HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship (AGS) 香港浸會大學恩傳獎學金
HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship (AGS) 2023-24 (Deadline: 28 Jan 2024)
HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship (AGS) was set up with donations raised by the Village CARE Campaign in 2019. A group of HKBU alumni pledged a sum donation in support of students with special educational needs (SSEN). The Scholarship represents a way to show the alumni’s gratitude to their alma mater, an encouragement for the next generation of students to thrive in their own way.
For the 2023-24 academic year, up to 10 AGS of HK$15,000 each will be available to recognize the SSEN in pursuit of excellence in academic, non-academic merits and improvement in academic performance.
- Select
- Eligibility
Eligibility
- Full-time HKBU students studying publicly-funded degree or above level programmes (but exclude exchange students not studying a full degree or above programme in Hong Kong), registered with special educational needs (SEN) as below:
- Attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Hearing impairment
- Mental illness
- Physical disability
- Specific learning difficulties
- Speech impairment
- Chronic illness and visceral disability
- Visual impairment
- Others
A SSEN may be awarded the AGS more than once throughout his/her studies, and each application shall be considered based on individual merit and against other applications received in that year.
Method
Open application
Criteria
- Applications will be assessed on the basis of the followings:
- Good academic standing: cGPA must be 2.50 or above after the first semester of 2023-24;
- Outstanding record of local/global extra-curricular activities;
- Active participation in service-learning activities, internship, and enthusiastic in community services.
- Preference will be given to eligible applicants who have never received AGS or any SEN related funding support before.
Scholarship Amount
Scholarship recipients wil receive $ 15,000.
Important Notes
- Office of Student Affairs reserves the final right on the decisions of subsidy allocation and guidelines amendment at any time without prior notice as appropriate.
- Awardees are required to submit a sharing passage, 3 photos and a completed evaluation survey to USSEN within a month upon receipt of the Scholarship.
Step I - Complete the online application form.
- Each student should submit the application form once only. Once the form is submitted, no modifications can be made.
- The form is a joint application form with the HKSAR Endeavour Merit Award (EMA). Please view the application eligibility of EMA at https://sa.hkbu.edu.hk/sfa/announcement. Eligible applicants will be considered for both EMA and AGS through one application.
- Upon form submission, an auto-email will be sent to the applicants. If no auto-email is received within 10 minutes, the form submission is unsuccessful and applicants should inform SFA immediately.
Step II - Submit the required supporting documents before the deadline 28 January 2024 (Sunday).
After completing the online form, applicants should follow the instructions below (also written in the auto-email) to submit the required supporting documents (including documentary proofs for awards/scholarships obtained, documentary proofs for participation in extra-curricular activities/community services, most recent medical report, etc.):
- Scan your documentary proofs as ONE (1) PDF file, and arrange them in proper order. Make sure they are clear and legible. Any parts that are missing, unclear, and incomprehensible will NOT be considered. Try to keep the PDF file size under 15MB. You may not need to scan the documents in the highest/best quality if standard quality suffices.
- Name your PDF file in the format of "AGS_EMA_student ID" (e.g. AGS_EMA_20221111). We may not be able to identify your submission if you do not name your file as instructed.
- Login to our “Documents Upload Platform” at https://sfa.hkbu.edu.hk/supporting_docs/ with your SSOid. Choose and click “HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship and HKSAR Government Endeavour Merit Award” in the menu to upload the documents. We will NOT be able to receive your documents if you choose another scheme, so please click the scheme name carefully. The “Documents Upload Platform” will close automatically at 11:59pm of 28 January 2024 (Sunday). You will receive an auto-email from the system upon successful upload of your PDF file.
- To avoid last-minute rush/unexpected technical errors/difficulties that may require extra time to solve, you are advised to prepare and upload your PDF file as early as possible before the deadline. Note that the submission time is subject to our system’s clock on the website, which may or may not be the same as your watch, and the Office of Student Affairs has the discretion to make final judgments on whether the application is considered late.
- Online application without the submission of supporting documents will NOT be considered.
- Submission by email/fax/hardcopy or after the application deadline will NOT be accepted.
All applications will be assessed by an internal selection panel. The selection results will be announced in March/April 2024.
- Please click here for general tips on completing scholarship application forms.
- Faculty members are welcome to encourage eligible students to apply.
Submission of Reflective Essays & Other Obligations
- To express awardees' gratitude to the University alumni for their generous support for the AGS, they are required to submit a sharing article in around 350 words and three high-resolution group and/or individual photos. 2022-23 awardees have to submit it within a month upon the receipt of the Scholarship and should be sent to ussen@hkbu.edu.hk. Late/no submission may result in score deduction in applying other HKBU SEN related financial schemes.
