Transforming the Scholarship Landscape: Systemic Change Is Needed

Author: Zaniya L.

As we approach the conclusion of 2023, this year has been an impactful year running my nonprofit organization, YesSheCanCampaign™, and our educational technology program and platform, DISSCHOLARED®️. This month, our team is celebrating seven years of our dedicated mission to climbing higher together. Furthermore, October marked the fourth anniversary since launching our national campaign to dismantle scholarship award displacement.

As I reflect on our work, two crucial words come to mind: Systemic Change. These two words showcase our ongoing efforts to dismantle systemic barriers and change the scholarship and financial aid landscape. 

In my recent podcast interview with Leadership Is Podcast, I discussed our organization's obstacles in dismantling scholarship displacement. I highlighted the prevalent focus of many scholarship programs on fundraising for their scholarship funds and recruiting students. However, there is a critical need to shift the narrative toward advocating for systemic change in the scholarship and financial aid field, which involves advocating for policies and practices that eliminate barriers. Despite my organization's challenges in our work, we will continue to climb.

We are determined to ensure that every student has equitable opportunities and resources to achieve their dreams. 

Special thanks to Jason A Muhammad and Lakievia ("Lucky") Johnson for allowing me to share the mission of our organization on the Leadership Is Podcast. Huge thanks to my excellent team, YesSheCanCampaign™, and DISSCHOLARED®️!!!!!!!

To learn more about our work at the YesSheCanCampaign™ and DISSCHOLARED®️, please visit: www.yesshecancampaign.org and www.disscholared.org.