College education for 10 talented students in BiH

BOSANA FOUNDATION

Scholarship and Professional Development Program

Quarterly Report

May - August 2025

Executive Summary:

This report gives an overview of our activities from the last two quarters, filled with interesting updates. Our scholarship recipients have completed another year and handled their exam season with great results.

Key highlights include successful exams, international student exchanges, and our Bosana team-building initiative, which encouraged teamwork and friendship.

For more information about these activities, please check the detailed sections of this report.

Students and Program Update:

Final exams started in June, marking a key time for our students. They focused all their energy on final projects, midterms, and exams. Once the exams were over, students could join summer programs, look for intenships, or just relax with family.

In August, we came together for team-building activities, creating lasting memories as students explored new regions of the country.

Highlights of the quarter:

Here’s a look at the remarkable achievements of our students, highlighting their dedication and effort:

•  Milica – one of our scholarship recipients from the 2018/19 cohort, who has officially earned her Medical Doctor degree from the University of East Sarajevo in July this year. This is what she had to say: “Today, as I finish my academic journey, I feel immense gratitude for those who stood by me—through both joyful moments and challenges. The Bosana Foundation was a rare source of support and friendship, asking nothing in return. Their trust empowered me, restored my faith in myself, and helped transform my dreams into reality. I am forever grateful. —Dr. Milica okanovic.”

• Sara, our medical student, and her fellow students in Foca launched a new student organization - Sanus Medicus. “When we came together with this idea, we wanted to bring something new into our daily lives - to improve the quality of life for everyone around us. We quickly launched various activity groups, each reflecting a passion we’d set aside while studying. It was amazing to see how interested people were in extracurricular activities!”

• Tarik graduated from the University of Sarajevo's Faculty of Medicine in July and is currently seeking job opportunities while preparing for the state exam.
• Amina, a student in the music program at the Sarajevo Music Academy, participated in the ERASMUS exchange in Slovenia.
• Elmir completed his ERASMUS exchange at FERI (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), University of Maribor.
• Vildana spent a month in Morocco as part of the BoHEMSA (Bosnian and Herzegovinian Medical Students’ Association) internship program.

 BAPA Bosana Scholarship 2025

 For the fourth consecutive year, the Bosana Foundation is partnering with BAPA to sponsor a $5,000 scholarship. This scholarship helps Bosnian-American students achieve their educational and professional goals.

 Andre is the winner of the 2025 BAPA-Bosana Scholarship. Like our outstanding former scholars, Hajrudin, Benjamin, and Imman, we look forward to seeing what Andre will achieve.

 Originally from Sarajevo, he is a third-year Business Management major at Florida International University in Miami, FL. He came to the U.S. to further his studies and has demonstrated remarkable drive and leadership. He founded the first Entrepreneurship Club at Stockton University and received an EU4Business grant for his innovative industry startup.

 Currently, Andre works as a journalist and media reporter for Media Marketing, where he covers advertising trends and regional communication festivals. He hopes to pursue an MBA after graduation. He shows a strong entrepreneurial spirit and is committed to using business as a way to foster creativity and cultural connections.

Bosana Student Teambuilding 2025

 In the first week of August, Bosana scholarship students came together in Cazin for an unforgettable three-day experience filled with lasting memories. This event was co-organized with our students from the area. Belmin and Almedina made sure everyone felt welcomed.

 Their enthusiasm, local knowledge, and good community relationships made the experience even more special. We started our team-building activities with a traditional dinner at the historic Ostrozac Castle. A local women's association, founded in 2013 for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage, prepared the meal with care. Their dedication and warm hospitality added a personal touch to the evening.

 Belmin, a local resident, enriched our experience with a guided tour of the fortress. He shared stories and provided information about the region.

 The next day, we explored the beauty of Bosanska Krupa. We enjoyed a lively barbecue and took part in team-building activities at the Šujnovac recreation area. We relaxed with refreshing drinks at Zeleni otoci, charming little river islands. There was also plenty of free time for students to walk, swim, play cards, and enjoy spirited beach volleyball, balancing fun with relaxation.

 As the sun set, we gathered around a campfire. We shared stories, created vision boards, and reflected on our experiences. It was truly inspiring to see students from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina come together, exchange stories, and celebrate each other's journeys. These moments of connection show the uniqueness of our Bosana family.

