From Dreams to Degrees: Tertiary Education Fund

The From Dreams to Degrees: Tertiary Education Fund is an initiative of Chance4all aimed at bridging the gap between potential and opportunity by supporting deserving students to access tertiary education. Through this initiative, Chance4all empowers young people from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher learning and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their communities.

This report provides a comprehensive update on the project’s progress from the completion of the fundraising phase through to evaluation, award, disbursement, and onboarding. The campaign was launched during the July 2025 Giving Tuesday Bonus Day campaign. Although the  fundraising target was not fully achieved, sufficient funds were raised to successfully kick-start the project and initiate the first cohort. The completion of the fundraising phase marked the transition from concept to implementation.

To ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability, the following foundational steps were undertaken:

• Development of a Comprehensive Selection Framework:
  A structured application and review process was established, incorporating clear eligibility criteria and evaluation metrics.
• Independent Evaluation Committee:
  Three independent external evaluators were appointed to review and assess all eligible applications against the established criteria.

This governance structure ensured that selection decisions were merit-based and aligned with the Fund’s objectives.

Call for Applications and Outreach

Following the establishment of the framework:

• A formal Call for Applications was launched in December 2025
• Applications were opened to prospective students meeting the eligibility criteria.
• Awareness and outreach efforts were conducted through various networks to ensure broad dissemination of information and equitable access to the opportunity.

Application Review and Shortlisting

During the call for applications, a total of ten (10) applications were received. The three independent evaluators conducted a comprehensive assessment of all eligible applications based on:

• Academic merit
• Demonstrated financial need
• Personal motivation and alignment with programme goals

Following this evaluation process, seven  (7) final applicants were shortlisted based on merit, alignment with programme objectives, and overall readiness.

The shortlisted applicants underwent a rigorous compliance and due diligence process, which included:

• Verification of supporting documentation
• Confirmation of eligibility requirements

This step ensured that all selected beneficiaries met both programmatic and compliance standards. Upon completion of the compliance review, two (2) applicants successfully (we are limited to 2 due to funding limitations), met all requirements and were formally selected as the first cohort of scholarship recipients.

The selected students:

• Completed all required registration processes
• Met onboarding requirements
• Received funding support covering tuition, learning materials, and other essential tertiary education needs
• Officially commenced their first year of study

The From Dreams to Degrees: Tertiary Education Fund marks an important milestone in Chance4all’s mission to make higher education accessible to deserving students from underprivileged communities.The structured, multi-phase process—from fundraising through evaluation, due diligence, and onboarding—demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to strong governance, transparency, and impact-driven implementation. With continued support, we aim to grow the Fund and reach even more deserving students in the coming years.

Hear the voice of one of our successful applicants:

How the Chance4All Tertiary Scholarship Programme Transformed My Life - 

A Dream Deferred

I'll never forget the crushing disappointment of 2017 when I wasn't selected for the government scholarship programme. Despite scoring excellent grades and being among the top performers in my class, it seemed like academic merit alone wasn't enough. I watched my peers move forward with their university dreams while I remained stuck, unsure if I'd ever get the chance to reach my full potential.

A Second Chance at Hope

Everything changed in 2026 when I was awarded the Chance4All Tertiary Scholarship. This wasn't just a scholarship—it was a lifeline, a bridge between impossible dreams and achievable reality. The programme has literally transformed my life and that of my family. With this opportunity, I've been able to pursue my degree in Business Administration at ZCAS University, a field I'm deeply passionate about, opening doors that once seemed permanently locked.

-Peter Sakala-

 We extend our sincere gratitude to all donors, partners, evaluators, and supporters who made this initiative possible. Together, we are transforming dreams into degrees and building a brighter future for our youth.

Chance4all Team thanks you

Links:

• Website
• Annual Report