Overcome obstacles, embrace opportunity
The Changemaker Scholarship supports underrepresented students with education, development, and a vibrant community.
Changemaker Scholarship Programme
The Changemaker Scholarship Programme is designed to open doors for talented students who have the potential and ambition to be a changemaker, but face barriers that make it difficult to achieve their goals. The programme lasts for one academic year and includes several components that complement an academic scholarship already awarded by a university.
The scholarship first and foremost makes it possible to pursue higher education that would otherwise be difficult due to financial and societal contraints. This contributes to the professional and personal development of the students as they experience living far from home and getting to know new cultures. Additionally, the scholarship provides a range of opportunities and resources, including:
Accommodation and development
Up to one year of housing in one of The Social Hub's locations, with all associated facilities, and access to a wide range of training modules (professional development and upskilling).Personal growth
A personal coach from the TSH community (mentor), the opportunity to engage in volunteer work, participation in social and cultural events, and the opportunity to work on physical (gym) and mental well-being (counselling).Network and collaboration
Participation in social activities organised at each TSH location and (after completion) membership of the TSH network, consisting of the Changemaker Community of former participants and all other TSH stakeholders.
The programme is made up of 4 key interventions that encourage professional and personal growth
Aspire Workshop
The Aspire Workshop is a series of 10 workshops that equips the programme scholars with insights on how to map out goals, enter the job market with confidence, maintaining work-life balance, and so on. Led by inspiring professionals from various industries, these sessions give scholars not only the knowledge, but also practical tools and support they need to shape their future.
The workshops explore key themes, such as:
Design Your Year
Confidence & Connection
Storytelling for Growth
Sustainability in Action
Creative Social Change
Vision to Policy
Living Inclusion
Career Readiness
From Idea to Impact
Thriving with Balance
Mentorship programme
The Mentorship Programme is a platform where talented scholars connect with professionals from our community with the goal of mutual learning, personal growth, and meaningful connection. As scholars step into a fresh journey, experienced mentors support them to further refine their aspiration and identity. Through one-on-one sessions, scholars get access, confidence, and opportunities to grow, while mentors gain new perspective and connection with the next generation.
This initiative is a collaboration with Routes In, bringing together experienced professionals and emerging talent to create impactful mentoring relationships.
School for Moral Ambition Circle Programme
The School for Moral Ambition Circle Programme is an initiative that brings scholars together in a small, dynamic group to explore how their unique skills and moral ambitions can drive meaningful impact. In these circles, scholars dive into collaborative discussions about their aspirations, sharing and challenging ideas to create a change to the world. Not only can they refine their ideas and clarify their ambitions, but they also form meaningful connections with fellow talented and driven peers.
Community events
In the TSH community, scholars have many opportunities to connect with peers with diverse background and identity through events and initiatives. Each TSH location hosts community events where scholars can connect with others in the community. Within the Changemaker Scholarship Programme, there are Changemaker Breakfast events across the locations where scholars of the programme get to know one another and pitch their changemaking ideas.
Through these engagements, they can learn and collaborate with one another, fostering mutual growth. These connections spark meaningful conversations, broaden perspectives, and create lasting networks of support.
The Foundation aims to fund the following number of scholarships
Academic year 2024/25: 37
Academic year 2025/26: 120
Academic year 2026/27: 160
Scholarships are provided in collaboration with education institutions. We seek to develop multi-year partnerships to enhance and scale our programme. Please contact us to explore opportunities.
Impact Measurement
To determine the success of the programme, the Foundation will develop a comprehensive impact measurement system.
Target Group
The TSH Talent Foundation aims to contribute to increasing equal opportunities and promoting social mobility through this programme. Both are essential for creating a just, inclusive, and peaceful society. Within this framework, the programme specifically targets students who, due to their personal background and specific socio-economic and cultural circumstances, have faced disadvantages.
These students possess the talent, creativity, and motivation to make valuable contributions to society but are hindered by circumstances from realising their ambitions and ideas. As a result, society loses valuable impulses. Talent, ideas, and initiatives that could enrich society do not reach their full potential, and diversity and inclusivity fall behind.
The disadvantages that limit these students in their full personal and professional development may include:
A lack of financial resources, creating barriers in terms of tuition fees, housing, travel, and regular physical and mental development opportunities.
Limited social capital, leading to less trust and support from their immediate environment.
Reduced physical and mental health due to a lack of resources and knowledge, resulting in greater vulnerability and reduced performance.
Incomplete personal development due to the home environment or a lack of educational experiences, causing (for example) difficulties in networking and job interviews.
A lack of knowledge and skills regarding educational opportunities, labour market prospects, and requirements for starting business or social initiatives.
A general sense of insecurity due to personal characteristics and circumstances, limiting creativity and initiative.
Selection Criteria
The Foundation will select students who have shown characteristics of a changemaker to some extent and who are interested in further developing in this direction. The following criteria and principles are applied:
Have been unconditionally admitted to our partner university for a one-year ECTS-qualified Master's programme
A scholarship awarded based on financial need, with an uncertain situation regarding additional financial resources (living expenses) or personal safety.
The student has sufficient English proficiency to successfully participate in our programme
Additionally, students may have a background that brings obstacles to their personal and professional development, such as:
No alternative financial means to accept the offered scholarship.
Limited access to social resources, education, and healthcare.
Refugee/newcomer status.
Membership in an ethnic, religious, or otherwise marginalised group.
Physical or mental disabilities.
First-generation student.
Part of the LGBTQI+ community, with associated personal safety risks.
Skill gap regarding educational opportunities, labour market prospects
Personal characteristics and circumstances leading to a sense of insecurity
In the application form, students are also asked:
How they believe they can contribute to a better society.
How they have already contributed to their own community.
How they plan to contribute to the community of participants and alumni that the Foundation seeks to create to continue supporting and strengthening the positive social impact of the programme.
The Programme Journey
Statistics
As a young woman from Lebanon, a small country that has been marred by ongoing conflict and economic struggles, your generosity provided me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I had never imagined being in the position I am today and it is due to your generosity that my life has been forever changed.
Interested in making a difference?
Join us as a partner and help empower the next generation of changemakers.