- Recipients may be invited to attend some experience-sharing occasions and/or meet with Scholarship's donors if requested by the Office of Student Affairs.
Contact
For enquiries, please feel free to contact us at 3411 2307 / 3411 2311 or by email to sfa@hkbu.edu.hk.
Receiving the HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship has been an immense honor that has not only validated my career aspirations in learning and social work but also provided me with much-needed financial relief. As a chronically ill patient with an irreversible condition, I have constantly grappled with the physical challenges and the financial burden associated with my medical expenses.
My deteriorating physical condition has made it difficult for me to work and study simultaneously, causing me significant distress. However, the scholarship has alleviated my financial concerns and given me the opportunity to focus solely on my studies. With the weight of economic worries lifted off my shoulders, I have been able to immerse myself fully in my coursework and engage in various extracurricular activities. Knowing that my hard work and dedication have been recognized, it has boosted my self-confidence and fueled my determination to succeed.
Furthermore, the scholarship has granted me the opportunity to explore and develop my skills in social work. With my increased financial stability, I have been able to invest more time and energy in honing my social work skills through additional studies and seeking out personal and professional development opportunities. These experiences have expanded my knowledge, enhanced my practical skills, and prepared me for a successful career in social work. (... more)
I am delighted to share the progress in my educational achievement, significantly propelled by the scholarship that has been a cornerstone of my development. This scholarship has not only financed my participation in an overseas service trip but also facilitated my enrolment in a specialized physical education (PE) qualification course, both of which have been pivotal in shaping my future aspirations.
The overseas service trip was an eye-opener, exposing me to diverse athletic cultures and educational systems. I engaged with local communities, assisting in organizing sports events that fostered inclusivity and teamwork. This hands-on experience was invaluable, teaching me the universal language of sports and its power to unite people from various backgrounds.
Simultaneously, the scholarship enabled me to pursue a qualification course in physical education. The course equipped me with advanced teaching methodologies, a deeper understanding of sports science, and the latest trends in health and fitness education. The outcome was a comprehensive knowledge base that I am eager to apply in a classroom setting.
However, the journey was not without its challenges. Language barriers during the service trip occasionally hindered communication. I realized the importance of not just verbal language but also non-verbal cues and the universal language of sports in fostering connections. Additionally, (... more)
It is my honour to be a recipient of the HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship. I am currently a second-year student majoring in music education and minor in Spanish. My major instrument is violin, and minor in viola. My current goal after graduation is to continue to teach violin and continue my path in music education. I am especially interested in working with students with special educational needs (SSENs).
This scholarship will contribute to my third-year university tuition, thanks to it, I can fully participate in my schoolwork and continue to grow as a musician and a music educator. In the past year, I have been able to participate in playing in the university’s symphony orchestra and performing with professional guest musicians and participate in the pop music concert with BMus Stage as a violist in a quartet setting. These concerts have been a success. Some obstacles I have encountered during the year is to allocate enough time to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, like getting enough sleep and making sure I am consuming a nutritious diet. This would be one of the main goals in time management for the coming years as the university encourages wholesome personal growth. (... more)
I am writing with gratitude for being selected as a recipient of HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship. After receiving the scholarship, it not only honors my academic results but also really reduces my financial pressure. This scholarship has enriched my university experience and encouraged me in different ways.
With the scholarship, I have been able to afford essential educational expenses, such as learning materials, reference books, and participation in extracurricular activities. These learning supports make it easier for me to follow the teaching progress in class, and also help me understand some extracurricular information and discover more. In other words, they help me solve different academic challenges, allows me to focus completely on my studies, and let me gain more experience on different aspects. (... more)
Thank you for selecting me as the recipient of the Alumni Gratitude Grant Scholarship. I am grateful for the recognition of my academic achievement.
I have been consistently delivering good academic performance. Majoring in Humanities, with my study stream in changing cultures, I am studying about social inequalities that are experienced by minorities, such as refugees, women, queer people, and non-human others in the Anthropocene. Yet I also contemplate the agency and power held by the underprivileged. I am devoted to exploring what minorities can do together as a community, speculating on different ethics and principles to bring forth equality.
For the scholarship, I plan to use it to support future study programs. I have not decided on a definite field of study, but it would be related to cultural studies. With a sensitivity for people at the margins, I would like to further explore how to summon up good ways of relating and living from the (... more)
Receiving this scholarship has been a transformative experience, propelling my educational journey to unprecedented heights. The generous support I received has not only alleviated financial burdens but has also opened doors to new opportunities and academic growth.
