GUTENSTEIN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

SCHOLARSHIP PURPOSE

The Gutenstein Scholarship Program seeks to cultivate the next generation of leaders within the Global Camps Africa (GCA) and Camp Sizanani Life Skills (CSLS) community. By combining education, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange, the program provides young people with the tools and opportunities needed to advance their personal goals while continuing to serve their communities.

The scholarship is designed to build on the foundation established through Vochelli Academy, guiding recipients along one of two structured pathways: Academic or Entrepreneurship. Both options incorporate professional development, mentorship, and international work experience. The scholarship entails up to $12,500 of financial support over the course of 4 years.

SCHOLARSHIP PATHWAYS

ACADEMIC PATH

Recipients who pursue higher education will complete:

  1. Vochelli Academy – A six-month professional and personal development program delivered by external trainers to small cohorts of 10-15 young counselors. This training ensures readiness for the challenges of tertiary education.

  2. College Scholarship – Enrollment at a South African institution such as the University of Johannesburg (approx. $1500-$5500 per year tuition, depending on selected course of study). The program envisions providing up to a four-year scholarship per recipient.

  3. International Work Experience – Placement at an international educational institution/business for several months, offering professional exposure and cross-cultural learning.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP PATH

Recipients who opt to pursue entrepreneurial ventures will complete:

  1. Vochelli Academy – A six-month professional and personal development program delivered by external trainers to small cohorts of 10-15 young counselors.

  2. Fempreneur Entrepreneurship Program: Successfully complete training modules to hone business plan, strategy, budgets, etc. 

  3. Entrepreneurship Support – Funding and mentorship to support business initiatives. In select cases, recipients may be encouraged to complete targeted coursework at a community college (e.g., management, accounting) to build essential skills.

  4. International Work Experience – Placement at an international business for several months, offering professional exposure and cross-cultural learning. (Examples: American partner camp, international business based in South Africa)

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates for the scholarship will be identified based on the following priorities:

  1. Deep engagement with GCA/CSLS programming, ideally as former campers who have advanced into vochelli roles.

  2. Demonstrated philanthropic orientation, with a clear commitment to community service alongside personal career goals.

  3. Evidence of initiative through ongoing community projects, preferably in collaboration with Camp Sizanani.

  4. (Academic Path) Academic responsibility, including maintaining a passing GPA.

  5. (Entrepreneurship Path) Entrepreneurial responsibility, including drafting a business plan, maintaining a budget, and providing periodic reports on progress. 

  6. Willingness to participate in international placements (US, UK, or elsewhere) to gain professional and cultural experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Click here to apply. Applications are due no later than September 15, 2026.