Shah Life Skills Scholarship
Bridging Achievement and a Meaningful Life
This scholarship was created to help bridge that gap.
We support graduating students from Virtual Enterprises International not only in their academic journey, but in their development as whole individuals.
Our approach is simple: encourage awareness, provide tools, and stay connected.
A balanced approach to growth
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Academically Strong
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Financially Aware
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Emotionally Aware
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Physically Healthy
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Spiritually Grounded
What the Scholarship Provides
- $5,000 annual award (renewable for up to three additional years)
- Introduction to financial literacy
- Academic and gratitude journals
- A copy of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
- Opportunities for reflection through writing and discussion
- Ongoing connection through periodic meetings
Students are encouraged to stay engaged in their own growth.
This may include setting aside time each week for reflection, learning, or personal development across the five pillars.
Student Voices
“The Shah Foundation gave me more than financial support—it gave me the tools and belief to grow.”
Richie Magaribi
“I discovered that growth happens the moment you fully immerse yourself. When you push past hesitation and get involved, confidence builds — and with the right community, your potential expands in ways you never expected.”
Kayla Hua
It is an evolving effort to support young individuals in building not only successful careers, but meaningful lives.
D&P Shah Family Foundation
in partnership with VE
The Life Skills Scholarship
The transition from high school to college is exciting, but it can also be disorienting. While school prepares students academically, it often leaves little space to develop the skills needed to live a balanced, grounded, and purposeful life. The Life Skills Scholarship was created to help bridge that gap. This scholarship supports graduating high school seniors who want to succeed in college and develop the habits, perspective, and resilience that support long-term well-being, fulfillment, and purpose, not just short-term achievement.
Our Definition of Success
Academic achievement opens doors. True success determines how meaningful life feels once you walk through it. For us, long-term success includes:
- A sense of purpose and direction
- Emotional resilience during challenge and change
- Physical and mental well-being
- Financial stability and thoughtful decision-making
- The ability to build healthy relationships and contribute meaningfully
The Life Skills Scholarship is designed to bring awareness and support students as whole people during a formative stage of life. Students’ willingness and active participation are crucial.
Five Areas of Intentional Growth
Rather than formal coursework or rigid requirements, the scholarship brings awareness and encourages intentional growth across five foundational areas:
- Academic Excellence – developing strong study habits, curiosity, and responsibility
- Financial Literacy – learning to manage money as a tool for independence and choice
- Physical Well-Being – building awareness around health, energy, and balance
- Emotional Health – learning to recognize stress, navigate emotions, and build healthy relationships
- Inner Grounding & Purpose (non-religious) – cultivating self-awareness, values, and personal direction
Students are not expected to excel in all areas. What matters most is effort, reflection, and a willingness to grow.
New applicants to the Shah Family Foundation Scholarship Program must:
- Have received a high school diploma or the equivalent from a U.S. school by August 2026.
- Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent).
- Demonstrate financial hardship, with a family income of under $75,000. Scholarship finalists may be asked to provide a copy of the family’s IRS 1040 (or equivalent).
- Reside within 75 miles radius of the NYC/Manhattan area.
The scholarship is renewable for up to three additional years (four years total) after the initial award or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first.
The Scholarship Award
The Life Skills Scholarship provides $5,000 per year in tuition support to students from
financially challenged families. Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years after the initial award or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance in a full-time course of study at the same college. Awards are for undergraduate study only and will be paid directly to your college.
In addition, each scholar will receive:
- Academic planning journal for self-organization
- Gratitude journal to support reflection and emotional resilience
- A copy of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
- Basic financial literacy materials for reflection
Scholar Engagement
The Life Skills Scholarship is not a course or an obligation. It is an invitation. Scholars are encouraged to invest approximately one hour per week in personal reflection and growth, at their own pace. Periodically, we will provide a prompt to reflect in the journal.
Once accepted, students agree to:
- Reflect on the provided financial literacy prompts
- Engage thoughtfully with the five areas of growth
- Participate in 2-3 Zoom check-in calls each year
- Submit a brief reflection during the renewal process
Renewal Expectations
While there are no grades attached to life skills development, scholars are expected to:
- Maintain good academic standing in a full-time course of study at the same college (minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent).
- Demonstrate service to the community (home, school, local, etc.).
- Remain engaged in their personal growth journey.
- Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study.
Renewal decisions are based on effort, responsibility, and sincerity. Academic commitment is essential. Life skills development is encouraged, supported, and self-directed.
Application Requirements
- All applications
- A résumé that includes professional and pre-professional experiences, extracurricular activities, community service, and volunteer work.
- A personal essay that describes the applicant’s personality, interests, educational goals, ambitions, and financial need. Describe how your experiences and skills have prepared or will prepare you to make a strong, positive impact on your community (home, school, local, etc.) Strong essays will demonstrate the applicant’s leadership and professional skills, and illustrate how the VE experience has impacted educational and career goals.
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher or member of the community..
- A photo of the applicant
- Scholarship finalists will be asked to participate in an interview with the selection committee.
All applicants will be notified of their status by email.
The Shah Family Foundation through VE international will provide the scholarship funds directly to the institution where the scholarship recipient enrolls for the Fall semester. The scholarship funds will not be paid to the applicant directly. Scholarship funds may only be applied toward the cost of tuition and cannot be used for other expenses such as textbooks, supplies, or fees.