The Samvid Scholars program is a prestigious, merit-based scholarship designed to support graduate education for future leaders and changemakers. With up to $50,000 per year for two years, this scholarship covers tuition and fees for eligible candidates pursuing full-time graduate programs in the United States, including MBA, MD, JD, MPP/MPA, MPH, and MS/MA in social sciences or STEM fields.
In this in-depth analysis of Samvid Scholars program, we cover:
- Background Information of the Fund
- Core Values
- Ideal Candidate
- What to Highlight
- What Not to Highlight
- How to Stand Out
- How to Write the Experience as a Leader Essay?
- How to Write the commitment to driving change for Society Essay?
- How to Write the Reasons for Pursuing Graduate Study Essay?
- How to Write the Optional Essay?
Background Information of the Fund
Applicants must be first-year graduate students with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.50, and they must be U.S. citizens or DACA recipients. Beyond financial support, the program offers extensive leadership development and access to a robust alumni network.
Samvid Ventures, a philanthropic family foundation, is dedicated to improving the lives of underserved individuals through education, entrepreneurship, and healthcare initiatives. Founded by immigrants who experienced the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship firsthand, Samvid Ventures aims to expand opportunities for those facing significant barriers.
The foundation's mission is to build inclusive economies and advance innovation, particularly in underserved communities. Their programs, such as Samvid Young Leaders, the Social Impact Fellowship, and the Community Resilience Prize, reflect this commitment by providing resources and support tailored to community needs.
Core Values
Samvid Ventures operates with core values of clarity, impact, boldness, and humility. They strive for precision in their goals, measurable and sustainable outcomes, creative solutions to complex problems, and continuous learning and improvement. This approach ensures they remain adaptable and responsive to changing needs, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, Samvid Ventures enhances the efficiency and scalability of their programs, aiming to reach and impact as many individuals and communities as possible. Through these efforts, they empower future leaders and drive positive societal change.
Ideal Candidate
The Samvid Scholars program seeks candidates who embody the following traits:
• Academic Excellence: A strong academic record that showcases critical thinking, drive, and a deep interest in their field.
• Leadership: Proven leadership experience with a track record of delivering results, coupled with a leader’s mindset characterized by optimism, self-reliance, and the ability to inspire others.
• Mission-Driven: A genuine commitment to driving societal change through impactful leadership.
• Bias Towards Action: Proactive problem-solvers who take action to address issues they are passionate about.
• Determination: Persistent and resilient individuals who have made significant impacts despite facing setbacks.
What to Highlight
Impactful Experiences: Share stories of how your leadership has driven positive change. Highlight specific examples where your actions led to measurable outcomes.
Commitment to Change: Demonstrate a clear vision for your future career and how it aligns with Samvid’s mission to build inclusive economies and advance innovation.
Academic Achievements: Emphasize your academic record, particularly instances where your critical thinking and drive have been evident.
Leadership Development: Discuss how you have developed as a leader and how the Samvid Scholars program can further enhance your capabilities.
Resilience and Determination: Illustrate your perseverance through challenges and your long-term commitment to making an impact.
What Not to Highlight
Generic Achievements: Avoid listing achievements that do not directly relate to leadership, impact, or your commitment to societal change.
Unfocused Vision: Ensure your career vision is specific and aligned with Samvid’s mission. Vague or broad goals may not resonate well.
Short-Term Impact: Focus on long-term commitments and sustained efforts rather than short-term or isolated instances of impact.
How to Stand Out
To distinguish yourself in the application process:
• Showcase Personal Stories: Use storytelling to make your application memorable. Personal anecdotes that highlight your journey, challenges, and growth can make a significant impact.
• Align with Samvid Values: Clearly articulate how your values and goals align with Samvid’s values of clarity, impact, boldness, and humility.
• Detail Your Vision: Provide a detailed vision for your future, emphasizing how you plan to use your education and leadership skills to drive societal change.
• Engage in Continuous Learning: Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and learning, reflecting Samvid’s culture of constant interrogation and improvement of their work.
In conclusion, applying for the Samvid Scholars program requires a deep understanding of the organization’s values and mission. You can craft a compelling application that resonates with the selection committee by showcasing your commitment to societal change, leadership potential, and personal resilience.
