Paving Paths to Possibility

For Narayan, the walk to school is long but worth it. Every day, the grade 7 student walks an hour to school and another hour back home. While the path is tiring, Narayan never complains, saying:

“Knowing that I’ve been given this scholarship motivates me to keep going and do better every single day.”

The 2025 Chapter: Continuing the Journey in Gorkha

In March 2025, our team traveled to Gorkha once again, this time to distribute the second installment of scholarships to a total of 40 students (28 female, 12 male) from 7 schools.

Our selection process is rigorous, fair, and inclusive. It begins with open discussions with schools about our three-tiered scholarship criteria: need (academically and financially challenged), merit (academically sound but requires reinforcement), and merit-and-need (academically sound but financially challenged). 

Schools nominate students who best fit these categories, after which our team conducts individual home visits to understand each child’s socio-economic background and academic standing to assist them as per their unique circumstances. Out of 40 students, 45% of recipients fall under need category, 25% fall under need and merit, and 30% fall under merit.

Building Bonds Beyond the Classroom

CORN believes that true impact comes not just from financial aid, but from continuous care and connection with students. That’s why we engage in at least three personal interactions with each scholarship recipient every year to show our long-term investment in each child’s journey. 

Through workshops, mentoring, regular follow-ups, and referrals to higher education opportunities, CORN is committed to walking alongside these children as they grow into empowered young adults. For example, we regularly organize information-sharing workshops for Grade 10 and 12 students, where we introduce them to life-changing opportunities such as other scholarships, internships, and educational guidance. On the other hand, motivational sessions are also held to inspire them to pursue their education with resilience, no matter the obstacles they face. These sessions cover important topics such as mental health and overall well-being. We also offer one-on-one support for those who seek a more private conversation. As a result, many students have come forward to share their experiences, allowing us to better support them in meaningful ways.

And this commitment doesn’t end in the classroom. Sometimes we go the extra mile, literally, by walking 3 to 4 hours for home visits in remote areas. These visits allow us to understand each student’s household situation, build trust with families, and assess the real impact of our Scholarship Program on their lives. Conversations can go beyond academics, to their dreams, challenges, favorite subjects, teachers, and what’s happening at home. This helps us understand their realities better, and adjust our support accordingly. By strengthening the support system around each student, parents can more actively engage in their children’s education and share in the benefits of the program’s support.

A Commitment That Grows Stronger Each Year

Each year, CORN strives to ensure the scholarships are not only justified but that their impact is deepened and amplified with the families that rely on them. From the remote hills of Gorkha to the dreams of a better tomorrow, CORN continues to stand strong with the support of our stakeholders, for access, for equity, and for the unwavering belief that education changes everything.