Executive Summary The Students’ Financial Support Office (StuFSO) successfully conducted a scholarship sensitization exercise for Distance Education students in Accra and Ashanti regions. The initiative aimed to increase awareness and participation in the UCC Scholarship and DESAG Partial Scholarship for Needy but Brilliant Students. Conducted between 22nd – 23rd February in Greater Accra and 1st – 2nd March in Ashanti Region, the outreach covered 18 Study Centres through interactive presentations, discussions, and Q&A sessions.

Study Centre Coordinators played a crucial role in mobilizing students, with Kumasi recording higher participation due to in-person classes. Key takeaways included the need for a simplified application process and better access to supporting documents. Fresh students were encouraged to maintain good academic performance to become eligible in their second year, while continuing students expressed appreciation for the initiative.

Despite challenges such as low turnout at some centers and difficulties in document submission, the exercise significantly improved students’ understanding of the scholarship process. Feedback emphasized the importance of periodic follow-ups and the integration of virtual sessions in future engagements. StuFSO remains dedicated to supporting Distance Education students and improving access to financial aid.

Introduction Education is a fundamental right, and financial aid plays a vital role in ensuring equal access for all students. The University of Cape Coast (UCC) established StuFSO to assist Needy but Brilliant Students. With approval from the Office of the Registrar, StuFSO embarked on a scholarship sensitization exercise across Greater Accra and Kumasi to educate Distance Education students about available financial aid opportunities, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Through interactive engagements, students received valuable insights into scholarship options, encouraging more applications and fostering equitable access to education.

Objectives The sensitization exercise aimed to:

• Educate students on available financial aid options.

• Clarify eligibility criteria and the application process.

• Address common challenges students face when applying.

• Encourage more students to apply for financial aid.

• Strengthen collaboration between StuFSO, Distance Education students, and Study Centre Coordinators.

Outreach Team The team from StuFSO included:

• Ms. Grace Mensah - Head/Assistant Registrar

• Ms. Esther Dede Azzu - Chief Administrator

• Mr. Andy Amponsah Kwarteng - Senior Administrator

• Miss Queenster Kwakyewaa - National Service Personnel

• Miss Aminatu Issaka - National Service Personnel

• Miss Priscilla Etuah - Intern

Facilitators traveled to Accra and Kumasi to engage students through presentations, Q&A sessions, and educational material distribution. The planning team managed logistics, transportation, accommodation, and resource allocation.

Study Centres Visited The outreach covered 10 study centres in Accra and 8 in Kumasi. Notable locations included Accra High School, Tema Senior High School, Kumasi Senior High Technical School, and Wesley College of Education. Coordinators played a key role in student mobilization and engagement.

Methodology To maximize effectiveness, the team adopted:

• Pre-Engagement Planning: Coordination with stakeholders to schedule visits.

• On-Site Presentations: Structured sessions covering scholarships, eligibility, and application processes.

• Q&A Sessions: Addressing students’ concerns directly.

• Educational Material Distribution: Flyers with key scholarship information.

• Feedback Collection: Gathering insights for future improvements.

Key Observations

• Coordinators played a pivotal role in student mobilization, but online learning schedules affected turnout in Accra.

• Students found the application process complex and documentation requirements challenging.

• Fresh students were ineligible due to CGPA requirements, leading to disappointment.

• In Ashanti Region, higher turnout and active participation were observed due to in-person classes.

Student Concerns

• Complexity of the application process.

• Fairness of the selection process, with some students perceiving biases.

• Ineligibility of first-year students due to CGPA requirements.

Challenges Faced

• Difficulty in locating some study centres.

• Low turnout in some centres due to online class schedules.

• Time constraints in some locations limiting engagement duration.

Feedback & Strategies for Improvement Students and coordinators praised StuFSO for its commitment to financial support. Many students, initially confused by the process, gained clarity after the sessions. Moving forward, StuFSO plans to:

• Expand outreach to more Study Centres and allocate more engagement time.

• Collaborate with the College of Distance Education to train officers for better student support.

• Introduce virtual sensitization sessions to improve accessibility.

Conclusion The sensitization exercise successfully raised awareness about scholarships among Distance Education students. While challenges were encountered, the initiative significantly improved students’ understanding and application rates. The positive reception highlights the importance of continued efforts in making financial aid more accessible to students.