Our Vision

A Blueprint for Engaged, Purposeful Giving

Many people feel the desire to give back. They want to make a difference—not just by donating money, but by truly getting involved. Yet too often, they don’t know where to begin. I know this because I was once in that place myself.

It took me over a decade of reflection, trial, and growth to refine my thinking about giving—moving from distant donation to deep, personal engagement. Along the way, I discovered something simple yet profound: when giving is grounded in relationships, values, and guidance, it doesn’t just help others—it transforms the giver too.

In collaboration with VE International, we are developing a replicable blueprint for awarding Shah “Essential” Scholarships to VE International participating students. This is designed as a simple, scalable model for engaged giving that anyone across the country can adopt.

As VE programs exist across the U.S., we envision individuals and families adopting this blueprint in their own communities. They can start small: one student, one conversation, one hour of mentoring. Together, these efforts can grow into a nationwide network of regional hubs—circles of like-minded philanthropists dedicated to holistic education and character development.

Why This Blueprint

  • Many people want to make a difference but don’t know where to begin.
  • Our journey moved from distant giving to relational, values-driven engagement.
  • When giving is grounded in relationships, guidance, and shared values, it transforms both the recipient and the giver.

What It Is

  • A replicable blueprint for awarding Shah “Essential” Scholarships in partnership with VE International.
  • Simple to adopt, easy to scale, and designed for hands-on donor engagement.
  • Built to be community-led and relationship-centered.

How It Works

  1. Adopt locally: Choose a VE International school or program in your community.
  2. Start small: Begin with one student, one conversation, one hour of mentoring.
  3. Engage personally: Build sustained relationships through check-ins, guidance, and shared values.
  4. Nurture the whole person: Encourage growth across curiosity, character, financial wisdom, emotional awareness, and service.
  5. Grow the circle: Join others to form regional hubs—like-minded philanthropists collaborating for lasting impact.

What You’ll Gain

  • A place to start — clear first steps to move from intent to action.
  • A path to follow — a practical, repeatable model you can adapt locally.
  • A community to belong to — regional hubs that learn, mentor, and give together.

Who We’re Shaping

This is more than a scholarship; it’s a lifelong investment in the kind of human beings we hope to see in the world:

  • Curious learners who think deeply and act with purpose.
  • Grounded individuals with strong character and integrity.
  • Financially wise graduates who practice stewardship and independence.
  • Emotionally aware leaders who build healthy relationships.
  • Community-minded givers committed to paying it forward.

Ready to Transform Your Giving?

Join us in building a nationwide network of engaged donors and mentors.
Start with one student. One hour. One conversation.

Learn how to adopt the blueprint
Connect with a regional hub

Built in collaboration with VE International. Designed for simple adoption and lasting, values-centered impact.

How We Do It: The Shah “Essential” Scholarship Program

In partnership with VE International

Purpose:
The Shah “Essential” Scholarship aims to support motivated VE International students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, and a sincere commitment to personal development. The program combines financial assistance with mentorship, reflection, and life-skill cultivation.

1. Geographic Focus

Applicants must reside within approximately a 100-mile radius of the Shah Foundation community.
This proximity enables in-person engagement and helps build authentic, long-term relationships with each scholar.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

    • Be graduating high school seniors participating in VE International programs.
    • Hold a minimum GPA of 3.5.
    • Demonstrate financial need (prior-year tax filings may be requested).
    • Submit a teacher, counselor, or mentor recommendation.
    • Exhibit a commitment to personal growth alongside academic success.

3. Application Process

    1. Call for Applications – VE International shares the scholarship opportunity with eligible schools and students.
    2. Personal Essay – Applicants write about their personal journey, challenges, values, and future goals.
    3. Recommendation – A teacher, counselor, or mentor provides a character reference.
    4. Review & Selection – The Shah Foundation and VE International selection committee review all submissions, evaluating academic performance, financial need, and demonstrated growth mindset.
    5. Personal Meeting – Finalists are invited to meet the Foundation team for an interview.

4. Scholarship Award & Renewal

      • The Shah “Essential” Scholarship provides direct tuition support, paid to the student’s university.
      • Recipients must complete a Financial Literacy Course (offered by the Foundation) prior to activation of the award.
      • The scholarship is renewable annually for up to three years, contingent on maintaining eligibility.

    Each recipient also receives:

      • An Academic Journal for goal-setting, academic tracking, and time management.
      • A Gratitude Journal to foster mindfulness, self-awareness, and personal reflection.

5. Expectations of Recipients

Scholars are expected to:

Academic Standards

  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.5.
  • Submit an annual progress essay reflecting on personal and academic development.
  • Provide an updated teacher or mentor recommendation each year.

Personal Development Commitment
Scholars dedicate at least one hour per week to activities aligned with the Five Pillars of Growth:

  1. Academic Excellence
  2. Financial Literacy
  3. Emotional Well-Being & Relationships
  4. Physical Health
  5. Spiritual Growth

Community Engagement
To nurture connection and shared purpose, scholars participate in:

  • Quarterly e-Newsletter Contributions – sharing updates and reflections.
  • Bi-Annual Zoom Gatherings – fostering dialogue and support among scholars.
  • Annual Spring Luncheon – celebrating achievements and building relationships within the Shah Foundation community.

 

The Shah “Essential” Scholarship is designed not only to relieve financial burden but to cultivate empowered, reflective, and community-minded young leaders.

6. Long-Term Vision

The Shah “Essential” Scholarship is more than financial support—it is a commitment to lifelong growth. By blending financial assistance, mentorship, and holistic development, we aim to empower students to thrive as:

  • Academically strong
  • Financially wise
  • Emotionally aware
  • Physically healthy
  • Spiritually grounded

Together, these scholars form a community of future leaders who will give back, mentor others, and help expand this blueprint of engaged giving.