HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Scholarships award amounts vary each year and are dependent on the generosity of our Greater Cincinnati community. Scholarship awards can be used at any accredited public, private, technical college or university in the United States. The goal is to support refugee students on a pathway to finding meaningful careers as contributing members of our community.
Applications open now. Awards decided in Summer, given in Fall each year. Vertical Divider
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PAST RECIPIENTS
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GUSTEL BAMANABIO
University: United States Naval Academy Major: Electrical Engineering Gustel Bamanabio received a RefugeeConnect Scholarship in 2017. Currently, he is attending the United States Naval Academy and is majoring in Electrical Engineering. He has a minimum obligation of serving five years of active duty in either the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps as a commissioned officer after graduating. He plans on serving in the Navy. He has not decided on what he wants to do after his five year service, he may or may not continue serving in the Navy.
As a low ranking naval officers (also called a Midshipman), Gustel says finding time to engage in extra-curricular activities can be a challenge. Being a Midshipman is a very demanding job, but outside of military training and academics, he is also a team manager for the Naval Academy’s Men’s Basketball Team, as well as a Section Leader for the Naval Academy Gospel Choir. He also volunteers with the Naval Academy STEM Outreach Program. |
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BUTOYI FABIOLA
University: Ohio Christian University Major: Business Management Butoyi Fabiola is a Business Management major at Ohio Christian University. She received a RefugeeConnect Scholarship in 2017. She is in her second year at OCU and plans after graduation to go back to Empire Beauty school to get her Cosmetology Certificate. She plans to start her own business and hair salon some day.
She is currently enrolled at OCU as a full time student, works in the athletics department as a custodian and as a game attendant. Her hobbies include braiding and styling hair--she loves this because it makes people happy. She works very hard to make her dreams and goals come true. |
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BAWI HNIANG UK
University: University of Cincinnati Major: Business Management Bawi Hniang Uk received a RefugeeConnect Scholarship in 2018. He is currently attending the University of Cincinnati as a second year Business Management major. His ultimate goal is to manage a small private company. In addition to attending college he coaches soccer and helps his parents manage their sushi business.
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RAM THA LAM (GRACE)
University: Christ College of Nursing and Health Science Major: Healthcare Administration Grace received a RefugeeConnect scholarship in 2018 and just graduated with her Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration at Christ College of Nursing and Health Science. She resides in Northern Kentucky and volunteers as the Vice President of Kentucky Chin Youth Organization, one of the church youth leaders, and in teaching Sunday school for kids weekly.
She came to United States in 2008. The picture above shows one of the best days of her life. She graduated with her favorite bible verse on her cap and in traditional Chin attire. |
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ALBERT KALALA
University: University of Cincinnati Major: Sports Administration Albert Kalala received a RefugeeConnect Scholarship in 2018. Currently, he is on the track and field team at University of Cincinnati. He is majoring in Sport Administration and he wants to work in college athletics after graduation.
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Nizigiyimana Alex
University: The University of Cincinnati Major: Human Resource and Organizational Leadership Alex received a RefugeeConnect Scholarship in 2016 and 2018. He is a current student at the University of Cincinnati and is majoring in Human Resource and Organizational Leadership. His goal is to work in the field of Human resources upon graduation.
In addition to being a student, Alex works for the Alumni Association, at the Gen-1 House on campus, interns at Enable Injection and is also a UC cheerleader. |
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AYITSEWOU KOFFI MENSAH
University: Cincinnati State Major: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Ayitsewou Koffi Mensah received a RefugeeConnect Scholarship in 2018. Previously, he earned a Master's in Sociology and a Master's in Health Service Management at University of Lome in Togo. He is currently attending Cincinnati State with the goal of earning a Licensed Practical Nurse degree and is studying to take the board of nursing assessment.
After graduation, he plans on being either a medical interpreter or a registered nurse. He currently works as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) and enjoys playing soccer and volleyball in his free time. |
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PRATIMA SAPKOTA
University: University of Cincinnati Major: Finance Pratima Sapkota received a RefugeeConnect scholarship in 2017. She is currently attending the University of Cincinnati and is majoring in Finance. After graduation, she wants to work at a bank or a financial firm.
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Honoring Dean Razzak's Memory Through Creating OpportunityRefugeeConnect established this scholarship to honor the memory of Dean Razzak. Dean’s mother, Alicia Kappers is a founding board member of RefugeeConnect. The family of her husband and Dean's father, Ziad Razzak, were refugees.
Donations are accepted year-round for the RefugeeConnect Scholarship Fund which furthers our mission to empower local refugee community members to reach their educational and career goals. |
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