Required Essays
How to Write the Experience as a Leader Essay?
Essay 1: Describe your experience as a leader. In your response, please describe examples of the impact and challenges you have encountered as a leader. (500 words max.)
(A) Introduction
Start your essay with a brief introduction that provides context for your leadership experiences. Mention any relevant background information, such as your field of study or professional path, to set the stage for your examples. Highlight your understanding of leadership and its importance in driving societal change, aligning with the core values of Samvid Scholars—clarity, impact, boldness, and humility.
(B) Highlight Key Leadership Experiences
(i) Significant Impact: Reflect on a specific instance where your leadership led to measurable positive change. For instance, Michael co-founded an international nonprofit, Hugs For, to deliver material and monetary donations to hospitals, orphanages, and schools in Ghana and other countries.
Detail how your actions led to tangible benefits and how you motivated your team to achieve these goals.
Trait to Highlight - Impact: Emphasize how your leadership brought about significant outcomes, demonstrating clarity in your vision and boldness in your actions.
(ii) Overcoming Challenges: Describe a challenge you faced as a leader and how you overcame it. Becca led initiatives to implement a progressive Title IX policy at Notre Dame and managed volunteer technologists at Bluebonnet Data. Discuss how you navigated obstacles, made difficult decisions, and showed resilience.
Trait to Highlight - Determination: Showcase your persistence and problem-solving abilities, highlighting your humility in learning from setbacks and continuously improving.
(iii) Leadership in Adversity: Discuss how you led in situations of adversity or underrepresented groups. Zina, an advocate for people with disabilities, used her leadership to launch a disability campus center at Stanford and hire a Disability Service Director at UCLA. Share your experiences of leading initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity.
Trait to Highlight - Mission-Driven: Illustrate your commitment to societal change and creating inclusive environments, aligning with Samvid’s mission to build inclusive economies.
(C) Demonstrating Core Values
• Clarity and Vision: Describe how you have provided clear direction and inspired others with your vision. Discuss the importance of setting precise goals and communicating effectively with your team.
Example: Michael's clear vision in writing "Unlocking Unicorns" and his work in early-stage technology companies show how clarity and strategic thinking can drive success.
• Creating Impact: Provide examples of how your leadership has led to impactful and sustainable changes. Detail your approach to ensuring long-term benefits for the community or organization.
Example: Becca's impact through Bluebonnet Data and her efforts in data-driven political strategy highlight her ability to create meaningful and lasting change with data as the foundation.
• Boldness in Leadership: Reflect on instances where you took bold steps or innovative approaches to solve problems. Discuss how taking risks and thinking creatively led to successful outcomes.
Example: Zina’s innovative approach to integrating medicine, engineering, and business to support people with hearing loss shows boldness in tackling a complex issue.
(D) Conclusion: Conclude your essay by summarizing your key leadership experiences and the impact you have made. Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning and improvement, reflecting Samvid’s culture. Mention how the Samvid Scholars program will further enhance your leadership skills and help you achieve your vision of driving societal change.
What Not to Highlight
• Avoid generic descriptions of leadership roles without specific examples of impact.
• Steer clear of focusing solely on personal achievements without linking them to your leadership journey.
• Do not emphasize short-term or isolated instances of impact; focus on sustained efforts and long-term goals.
How to Write the commitment to driving change for Society Essay?
Essay 2: How have you demonstrated your commitment to driving change for society? (500 words max.)
How to Approach:
(A) Introduction
Begin with a brief introduction highlighting your passion for societal change and commitment to making a difference. Mention any defining moments or influences that have shaped your dedication to social impact, setting the stage for the specific examples you will discuss.
(B) Highlight Key Experiences
• Early Initiatives and Inspirations: Discuss how your early experiences inspired your commitment to societal change. Michael’s journey began in sixth grade when he co-founded Hugs For, an organization delivering donations to underserved communities. Share a similar story where you took the initiative at a young age or early in your career.
Trait to Highlight: Proactive Problem-Solving Emphasize your early proactive steps and problem-solving mindset that set the foundation for your commitment to societal change.
• Significant Projects and Impact: Highlight a major project where your actions led to substantial social impact. Becca’s work with Bluebonnet Data, where she led initiatives benefiting civic organizations across multiple states, is a strong example. Describe a project where you led efforts to drive meaningful change and detail the outcomes.
