific criteria.
If you prefer to contribute your time rather than money, consider becoming a scholarship mentor. Mentors meet with students monthly, help with homework, provide career guidance, and serve as positive role models. Many of our mentors say the experience is as transformative for them as it is for the students.