One of the most common barriers to education in many rural communities is the cost of school fees. Even motivated students may be forced to pause or discontinue their education when families are unable to cover these costs.

The Ghana Medical Foundation’s scholarship program helps remove this barrier for selected students participating in the pilot program.

How Scholarships Are Awarded

Scholarships are not given automatically. Instead, students qualify through participation, effort, and demonstrated need.

Students may be considered for school fee scholarships based on:

• Participation in monthly health education clinics

• A written essay reflecting on the health topics taught

• Demonstrated application of lessons in their home or community

• Family financial circumstances

Scholarships are paid directly to partner schools to ensure funds are used exclusively for educational purposes.

The goal is to reward students who show commitment to learning, improving their health knowledge, and continuing their education.

As part of the long-term vision of the program, the Ghana Medical Foundation is developing pathways that allow students to gain early exposure to healthcare careers.

During the pilot phase, the program will begin exploring partnerships with local clinics and senior high schools to create opportunities for students interested in the medical field.

Selected students may have the opportunity to:

• Observe healthcare professionals in clinical settings

• Learn about different roles within the healthcare system

• Participate in structured training or preparation programs

• Explore potential career paths in medicine, nursing, or public health

• Receive sponsorships for medical certifications such as equivalents to EMT or CNA

These are paid opportunities help students see real examples of what a future in healthcare could look like.

Selection for these internships will be the same system as that of the scholarships. 

The scholarship and internship components work together to create a pathway:

Health Education → Continued Schooling → Career Exposure

By helping students stay in school and introducing them to healthcare careers, the program aims to empower students who may one day return to serve their own communities.