By Ajlana Osmanagic | Program Director
BOSANA FOUNDATION
Scholarship and Professional Development Program
Quarterly Report
April - August 2024
Executive Summary:
This edition of the quarterly report covers the past two quarters, and we have exciting news to share! Between April and September, our students successfully completed their exams, participated in enriching team-building activities, and began preparations for the upcoming academic year. We are pleased to announce another year of collaboration with BAPA, which has welcomed a new student.
Currently, we are in the process of selecting a new generation of Bosana scholars from the 159 applications received in August. We look forward to sharing the results with you in the next report. Additionally, we are proud to celebrate our new graduates, with more expected in the coming month.
Students and Program Update:
The spring and summer months have been a dynamic and enriching time for our students, marked by a blend of rigorous academic work, professional development opportunities, and enjoyable experiences. Throughout the semester, students diligently completed their coursework, culminating in final exams held in June and July. This period of assessment not only tested their knowledge but also showcased their commitment to their studies.
Following the conclusion of their exams, students embraced a variety of paths. Many returned home to recharge and spend quality time with family and friends, while others seized the opportunity to gain practical experience through summer employment. Additionally, some students opted to further their education by attending summer school, allowing them to enhance their skills and knowledge in specific areas of interest. A number of adventurous students also participated in exchange programs abroad, immersing themselves in new cultures and broadening their global perspectives.
Overall, this was an exceptionally busy and productive period for our students. Their hard work and commitment to personal and academic growth are truly commendable, and we look forward to supporting them in their ongoing journeys.
Highlights of the quarter:
These are just a few examples of the remarkable accomplishments of our students, and we are incredibly proud of their dedication and achievements.
Kick-start Your Career (KYC) Program 2024
Celebrating the 6th year of our annual career orientation program - Kick Start Your Career!
This year, we welcomed 23 enthusiastic students who actively participated in a comprehensive workshops. Throughout the program, participants gained invaluable insights into essential skills such as resume writing, crafting effective cover letters, interview preparation, and the development of crucial soft skills.
Our program is designed with the primary goal of empowering students by equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate their job search journey successfully. We understand that securing job placements is a significant milestone; however, we also recognize the importance of personal growth and confidence-building that occurs during this process.
As we reflect on the success of this year's program, we are proud not only of the skills our participants have acquired but also of the community we have built. We look forward to continuing this journey in the coming years, further enhancing the curriculum and expanding our reach to empower even more students in their career pursuits.
BAPA Update:
For the third consecutive year, the Bosana Foundation is proud to partner with BAPA to sponsor a $5,000 scholarship aimed at supporting Bosnian-American students in realizing their educational and professional aspirations. We are excited to announce the 2024 recipient of the BAPA-Bosana Scholarship: Imman.
Imman is currently pursuing a degree in Business Economics and Political Science at the University of Richmond, hailing from Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her research interests focus on female empowerment, sustainable development, and education in post-conflict societies, reflecting the current economic and political landscape in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Imman is eager to engage with the Bosnian-American community, recognizing the importance of fostering strong partnerships for mutual growth and support.
Bosana Teambuilding in Mrkonjic Grad
As is tradition, every year Bosana organizes a teambuilding event for our students to take a break from exams and classes while also providing an opportunity for them to meet face-to-face. This year’s teambuilding event in Mrkonjic Grad was absolutely fantastic!
In the first week of August, our students gathered for our annual three-day event, this time at the beautiful Visitor Center Pecka. The activities began with a hiking experience along the breathtaking path to the source of the River Sana, where students learned more about the local nature and what this part of the country has to offer, as well as the current issues related to preserving natural sites.
The next day, a morning hike took us to a stunning viewpoint of the countryside. In the afternoon, a culinary workshop was organized, along with other fun team-building activities.
Overall, it was a truly memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
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.
This year, our students have provided assistance to several of their peers. For one student, they covered tuition expenses; another received support for a professional development course; and a former student was helped with dental costs. In August, one student sought assistance for her parent's medical expenses, which were too high for her family to manage.
Additionally, they supported a traditional humanitarian sporting event organized by one of our current students, aimed at assisting local low-income families. Bosana students contributed by partially covering the costs of essential equipment, including soccer balls and nets needed for the tournament.
Links:
By Ajlana Osmanagic | Program Director
By Ajlana Osmanagic | Program Director
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