The scholarship played a crucial role in shaping my educational trajectory. It provided the necessary funds for tuition fees, textbooks, and educational resources, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my studies without the constant worry of financial constraints. Additionally, the scholarship enabled me to participate in educational conferences, workshops, and seminars, enhancing my knowledge and expanding my professional network.
With the financial burden lifted, I was able to devote more time and energy to my studies, resulting in outstanding academic achievements. The scholarship allowed me to pursue advanced courses in my field of interest, conduct in-depth research, and engage in meaningful academic projects. These endeavors culminated in several publications in prestigious journals, presenting my work at national conferences, and receiving accolades for academic excellence. The scholarship also provided me with opportunities for internships and practical experiences, which further enriched my skill set and boosted my career prospects.
My educational journey has not been without challenges. Balancing academic commitments, part-time work, and personal obligations proved demanding at times. However, with effective time management and support from mentors, I was able to overcome these hurdles. Moving forward, I (... more)
I am writing to express the depth of my gratitude to the selfless alumni donors, Unit for Students with Special Educational Needs and HKBU. It is my pleasure to be one of the recipients of the HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship, which is an unforgettable gift of my life. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of me and my family like daily expenses and tuition fee, but also give me a chance to improve myself.
In terms of academic needs, I could buy some necessary textbooks and reference books, that enables me to study smoothly in class. In addition, I could engage in more professional courses for improving my language and practical skills. Also, this scholarship enables me to attend language proficiency tests such as International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and National Putonghua Proficiency Test (PSC) for further studies. Moreover, I applied for some postgraduate programmes for further studies and the scholarship could cover their application fee.
In the aspect of interest development, I could afford to buy different types of books to broaden my horizon and acquire knowledge other than my major subject. This scholarship also allows me to join more activities that I am interested in. I could spend more meaningful time by joining different fields of activities. I could meet more people from different aspects and make friends with them. Furthermore, I enrich my all-round development and explore more possibilities. (... more)
I am honored to have received the support of the donors and be selected as a recipient of the HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship. As a Year 4 student, being awarded this scholarship fills me with immense excitement and helps me soar to greater heights.
This scholarship has assisted me in better preparing for my future and challenging career plans. Currently, I work as a freelancer in the local cultural and arts industry, with a focus on developing my skills in music. I am learning the art of screaming vocals (a technique used in Metal music) and absorbing knowledge in various instruments, music theory, and technical aspects. My goal is to become an exceptional music producer and, in a few months, I plan to rent a studio to start my career. (... more)
As a fourth-year student obtaining a social work degree, my path has been filled with both successes and setbacks. Thanks to the HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship (AGS), I was able to get past these obstacles and keep developing both emotionally and professionally.
The responsibilities of coursework, internships, and personal well-being grew more and more burdensome throughout my fourth year of college. Resilience and assistance were crucial in managing my mental health concerns, field placements, and assignments.
The AGS helped alleviate the burden of additional costs associated with managing my health and mental conditions. From therapy sessions to medication expenses, it provided me with the resources needed to prioritize my mental health and well-being. This financial assistance not only eased my financial stress but also allowed me to focus on my studies and professional development without the added worry of financial constraints.
The scholarship allowed me to attend workshops and seminars focused on mental health awareness and self-care, further enhancing my understanding of my conditions and how to effectively manage them. Besides, it facilitated my participation in extracurricular activities and networking events within the social work field. Attending conferences, workshops, and networking sessions (... more)
It is with a heart full of gratitude that I pen these words for the HKBU Alumni Gratitude Scholarship. Your generosity has been a beacon during my challenging journey, assisting me in mitigating the substantial expenses of private medical services, and offering financial respite until I could transition to public medical services with a lesser economic strain.
With the responsibility of supporting my six-member family, where the sole steady income is derived from my father, the financial burdens my father face are substantial. While government aid has sufficed to cover my academic fees, diverse learning experience was still a luxury. The scholarship has opened doors to opportunities I didn’t dare to knock on before, not only enhancing my educational horizon but also alleviating my family's fiscal distress.
Admittedly, joining the scholarship race felt like a long shot, doubting my capabilities. But the USSEN team didn’t just give us extra time—they gave us a morale boost that made all the difference. Now, as an awardee, I reflect on my journey through the shadows cast. Supported by USSEN, I am learning to curtail compulsive behaviors, battling personal challenges, and with each step forward, bolstered by your aid, I move closer to a brighter future. Where once my academic pursuits wavered, I now stand firm on the path of learning.
Your support has ignited a passion within me to delve deeper into the study of Chinese Materia (... more)