Injecting Joy: 7 Ways to Make Your Scholarship Program More Fun
Scholarships are so much more than just financial aid; they're a profound expression of care and belief from those who set them up. They represent an investment in a student's future, a vote of confidence that can change a life–amazing, right?!?
Yet, for all that underlying warmth and support, the processes surrounding scholarships can sometimes feel, well, a little stressful. For your dedicated team, for the hopeful applicants navigating complex forms, and even for the excited recipients, the administrative side sometimes overshadows the immense good being done.
But what if we told you it doesn't have to be all work and no play? Injecting a dose of fun into your scholarship processes can energize your team, deeply engage your students, and even delight your donors and volunteers. It’s about reminding everyone involved of that core spirit of care and making the journey as uplifting as the destination.
Here are seven ways to make your scholarship program a more joyful experience for everyone involved.
1. Celebrate the "Wins" with a Smile
Who doesn't love a little positive reinforcement? Just like those delightful flying yetis and unicorns that pop up on task completion apps, you can bring that same spirit of extra gratification to your scholarship processes.
Consider adding a fun, unexpected message or animated video at the end of an application, a committee review, or even a successful scholarship payment. Imagine a pop-up saying, "You're a rockstar!" or a short video of your team dancing when a task is completed. These small, unexpected moments of joy can make the often tedious parts of the process feel lighter and more rewarding for everyone.
2. Get Creative with Application Questions
While essential questions about career goals and achievements might be important (depending on your scholarship and program purpose, of course!), leaving room for a touch of whimsy can give you a more holistic view of your applicants.
Try incorporating one "fun" question alongside your standard ones. Here are a few examples to spark your imagination:
"If your name was an acrostic poem, what would it be?"
"Describe yourself in a tweet (280 characters or less)."
"What's one thing you're irrationally passionate about?"
These questions can reveal personality, creativity, and critical thinking in a way traditional questions might not, and they offer a welcome break for students.
3. Host Unforgettable Events (Beyond the Formal Reception)
Events are fantastic opportunities to bring your scholarship community together in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. While formal receptions have their place, don't shy away from events designed purely for fun and connection.
Embrace the outdoors: One foundation hosts an annual outdoor reception with food trucks, lawn games, a chalk walk, and a photo booth. This creates a relaxed, carnival-like atmosphere where scholars, their families, staff, and partners can mingle freely.
Themed celebrations: Another organization held a "carnival" themed scholarship celebration, complete with a buffet, music, and even booths hosted by different college departments showcasing hands-on activities. We’ve also heard of finals study nights with coffee carts and take-home snack packs for cram sessions.
Networking with a twist: Consider a more professional networking event with appetizers and drinks rather than a full meal, encouraging students to connect with donors and board members in a less structured environment.
These events foster a sense of community, allow donors to see the direct impact of their contributions, and provide valuable networking opportunities for students in a stress-free setting.
4. Provide Thoughtful Care Packages
Small gestures can make a big impact. Show your new scholars or even student advisory group members that you care about their well-being beyond their academic pursuits.
One foundation sent care packages to students around exam season, filled with items like tea, hot cocoa, gum, fuzzy socks, protein bars, and a gift card, along with a signed card from staff. Another offers students attending events baskets filled with living essentials like shampoo, laundry detergent, and toothbrushes–practical items that students often don’t want to (or can’t) spend money on. These thoughtful gifts demonstrate genuine support and appreciation.
5. Brighten Up Your Internal Processes
Fun isn't just for external stakeholders; it's vital for team morale too!
Share staff milestones: Post pictures of your staff from graduation (their own or attending student graduations) on social media or your staff page. It humanizes your team and celebrates educational achievement.
Sweeten committee meetings: Bring baked goods to committee meetings. It’s a simple act that can instantly lighten the mood and make meetings more enjoyable.
Create a "Scholarship Season Recap" slideshow or video: After a busy scholarship season, compile a cute summary for your staff with key stats, favorite student quotes, and some fun pictures. It’s a great way to celebrate collective achievements and appreciate the hard work.
6. Give Back as a Team
Engaging in community service together can be a fun and rewarding team-building activity.
Organize a staff volunteer day at your local community college's food pantry or another on-campus initiative. Not only does this allow your team to connect outside of their usual work tasks, but it also reinforces your organization's commitment to supporting the educational community in a hands-on way and provides firsthand exposure to students they’re serving (but may not be otherwise engaging with).
7. Incentivize Engagement with Practical Perks
Sometimes a little incentive goes a long way in encouraging participation, especially from busy students.
Offer professional headshots: One celebration offered free headshots for students, which is a valuable resource for their professional development.
Provide gift cards or vouchers: Another foundation offered a Visa gift card to students for attending an open house, while another provided food court vouchers for a celebratory event. These small financial incentives can make it easier for students to prioritize attending your events.
By intentionally weaving moments of fun into your scholarship program, you're not just creating a more enjoyable experience; you're building stronger relationships with your team, volunteers, donors, and most importantly, the students you serve. And in doing so, you're amplifying that initial expression of care that makes scholarships so impactful.
Ready to transform your scholarship program from a struggle to a source of sparks of joy? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our team of experts. We'll help you explore tailored strategies to infuse more fun and engagement into your unique processes.