BOSANA FOUNDATION

Scholarship and Professional Development Program

Quarterly Report

January – April 2025

Executive Summary:

As we reflect on the first quarter of the year, we are excited about the achievements we've experienced and the opportunities the future has in store. Our organization is actively seeking new and innovative fundraising opportunities to fund our programs and diversify our funding streams.

This new chapter guarantees exciting milestones and opportunities for our students, and in this report, we are delighted to present their recent achievements.

We anticipate a year of new opportunities and successes, and as always, your support is essential to our success. Thank you for being an important part of our journey!

Students and Program Update:

The beginning of the calendar year was particularly positive for our community, with several of our recent graduates receiving high distinctions from their host universities. The awards not only attest to their outstanding academic success but, more significantly, their dedication and persistence throughout their academic journeys.

Meanwhile, our students have been studying diligently to get ready for their fall semester exams. It is a period of focused effort and commitment as they review their work, attend study groups, and meet with instructors.

Highlights of the quarter:

Here’s a glimpse into the impressive accomplishments of our students, showcasing their dedication and hard work:

• Ajla, proudly named Volunteer of the Year for her extraordinary contributions to the Red Cross. Reflecting on her five years of volunteering, Ajla shared, "Ours is only what we give to others. After five years of volunteering with the Red Cross, this is the day I will remember the most!"
• Adrijana, our foundation’s 11th generation of scholars, recently graduated as a Special Educator and Rehabilitator from the Faculty of Medicine in Foca. In 2024, she had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Work and Travel program in the U.S., an experience she highly recommends to all students. "I am currently looking for a job and would love to start in a school for children with disabilities. In October, I will continue my education with a master’s degree, also in Foca. I will always be grateful to the Bosana Foundation."
• Jovana has been awarded the Golden Badge of the University of Sarajevo, the highest recognition given by the university, and has been named the Best Student of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics.
• Emir has received the Silver Badge of the University of Sarajevo, an honor given to students with a grade point average above 9.00.
• Aida, a participant in Bosana's Professional Development Program, has also been awarded the Silver Badge of the University of Sarajevo.
• Sumeja has received the Charter of the University of Sarajevo and has been named the Best Student of the Faculty of Pharmacy for the 2019–2024 academic year.
• Selena has earned her medical degree just last month and this is what she said about her journey:

“As I look back on all the years of study, hard work, sleepless nights, and challenges, I can't help but mention those who helped me get to where I am today.The Bosana Foundation was with me when I needed it most - not only through scholarship, but through belief in me, support, and a message: “You are not alone. You are worth it. ” Your help wasn't just material - it was strength in moments of doubt, light when it was hardest. Thank you for believing in me. I carry this title in my name, and all those who have been part of my journey.”

Kick-start Your Career (KYC) Program 2025 

We were honored this year to see seventeen current Bosana students participate in the 'Kick-start Your Career' (KYC) Program. Founded in 2019 in collaboration with Aida Sujoldzic, a seasoned psychologist with over fifteen years of experience in talent management, career guidance, soft skills training, and executive coaching, the KSYC program has become a cornerstone of professional development for our students.

Specifically tailored for the Bosana students, this year's KSYC workshop placed strong focus on essential skills to succeed in the current job market. The students underwent comprehensive sessions on the formulation of impressive professional bios, resumes, and cover letters. They were also taught interviewing techniques, time management, and teamwork principles that are crucial in excelling at any job.

One of the program highlights this year was to have several former Bosana students come back as guest speakers, sharing their experiences and knowledge, inspiring current participants with real-life examples of how the KSYC program has influenced their professional lives. We are also extremely grateful to The HUB Homework for so generously providing space for these incredibly valuable training sessions, solidifying our ongoing partnership and shared commitment to assisting students in their professional growth.

Students for Humanity:

 "Students for Humanity" is a collaborative fund established by scholarship recipients from the Bosana Foundation. Each student contributes 2 KM per month, with Bosana matching these contributions. This initiative is supported by both current and former students, significantly enhancing the impact of this meaningful effort.

In the first half of the year, there were five individual projects that were carried out to help students. One of Bosana's graduates was helped with the application fee for her master's degree. A student from Bihac was helped with his application fee, class materials, and other essentials to start a new school year. A student needed help with data analysis that was crucial to dissertation preparation, while a current student received financial help for dental care.

The partnership between the Bosana Foundation and Homework HUB continues. Bosana students have common study spaces and workshops. This year, students have come together to support their peers through the "Students for Humanity" program and have gifted three annual memberships valued at 100.00 BAM each to three regular HUB attendees.

Links:

• http://www.bosanafoundation.org