Create Opportunities That Last:
Your $625 a year can make dreams come true!

Educational Assistance Program (EAP)

Higher education is more than just a path to career success- it is a tool for personal transformation and resilience. After everything we endured during the exodus, it was education that gave us the strength to rebuild our lives. No community understands its value more deeply than ours, as it has been the cornerstone of our survival and progress.

The Educational Assistance Program (EAP) by the Kashmiri Overseas Association (KOA) provides crucial college tuition support to deserving Kashmiri Pandit students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Since 1995, more than 2,400 students have received sponsorship for higher education. We believe that no student should be held back by financial barriers, and through scholarships and grants, we aim to help students focus on their dreams, build essential skills, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Your donation can make this vision a reality. By supporting these young minds, you are not just investing in their future- you are helping to carry forward the legacy of our community. Together, we can ensure that the next generation has the opportunities they deserve, no matter the challenges they face.

Join us in making education a powerful force for change—your generosity can transform lives and create lasting impact.

Program Overview

Objective

The primary objective of EAP is to offer tuition, school supplies, and living expenses to Kashmiri Pandit children, particularly those from refugee camps in India, helping them achieve higher education and brighter futures.

Cost

The cost to sponsor a student for one year is $625, which covers essential expenses such as tuition, boarding, lodging, and more. Of this, $25 goes toward supporting the program's overhead, ensuring its ongoing sustainability and effectiveness.

We encourage donors to commit to supporting the same student throughout their educational journey, creating lasting impact and continuity.

History

The EAP was established during the KOA National Camp in 1994. It was conceived by community members who believed that helping students pursue higher education would enable them to secure gainful employment and uplift the community. Dr. Tej Nath Kaul was entrusted with running the program, and with the help of community volunteers like Dr. Hira Lal Gurtoo and Dr. Bansi Lal Kaul, the program was launched. The initiative developed a strong connection with Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Jammu, for receiving applications and distributing funds to selected students.

The program continues to be advertised every year in the Daily Excelsior, a popular newspaper within the community in Jammu.

Requirements

The applicant must be a refugee from the Kashmir Valley.
Proof of admission to a recognized educational institution is required.
Priority is given to students from refugee camps or those orphaned during the turmoil in the community.

Selection & Distribution Process

Applications are received and verified by our liaison in Jammu.
After verification, applications are sent to program directors for final selection.
Students are selected based on merit and financial need, with preference given to those in refugee camps.
Once selected, students are notified about their sponsorship.
KOA mails checks to the liaison in Jammu, who ensures all criteria are met before distribution.
The liaison monitors the students' progress and provides updates to the sponsors.

Feedback & Call for Support

Donors visiting Jammu are encouraged to meet their sponsored students and verify the program’s operations. KOA ensures transparency and provides updates on students' progress. Donors' generosity is greatly appreciated by the students and their families.

Since 1995, the EAP has supported many students, but due to limited resources, we can only sponsor 60-70% of applicants. To increase support, we need your help.

If you're already a sponsor, thank you. If not, please consider joining us in shaping the future of our community.

Tax-Deductible Donations

The Kashmiri Overseas Association, Inc. (KOA) is a non-profit, tax-exempt socio-cultural organization registered in Maryland, USA. Your donations are tax-deductible.