REACH FOR THE STARS
Higher Education Scholarship Program
HIO's Higher Education Dreamers Fund empowers young women who are seeking financial assistance to attend college, graduate school and technical training within East Asia. After completing 12th grade, HIO students may apply for educational support from our Dreamers Scholarship Fund .
We couldn't be prouder of all that HIO's young women are achieving. They are taking an active role in creating a brighter future for themselves and their families. Equipped with 21st century knowledge and skills, all hold great promise to shift the narrative of Nepal’s future. Growing HIO's Dreamers Fund now encourages our young girls to follow in their big sisters' footsteps. With your support, there's every reason to believe they're destined for the stars too.
We couldn't be prouder of all that HIO's young women are achieving. They are taking an active role in creating a brighter future for themselves and their families. Equipped with 21st century knowledge and skills, all hold great promise to shift the narrative of Nepal’s future. Growing HIO's Dreamers Fund now encourages our young girls to follow in their big sisters' footsteps. With your support, there's every reason to believe they're destined for the stars too.
Nettie and Bob Isler Fund
With high hopes of increasing the number of healthcare practitioners for our girls, their families and the Nepali people, we’ve established a wonderful fund to provide scholarships for HIO young women pursuing careers in healthcare related fields. Jack and Beth Isler have generously donated $25,000 to start the Nettie and Bob Isler Fund for Women's Education in loving honor of Jack’s 96 year old mother, Nettie, and his late father, Bob.
With great determination and Bob’s encouragement, Nettie graduated from college at age 41. She then earned a PhD and became a tenured professor and practicing clinical psychologist. Bob had a long time career as a dentist.
Now in medical school, Pooja Lamsal is so grateful for Beth and Jack Isler's educational sponsorship. Pooja plans to follow in Jack Isler's footsteps, inspired by his 40-year career as an eye surgeon. The impact of the fund goes so far beyond benefitting just one promising young woman. It has the potential to affect thousands of ordinary human lives as our rising HIO stars carry forward a profound commitment to others throughout their medical careers.
With great determination and Bob’s encouragement, Nettie graduated from college at age 41. She then earned a PhD and became a tenured professor and practicing clinical psychologist. Bob had a long time career as a dentist.
Now in medical school, Pooja Lamsal is so grateful for Beth and Jack Isler's educational sponsorship. Pooja plans to follow in Jack Isler's footsteps, inspired by his 40-year career as an eye surgeon. The impact of the fund goes so far beyond benefitting just one promising young woman. It has the potential to affect thousands of ordinary human lives as our rising HIO stars carry forward a profound commitment to others throughout their medical careers.
Rudi Dundas Fund
The Rudi Dundas Higher Education Fund was established in 2020 through the immense generosity and clear vision of Yangchen Lama. In the late 1980's, Yangchen and her family trekked to the city from their small village in the Himalayas. Their tiny home had no electricity or running water. Rudi’s HIO sponsorship encouraged Yangchen to attend school for the first time as a nine-year old in Kathmandu.
Yangchen is now a highly successful businesswoman who graciously gives back to others. Without her initial access to education, she may have become one of the forgotten statistics of poor women in Nepal.
Sujata Tamang and Sashmita Raut were the first to receive scholarships from the Rudi Fund. Sujata earned a coveted spot as a first-year law student, and Sashmita was in her second year of dental school. Both are forever grateful for the many doors your kindnesses have opened.
Yangchen is now a highly successful businesswoman who graciously gives back to others. Without her initial access to education, she may have become one of the forgotten statistics of poor women in Nepal.
Sujata Tamang and Sashmita Raut were the first to receive scholarships from the Rudi Fund. Sujata earned a coveted spot as a first-year law student, and Sashmita was in her second year of dental school. Both are forever grateful for the many doors your kindnesses have opened.
College and Career Counseling
Over 50 HIO college-bound HIO girls college attended our first Reach for the Stars career counseling and community building event in 2020. It was organized by HIO graduates, Sarah Tamang and Reshma Karki. Hosted by Ashima Sitaula, and with a keynote from renowned author and women's advocate, Archana Thapa, the Zoom program was conducted completely in Nepali.