Empower a First-Generation College Student

Dear Friends,

Scholarships are about creating opportunity. Opportunity to become a doctor, teacher, scientist, or a business leader. Your support provides life-changing opportunities for underprivileged young women and girls in Turkey through the gift of an education. We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of the BTF Empowerment Scholarships Program. 

This Scholarship Fund is made possible solely through the generosity of donors like you who are providing these students with a future full of hope and promise.BTF is committed to combatting barriers to education that prevent Turkey’s girls from achieving their full potential and becoming the future leaders and changemakers of Turkish society. In nearly 10 years, BTF has changed the lives of 3,515 exceptional young women and girls from rural Turkey. Together, with your support, we have been building better futures for rural girls, their families, and communities.

Below are select examples of BTF scholars’ goals and how their dreams are becoming a reality with your support:

Aspiring Engineer: “My greatest goal and purpose for pursuing an education is to succeed as a respected person. I want to break down the taboos regarding what is and is not a female profession, that is why I have chosen to study engineering. I have been told that because I am a girl, I won’t be able to do it, but they will see that men cannot do better than I can. I feel very happy with my decision to study engineering. When I see that my family is proud of me for being the first daughter going to university and doing all that I can, I am already starting to live my dream.”

Aspiring Doctor: “In elementary school I underwent brain surgery, an experience that greatly shaped my interest in becoming a brain surgeon once I got older. This was not only a decision of my own but a promise I had made to my grandfather, who has since passed away. To both my grandfather and myself, I promised I would do whatever was necessary to achieve my dream. Of course, at that time, everyone saw this aspiration as a childish dream. But despite this, I continued to work hard towards meeting my goals. I have done everything in my power to bring myself closer and closer to making my childhood dream a reality. With the support of my BTF scholarship, I am now studying in medical school, and I am halfway into my journey. As of now, my future holds three more years of medical school, and from there I believe I will be able to achieve my childhood dream, and become a successful brain surgeon. “

Aspiring Computer Engineer: “I wish to be one of the greatest software engineers and write innovative codes to make the businesses and lives of others’ easier. I challenged myself to pursue this profession, I want to be as creative as possible, to produce greater things from ordinary molds. I have asked myself, what is stopping me from becoming like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates? Through given opportunity, hard work and dedication I believe that I will achieve my goals. Becoming a successful computer engineer is my dream and with the BTF scholarship, I am living my dream.”

Aspiring Teacher: “My family, like many other families, raised me within times of hardship. I know the harsh realities of the people around me, and how their dreams were cut short due to their difficult circumstances. One day, I hope to reach out to all of these people and help them make their dreams a reality. I will work to give back to my community.”

Aspiring Computer Engineer: “As a female engineer in training, it is important for me to prove wrong the myth that women are not capable of succeeding within the field of engineering. I remember once during an exam period at my school, fellow students around me were arguing that the best jobs suited for a woman were teaching or nursing. This ignorance does not acknowledge the bravery in many women who have chosen to be successful engineers. It is as difficult for a woman to become an accomplished engineer as it is for a man to do the same. For me, another significant goal is to reduce the injustice experienced by female engineers in the sector. I would like to make sure that women in the field of engineering feel empowered and recognized for their talents and abilities. No one, particularly a woman, should feel that she must let go of her work because of social stereotypes and injustices.” 

As you can see, these students have high hopes for a better future, want to do better than their parents, and become productive members of their communities. By continuing to support the BTF Empowerment Scholarships Program, you will make their dreams a reality and enable them to achieve their goals of becoming an engineer, doctor, and/or a teacher.

Thank you again for believing in the advancement of women and helping change the world, one educated girl at a time…

Education is the light, showing these young women and girls how to build a future for themselves. Be assured these young women will bring the light to their community and continue to pass the light on.

Lets’ light the path to education together!

Best regards,

Links:

• http://www.bridgetoturkiye.org