Applications are now OPEN for the 2024 Shimirimana Scholarship. 

As part of the annual Tuvugane Awards ceremony which seeks to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and exemplary work of Burundian-American youth, Tuvugane administers scholarships to further support Burundian students, scholars, and professionals who are defying odds and seeking to establish careers in the United States.

THE SHIMIRIMANA SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN

The Shimirimana Scholarship for women was established by Anita Shimirimana, a Burundian-American health administrator and businesswoman who defied all odds to achieve her dreams. Anita established her home care business while she was a college sophomore with two children and maintained her business while completing her MBA degree with four children. Additionally, Anita serves as a consultant for Burundians and other immigrants who wish to establish a home care business of their own. She is a dedicated supporter of Burundian youth and business development.

This annual scholarship awards recipients funds of at least $1,500 to be used to help defray the costs of their tuition, room and board fees, or other college expenses. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic merit and by their academic promise based on their personal, academic, and professional career goals.

The scholarship is administered by Tuvugane, a Louisville - based youth networking platform to advance contribution towards the development of Burundi.

2024 Dates & Deadlines

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024

Award Announcements: May 25, 2024

 WHAT IS THE SHIMIRIMANA SCHOLARSHIP?

An annual scholarship that awards recipients funds of at least $1,500 to be used to help defray the costs of their tuition, room and board fees, and other college expenses. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic merit and by their academic promise based on their personal, academic, and professional career goals.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD?

The purpose of this award is (1) to celebrate the accomplishments of a Burundian female student (2) to encourage the recipient to persist in their academic and career goals, and (3) to provide an opportunity for the recipient to further explore their academic and career journey.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Eligibility for this grant is limited to any degree-seeking Burundian female student currently enrolled in a degree program at any institution of higher learning in the United States.

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Applications are now closed.

The award will be announced on May 25, 2023 at the Tuvugane Awards 2024 celebration. 

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE SHIMIRIMANA SCHOLARSHIP?

To apply for The Shimirimana Scholarship, candidates must submit all appropriate documentation to Tuvugane no later than 10:00 p.m. E.S.T, April 1, 2024

Applications that do not have all requested material by April 1st will NOT be eligible for the award.

The following materials should be submitted via the linked form below. YOUR NAME SHOULD NOT BE ON THESE DOCUMENTS

●      A resume indicating relevant academic and work experience.

●      A personal statement (maximum 500 words) explaining the reasons for wishing to receive this award, your academic goals, and how you are defying odds in your personal and academic life. The committee looks for unique stories that inspire young female students.

The following materials should also be sent to scholarship@tuvugane.info. YOUR NAME SHOULD BE ON THESE DOCUMENTS

●      One (1) letter of recommendation. This can be an academic or community reference. A second letter is optional.

These letters must be submitted via Tuvugane’s E-mail and sent by the person recommending the student. Letters of recommendation must be received no later than the deadline.