Five Ukrainian Ivy League graduates are spearheading a new initiative aimed at opening up American universities to elite students from Ukraine.
The Ukraine Global Scholars program is a revival of an earlier non-profit organization named Ukrainian Students Association USA (USA/USA). Between 1992 and 2009, it guided more than 50 gifted students towards fully funded scholarships at America’s highest-ranked universities.
Yuliya Sychikova, a USA/USA alumna and graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, has now resurrected the idea under a new name and leadership. Together with four fellow scholars from Yale, Harvard and MIT, her board has already begun selecting the most promising students from across Ukraine, who will then receive intensive coaching through the complex American application process.
Candidates were required to submit their applications to the program by June 15.
To qualify for consideration, students had to be 8th-11th grade Ukrainian nationals with excellent English, strong motivation, a high grade point average and an impressive list of extracurricular activities. The successful younger students will be guided towards preparatory schools, while 11th graders can apply for university or college places.
Sychikova explains that “the main criteria for student selection is that we need to be sure that they have a high chance of getting admitted… If the student is exceptional, there is a good possibility that they will get a scholarship. We only admit exceptional students to the program, because it’s not enough to win a place – the funding is essential.”
Financial background is not taken into consideration, but Sychikova estimates that the majority of the existing network comes from middle or low-middle income families. Supported by voluntary contributions from fellow alumni and philanthropists who believe in their mission, Ukraine Global Scholars has a strict no-donations policy from prospective and current students.
Ukraine Global Scholars received around 150 applications from hopeful students, but only five to 10 will be selected to enter into an intense college application process that can last over six months.
Sychikova credits the program’s small size with preserving its high success rate, guaranteeing each student individual attention. The benefits extend beyond graduation from a world-leading university, as Sychikova says, “we’re building an incredible network of self-made people. We want to keep track of their achievements and stay in touch, as these people are going to give back to the program one day.”
Graduates of the USA/USA program now hold leading roles in research institutions and businesses, with several students currently completing doctorates at Ivy League universities. Others have gone on to European universities, or returned home to work in finance or development.
Sychikova’s vision for Ukraine Global Scholars is “very long-term. We accept people who are very ambitious; they want to be the best in their field and accomplish as much as they can, and then maybe return home once they are established. If a scientist studying at Harvard University makes a great discovery, then that’s not just good for Ukraine, that’s good for the whole world.”
For information, visit www.ukraineglobalscholars.org.
