Post-SEE Scholarship and Mentorship Programme
Although providing scholarships for higher education may seem like a common intervention, its importance as a core programme of HELP is deeply rooted in the personal journey of our founder, Jimmy Lama. After completing his schooling in Helambu in the early 2000s, Jimmy moved to Kathmandu in search of higher education. At a critical moment, it was a scholarship of similar scheme and timely guidance from his teachers and seniors that helped him identify the right college and continue his education.
In 2010, following the establishment of HELP, Jimmy and Nitish Upadhyaya, a volunteer from the UK, met four students from Helambu who had completed Grade 10 with strong academic results (then known as SLC, now SEE) but were preparing to leave for India due to financial constraints and lack of guidance.
Similar needs continued to emerge in the following years among school leavers from various villages where HELP was working in Helambu. In response, HELP formalized the scholarship initiative as its annual programme and worked consistently to fundraise resources each year.
Over the past 15 years, the scholarship programme has grown significantly, supporting more than 750 students through the contributions of numerous volunteers, individuals, and partner organizations.
Programme Milestones
Over the years, the HELP Scholarship Programme has grown from a supporting handful of students into a comprehensive programme nurturing hundreds. As it evolved, new components were added to support not just financial needs but the overall growth and development of each student. The milestones below capture some of the key moments in this journey of impact and expansion:
2010: The Launch
The SEE Scholarship Programme was launched in 2010. In its first year, it supported seven students from the Helambu region of Sindhupalchowk, who went on to attend schools in the Kathmandu Valley to complete their higher secondary education.
The following year, HELP welcomed a new batch of six students who had recently graduated from SLC. As the need for support beyond SEE became increasingly clear, the programme grew steadily, with the number of scholarships doubling in the years that followed.
2015: The Expansion
In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, communities faced devastation far beyond the loss of lives and injuries. The socio-economic impact was immense.
Recognizing the urgent need created by the disaster, the scholarship programme expanded significantly, supporting 70 students from different parts of Sindhupalchowk. In recent years, with continued donor support, more than 70 students have been assisted each year.
2023: Introduction of Structured Mentorship Support
While financial support was essential, HELP soon realized that it was not enough on its own. For many students moving from rural villages to cities, the transition was overwhelming.
In 2023, mentorship was formally integrated into the scholarship programme, with dedicated mentors creating a stable and reliable support system for every student.
2024: Launch of the Anthony Lunch Memorial Scholarship
On July 26, 2024, the HELP Scholarship Programme introduced the Anthony Lunch Memorial Scholarship, honoring Late Anthony Lunch’s lifelong commitment to education.
Each year, the scholarship supports two students pursuing a Post-Graduate Degree in Nepal and contributing to community development.
Read more about the Anthony Lunch Memorial Scholarship2025: Launch of the Undergraduate Scholarship
The Bachelor’s Level Scholarship Programme completed the educational support cycle, enabling HELP to support students from SEE through undergraduate and postgraduate education.
Supported by the InterHands Foundation, the programme currently assists two undergraduate students in Nepal, with plans to expand further.
Read more about the Bachelor’s Level ScholarshipProgramme Coverage
What began with just a few students from Helambu, Sindhupalchowk, now has supported 750 students from 25 districts across Nepal. From Sindhupalhowk to Sarlahi, Dolakha to Dhanusa, Baglung to Bajura, Kaski to Kalikot, our small yet supportive scholarship scheme continues to grow to nurture the dreams of countless young learners.
Programme Structure
Many students are often unaware that scholarships exist or do not have complete information about how to apply. More critically, many quit the motivation to continue their education. To address this, we reach out to schools located in far-flung communities. We begin by sending official letters to ward chairs and school principals, requesting them to share scholarship details with eligible students and support them through the application process. We also conduct school visits and actively disseminate information through social media and other media platforms, including radio broadcasts, to ensure wide outreach. Our alumni play an important role as well, helping spread the word within their communities so that no deserving student is left out.Each year, applications open around the first week of April, right after the SEE examinations.
Students are required to submit their applications along with all necessary supporting documents within the specified deadline. After the application period closes, all submissions are carefully screened and verified using a standard evaluation rubric. Applicants who are shortlisted are invited for an interview. Interviews allow us to personally meet prospective HELP scholarship recipients and are typically conducted in person. However, for students who would need to travel long distances, interviews are arranged online. All interviews are conducted using a standardized rubric to ensure a fair and consistent assessment process.
After the interviews are completed, applicants are evaluated based on their academic goals, financial need, and future aspirations. This process includes thorough verification with schools and ward offices to ensure accuracy and fairness. HELP’s Board then conducts the final review and approves the list of scholarship recipients. The results are announced one week after the publication of the SEE results.
A yearly award ceremony is organized to celebrate scholarship recipients, recognizing their achievements and commitment to education and importantly to bring together all the students from the cohort. The event serves not only as a formal acknowledgment of their success but also as a source of motivation and inspiration for students. The ceremony allows students to gain exposure to diverse experiences, and feel welcomed into a community that encourages their academic and personal growth. We invite distinguished guests and supporters to speak directly to the students and share their insights and experience that are valuable for students' onward journey.
Recognizing that financial support alone is not enough, HELP organizes a range of events focused on mentorship and guidance to support students throughout their academic journey. These initiatives help students adjust to new learning environments, stay motivated, and build confidence during their studies. In addition, HELP, from time to time, conducts leadership and skill-building workshops designed to equip students with essential skills and help them keep pace with the fast-paced academic environment they have transitioned into. This is followed by an annual gathering where students come together to share their experiences, learn from alumni, and, most importantly, build a community.
Where Are Our Scholarship Recipients Now
Although the programme began simply—focusing only on covering tuition fees and without a tracking system—it has grown into a community of its own. Many alumni now reconnect with HELP as volunteers, mentors, or emerging leaders and staff members at HELP too.
Alumni Impact Areas
Our Current Supporters and Partners
We are grateful to our supporters and partners whose continued collaborations has made this Scholarship Programme possible. Our major supporters are Interhands Foundation, Mondo Foundation and Boltini Trust and our past volunteers.
Who Can Apply for Our Scholarship?
- The applicant must be a Nepali citizen to apply.
- Applicants must have successfully completed their SEE examination.
- Applicants must have completed their SEE from a government, community, or low-fee institutional school.
- Applicants who are needy, diligent, and come from an underserved community will be prioritized.
- Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities in school and the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Email: info@help.org.np | scholarship@help.org.np Phone: 01-4917209
Applications open each cycle on the 1st of Falgun by Nepali calendar, just before the SEE examinations. Any changes to the timeline will be announced through HELP’s website and official social media channels.
Yes. Students who face difficulties filling out the online form may submit an offline application at HELP’s office. However, online submission is strongly encouraged.
Scholarship results will be announced one week after the SEE results, following verification of SEE completion.
The Ward Recommendation Letter (Sifaris) is required after the interview stage. It is not necessary during application submission.
The scholarship provides financial support ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 75,000 over two years, based on the student’s need.
Yes, attending the interview is compulsory. In exceptional cases involving long-distance travel, online interviews may be considered.
The scholarship will be provided in installments and is subject to annual renewal based on satisfactory performance.
No. Along with financial aid, recipients receive mentorship, guidance, and skill-building workshops to support their overall development.
No. HELP does not recommend or assign colleges. Recipients are free to choose a college that best suits their needs and location.
Recipients must use the scholarship strictly for educational expenses, maintain required academic performance with at least 80% attendance, participate in all activities including mentorship sessions and monthly check-ins. Recipients are also expected to share information about the scholarship within their community to help reach other deserving students.
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