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Donor Satisfaction
Our Journey
Our Journey
Where It All Began
The NED Scholars program began in 2007 as the MECH 80-81 Alumni Scholarship, created by alumni from NED’s 1980-81 Mechanical Engineering batch in memory of their friends Abu Ather, Haroon, Shabir, and Waqar. It initially focused on providing need-cummerit support to deserving Mechanical Engineering students to aid those with financial need and academic potential. In 2012, the scholarship expanded to include students from all departments of NED University, based on recommendations from the selection committee. This broadened its impact, reinforcing the scholarship's commitment to supporting students from diverse academic fields.
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STEM Support
- We believe in creating a world where everyone has an equal chance to learn and grow, regardless of their background.
- We are passionate about promoting STEM education and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
- We are investing in the future by empowering students to be come leaders in their fields.
Originally known as the MECH 80-81 ALUMNI Scholarship, NED Scholars was started by a small group of NEDians from the Mechanical Engineering Batch 80-81 in 2007.
Under the program, scholarships are awarded on a “need-cum-merit” basis to deserving students of NED University’s Mechanical Department. The scholarship was initially started under the name of our deceased friends. Scholarships were named as Abu Ather Memorial Scholarship, Haroon Memorial Scholarship, Shabir Memorial Scholarship and Waqar Memorial Scholarship.
Founders meeting with Dr. Muzaffar Mehmood (Ex-Pro VC) and Mr. Aftab Iqbal (Ex-Asst Prof) – 2007
Strategic Planning Session – Shaping the future of NED Scholars
Alumni Discussion – Expanding our mission and reach
Founding Members Meeting – Building the foundation of NED Scholars
We are living in a world that is supposed to be “flat”, providing equal opportunities to all. But in reality, the model fails in academics, especially when we talk about a society with “class segregation” as in Pakistan. Looking back, in the early 70s and 80s, the opportunities for success for everyone entering professional college were equal. Obtaining a seat in a professional university was the first sign that a particular student was talented. It was then the amount of time these students spent in libraries and other academic services that lined them up for success as professionals.
With the advent and introduction of computers and the Internet, things have changed. The “competition field for success” is not flat anymore, but rather tilted. It is tilted towards all such students who have the ability to get a personal (not shared) computer at home, high-speed Internet, data plans with tablets, iPads or laptops. Access to books, reference videos, etc. on the Internet is just one aspect that has created an environment where talent from poor or middle-class families has to be supported.
NED Scholars is an effort to support NED students on a “need-cum-merit” basis, in an effort to create a level playing field for them to compete.
Based on a need assessment and recommendation from the selection committee in 2012, the scholarship was opened to students from all departments. During the 2013 donors’ conference, it was decided that rather than having only NED MECH 80-81 alumni donating to the scholarship, we should have an open donor-ship policy. Therefore, the name was changed from MECH 80-81 Alumni Scholarship to NED Scholars.
Since 2015, we have opened the scholarship to students from various countries pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. Currently, we are supporting applicants from Pakistan and the USA on a need-cum-merit basis. Soon we will expand our operations to other countries. We call our scholarship recipients “Scholars”. Coming from lower middle-class and poor families, these scholars often lack financial resources, professional guidance, self-esteem and motivation. These scholars are usually from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods that lack access to quality education. Despite these barriers, these exceptional students have persevered and secured admissions in STEM-related fields at major universities in their countries.
What makes scholarships by NED Scholars different is the mentorship that is provided to these scholars. Scholars are encouraged to communicate directly with the NED Alumni group. At least one alumni contacts them throughout the academic year. Alumni help scholars in:
