CIS Scholarship helps student from Shimoga fulfill her dreams

Bengaluru: From a school in a small city called Shimoga ( Karnataka ) to the premier Canadian International School (CIS) in Bangalore, Harshitha, a Grade 11 student made the journey against all odds. Not having the financial means to study in a renowned private school in Bangalore, Harshitha had the dream of studying a better, more holistic curriculum. Through hard work and determination, she won a 100% scholarship at CIS for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). CIS offers multiple scholarships every year to deserving candidates for Grade 9 as part of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program and Grade 11 for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Harshitha, who secured the CIS scholarship to study in Grade 11 of the IBDP, narrates how the transition happened: "When I started looking into the IB diploma program last year, I felt this is what I wanted to study. A search on the internet landed me with plenty of schools, but CIS had great feedback online. When I checked out CIS' official website and found the scholarship program, I knew I had found my perfect fit. Coming here has been a terrific experience. I have access to the opportunities I was always looking for. The program has propelled my dreams, providing me with doorways to paths I have never thought would be opened to me. Now, I have bigger things on my mind!"

The young and determined student finished her 10th grade in ICSE board at a local school in Shimoga and moved to the state board for her 11th grade, but she wasn't happy doing it. She wanted a different curriculum and that's when she stumbled upon the IBDP at CIS on the internet. Harshitha loved the school, but didn't know how to get there because she couldn't afford it. She discovered the scholarship program on the internet and applied straight away. "I didn't know if I could make it, and if I did, I would have to repeat the 11th grade, but I knew I deserved it. I gave the test and I was informed that I was awarded the 100% scholarship - I was on cloud nine!" she added.

Harshitha comes from a middle-class family; her mother works as a Hindi teacher at a school in Shimoga and her father works as a photographer. She does not regret the decision of shifting schools in the middle of her course. In the beginning, her parents were sceptical, but today they are proud and happy. She is now doing things at CIS that she had never dreamed possible. The school has taught her about the real world and she's grateful to the administration and the school for considering her candidacy. Her financial situation was always a barrier, but she is glad that this time she could break it.

The student is planning to do a double major in aerospace engineering and creative writing. She has met inspiring people at the school and her guidance counsellors and teachers always tell her that she's capable of bigger things ahead. Harshitha aspires to go far ahead in life and make everyone who has contributed to her life proud.

Commenting on CIS scholarship, Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School said: "Our dream is to provide an opportunity to the best minds in the country and assist them in getting access to quality education and international learning standards. The scholarship is a means to help deserving students like Harshitha realize their educational goals by overcoming financial hardships. CIS is an inclusive school that welcomes prospective students coming from different backgrounds and regions. Offering scholarships to the next generation to pursue their dreams is what we need to create an equal world."