The Next Genius Scholarship Program originates from the Next Genius Foundation, a registered charitable trust in India. This scholarship initiative was conceived with the goal of recognizing individuals poised to make a significant impact on the world and linking them with prestigious university scholarships in the United States, enabling them to pursue their chosen fields of study. The program aspires to cultivate a community of upcoming leaders destined to influence society positively. Generous contributions from individual citizens, esteemed international partner colleges, and Indian corporations make this scholarship program a reality.
Next Genius Scholarship Program Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for the scholarship, the student must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the Foundation Education Committee. The main eligibility criteria are listed below:
- Students must be high school seniors. They must currently be in Grade 12 or a gap year.
The applicant must have either of the following citizenship statuses:
Next Genius Scholarship Program Overview
The Next Genius Scholarship Program, initiated by the Next Genius Foundation, a registered charitable trust in India, aims to identify individuals capable of bringing about positive change globally. The program connects these individuals with prestigious university scholarships in the United States, allowing them to pursue their chosen fields of study. The overarching goal is to build a community of future leaders poised to make a significant impact on society. This scholarship program is made possible through generous contributions from individual citizens, leading partner colleges abroad, and Indian corporations.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicant Categories:
- Indian citizens
- OCI cardholders
- Indian citizens living abroad
- Foreign nationals studying or living in India
- Skills Required:
- Soft skills, including effective communication and strong teamwork
- Leadership qualities, charisma, and a positive attitude
- Academic and Problem-Solving Skills:
- Strong critical thinking ability
- Creative problem-solving skills in both academic and non-academic settings
- Educational Aspirations:
- Strong desire to pursue higher education abroad
- Commitment to giving back to society as an active Next Genius community member
- Financial Capability:
- Must be eligible to cover living expenses for up to four years, including up to INR 10 lakh per year for food, housing, insurance, books, and flight expenses
- College Selection:
- Applicants are encouraged to select a college that aligns with their aspirations, increasing the likelihood of application approval.
Documents Required for Next Genius Scholarship:
To assess eligibility for the Next Genius Scholarship, applicants are required to provide the following documents:
- Government ID (PAN card, Aadhaar card, etc.)
- Passport or visa
- Admission receipt
- Passport-size photograph
- Class 12 mark sheet
For admission to U.S. colleges, additional documents may include English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or SAT scores) and completion of specific college application forms.
Registered Colleges with Next Genius Foundation:
Over 100 Next Genius Scholarships are offered annually to cover four years of education in one of the registered colleges:
- Beloit College, Wisconsin
- Northwestern University in Qatar, Doha
- Centre College, Kentucky
- Sewanee, The University of the South, Tennessee
- Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware
- Muhlenberg College, Pennsylvania
- Syracuse University, New York
- Texas Christian University, Texas
- Wentworth Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
- Lynn University, Florida
- Trinity College, Connecticut
- Millsaps College, Mississippi
- Wheaton College, Boston
- Union College, New York
- Lewis & Clark College, Portland
- Transylvania University, Kentucky
- College of Charleston, Charleston
- Knox College, Illinois
- Ithaca College, New York
- Juniata College, Pennsylvania
Selection Process:
The Next Genius Scholarship selection process involves multiple stages:
- Online Application and Test (January – April):
- Candidates register on the official website, pay registration fees, and complete the Next Genius Online Level 1 Critical Thinking Assessment.
- College Selection (April):
- Shortlisted candidates receive information about colleges and scholarships. They fill out an online college selection form to choose their preferred partner colleges and scholarships.
- College Application (April):
- Shortlisted candidates receive an application fee waiver for colleges and submit required documents for college and financial aid applications.
- Scholarship Interviews (April):
- Shortlisted candidates undergo group interviews with college admission officers and the Next Genius Foundation.
- Award Ceremony (May 1):
- Winners are announced through a public ceremony, and scholarship recipients must confirm acceptance by May 1. The scholarships are non-binding.
Benefits of the Next Genius Scholarship Program:
The Next Genius Scholarship Program provides the following benefits:
- Tuition Scholarship:
- Covers the actual tuition fee component with a 75% or more tuition fee waiver for four years.
- Partial Tuition Scholarship:
- Additional partial tuition scholarships are available.
- Educational Loans:
- Low-interest educational loans for specific high school students.
In conclusion, the Next Genius Scholarship Program offers a rigorous selection process to identify and support future leaders. Successful candidates benefit from financial assistance and the opportunity to pursue higher education at renowned U.S. colleges. The program contributes to personal and academic growth, empowering students to become active contributors to society.