Trait to Highlight: Mission-Driven Showcase your mission-driven approach and how your efforts align with Samvid’s mission to build inclusive economies and advance innovation.
• Advocacy and Leadership in Underrepresented Areas: Reflect on your advocacy and leadership in areas that are often underrepresented. Zina’s advocacy for people with disabilities, including launching a disability campus center at Stanford, illustrates a deep commitment to societal change. Share similar experiences where you have championed causes for marginalized groups.
Trait to Highlight: Determination and Resilience Illustrate your determination and resilience in overcoming obstacles to advocate for and support underrepresented communities.
(C) Demonstrating Core Values
• Clarity in Vision: Detail how you have maintained a clear vision and strategic approach in your efforts to drive societal change. Discuss the importance of having a focused mission and how you have communicated this vision to others.
Example: Michael’s clarity in his vision, as seen in his book “Unlocking Unicorns,” and his work in early-stage technology investments, showcases the importance of a clear and strategic approach.
• Creating Impact: Provide examples of how your actions have led to measurable and sustainable impacts. Detail specific outcomes and the broader effects on the community or society.
Example: Becca’s impact through Bluebonnet Data and her efforts in data-driven political strategy demonstrate significant and lasting societal benefits.
• Boldness and Innovation: Reflect on instances where you have taken bold steps or innovative approaches to address societal issues. Discuss the importance of creativity and risk-taking in your efforts.
Example: Zina’s innovative approach in combining medicine, engineering, and business to support people with hearing loss shows boldness in tackling complex societal challenges.
(D) Conclusion: Conclude your essay by summarizing your key contributions to societal change and your ongoing commitment. Emphasize how the Samvid Scholars program will support and enhance your ability to drive social impact. Reflect on your alignment with Samvid’s core values of clarity, impact, boldness, and humility, and your vision for future contributions to society.
How to Write the Reasons for Pursuing Graduate Study Essay?
Essay 3: What are your reasons for pursuing graduate study? How do you envision driving change for society after graduate study? (500 words max.)
(A) Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction that outlines your motivations for pursuing graduate study. Highlight any personal or professional experiences that have influenced your decision. This sets the context for the reader to understand your commitment and goals.
(B) Personal and Professional Motivations
• Personal Growth and Expertise: Academic Excellence Emphasize your dedication to academic excellence and how further education will enhance your knowledge and skills.
Example: Michael pursued an MBA at Harvard Business School to deepen his understanding of entrepreneurship and investment. His background as an angel investor and author of "Unlocking Unicorns" shows his commitment to empowering startups and driving innovation. Similarly, share your motivations for graduate study, emphasizing how this will help you gain expertise and drive societal change.
• Professional Aspirations and Goals: Leadership Highlights your leadership aspirations and how advanced education will enable you to lead impactful initiatives.
Example: Rebecca is an MBA candidate at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, focusing on social impact entrepreneurship with a particular interest in climate issues. Her leadership at Bluebonnet Data and advocacy for progressive policies highlight her commitment to addressing societal challenges through innovative solutions. Discuss your professional goals and how graduate study will help you achieve them.
(C) Vision for Driving Societal Change Post-Graduation
• Implementing Knowledge and Skills: Mission-Driven Emphasize your mission-driven approach and your commitment to using your expertise for societal benefit.
Example: Zina, an MBA candidate at Stanford and a recent MD graduate, plans to leverage her background in medicine, engineering, and business to transform outcomes for people with hearing loss and disabilities. Her work exemplifies how combining interdisciplinary knowledge can drive societal change. Describe how you intend to apply the knowledge and skills gained from graduate study to address specific societal issues.
• Creating Long-Term Impact: Impact Highlight your commitment to creating sustainable and impactful solutions to societal problems.
Example: Rebecca’s focus on climate issues and her leadership in data-driven political strategy at Bluebonnet Data illustrate her vision for creating long-term societal impact. Discuss your vision for the future and the long-term changes you aim to implement in society.
• Engaging with Communities and Stakeholders: Collaboration and Engagement Emphasize the importance of collaboration and stakeholder engagement in driving societal change.
