success story from our the our trial cohort
one story that shows what becomes possible when access meets opportunity. this is the impact of soma in action. and a glimpse of what many more stories can become.
currently funding
fatima issah mahama
bsc. mining engineering
university of mines and technology
from ghana’s upper east region, she topped her class at both junior and senior high school. but financial constraints forced her into early marriage before she could pursue tertiary education.
as a single mother, returning to education felt impossible. soma changed that, giving her the platform and the funding to pursue mining engineering, and proving that talent, not a bank account, should determine who gets to build a future.
scholar selection process
scholars are selected through a multi-stage process inspired by research. givers vote on anonymised profiles; no names, no bias, just merit
/stage 01
application
candidates submit their academic background, application essay(s), and financial need.
/stage 02
purpose statement
a written statement of intent; why they want to study, what they plan to do with it and the impact they are looking to make
/stage 03
interviews
shortlisted candidates from the purpose statement will be invited for an interview with the selection committee.Â
/stage 04
first shortlist
top candidates are shortlisted and moved forward to the leadership assessment.
/stage 05
leadership assessment
a practical test of values, vision, and leadership potential.
/stage 06
verification
academic records and financial need are independently verified.
/stage 07
second shortlist
final candidates are selected, anonymised and prepared for community vote.
/stage 08
community vote
givers vote on anonymised profiles. the community decides. no gatekeepers.
/stage 09
cohort confirmed
scholars are announced and funding begins immediately.
be the reason the next student gets in