Example: Michael’s work with Hugs For and his role in the Harvard Alumni Association demonstrates his dedication to engaging with communities and stakeholders to drive change. Discuss how you plan to collaborate with various stakeholders, including communities, organizations, and policymakers, to achieve your goals.
(D) Aligning with Samvid Scholar's Values
• Clarity in Goals: Describe how your goals align with Samvid Scholars’ values of clarity and impact. Detail your precise objectives and the steps you plan to take to achieve them.
Example: Zina’s clear vision of transforming outcomes for people with hearing loss reflects her commitment to clarity in her goals.
• Boldness in Vision: Discuss the bold and innovative approaches you intend to use in your post-graduate efforts. Highlight your willingness to take risks and think creatively to address societal challenges.
Example: Rebecca’s innovative strategies in social impact entrepreneurship and climate issues demonstrate boldness in vision.
• Humility and Continuous Learning: Reflect on the importance of humility and continuous learning in your journey. Discuss how you plan to remain adaptable and responsive to changing needs.
Example: Michael’s continuous learning and adaptability in his diverse roles showcase humility and a commitment to improvement.
(E) Conclusion: Conclude your essay by summarizing your motivations for pursuing graduate study and your vision for driving societal change. Emphasize how the Samvid Scholars program will support and enhance your ability to achieve your goals.
Reflect on your alignment with Samvid’s core values and your long-term commitment to making a positive impact on society.
What Not to Highlight:
• Avoid generic statements about your desire for further education without linking them to your broader goals and vision for societal change.
• Steer clear of focusing solely on personal achievements without connecting them to your future aspirations and societal impact.
• Do not emphasize short-term goals; focus on long-term vision and sustained efforts.
How to Write the Optional Essay
Optional Essay: We seek a cohort of future leaders, representing diverse perspectives. What unique perspective would you contribute to the Samvid Scholars community? (250 words max.)
(A) Introduction: Applicants should attempt the optional essay to showcase their individuality and highlight aspects of their background or experiences that may not be evident in other parts of the application. This is an opportunity to stand out and demonstrate what makes you unique.
(B) Unique Perspective
• Personal Background: Diversity Emphasize how your background contributes to a diverse and inclusive community.
Example: Zina’s experience with hearing loss from a young age and her advocacy for people with disabilities provide her with a unique perspective on accessibility and inclusion. Similarly, share a unique aspect of your background, such as your cultural heritage, life experiences, or personal challenges, that has shaped your worldview.
• Professional Experiences: Innovation Highlight your innovative thinking and how your professional experiences can contribute to the community.
Example: Michael’s work with startups and his role in venture capital provides him with insights into entrepreneurship and innovation in emerging markets. Discuss a unique professional experience or expertise you have that sets you apart and how it can benefit the Samvid Scholars community.
(C) Contributions to the Community
• Engaging with Peers: Engagement Emphasize your willingness and ability to engage with and learn from a diverse group of peers.
Example: Rebecca’s leadership in data-driven political strategy and her focus on climate issues allow her to contribute valuable insights into environmental and social impact. Explain how your unique perspective will enable you to engage meaningfully with your peers, fostering rich discussions and collaborative problem-solving.
• Enhancing the Cohort’s Experience: Enrichment Highlight how your contributions will enrich the cohort’s experience and foster a supportive and dynamic community.
Example: Michael’s diverse interests and activities, such as his nonprofit work and his passion for jazz drumming, add depth to his contributions. Describe how your unique perspective will enhance the overall experience of the cohort, whether through academic discussions, extracurricular activities, or community initiatives.
(D) Alignment with Samvid Scholar's Values
• Clarity and Impact: Discuss how your unique perspective aligns with Samvid Scholars’ values of clarity and impact. Provide specific examples of how your background and experiences have shaped your clear vision for societal impact.
Example: Zina’s clear vision of transforming outcomes for people with disabilities demonstrates her alignment with these values.
• Boldness and Humility: Reflect on the bold and innovative approaches you bring, balanced with humility and a commitment to continuous learning. Explain how these traits will benefit the Samvid Scholars community.
Example: Rebecca’s bold strategies in social impact and her humility in continuous learning exemplify these values.
(E) Conclusion: Conclude by summarizing the unique perspective you bring and reiterating your commitment to contributing to the Samvid Scholars community. Emphasize your excitement about the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a diverse group of future leaders.
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