NYF’s College Graduates: Where are they now?

At Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF), we’re committed to ensuring that every young person we support has the tools they need to thrive. But how do we measure success?

Every five years, NYF conducts an internal survey of recent college graduates to assess the long-term impact of our Scholarships for K-12 and College Students program. This year, we reached out to all 358 students who earned their bachelor’s degrees with NYF’s support between 2017 and 2022. Of the total 358 graduates, 52% were men and 48% were women. Despite the challenges of maintaining contact across five years and many regions, 326 graduates (91%) responded.

The results were deeply encouraging.

The Results

The data speaks volumes. Nearly 9 in 10 NYF college graduates are employed, and 100% of them are earning more than the national minimum for their field—a powerful indicator of both job quality and long-term stability. Meanwhile, 11% are pursuing advanced degrees in high-impact fields like medicine and agriculture, continuing their academic journeys with purpose.

More than two-thirds have already reached officer-level positions or higher, just a few years after graduation—a testament to their leadership potential and the value employers see in their NYF-supported education. And with 7% working in medicine and 11% earning competitive government placements, it’s clear that these young professionals are stepping into sectors critical to Nepal’s future.

These achievements are even more remarkable when viewed in context. This cohort of students faced extraordinary disruptions during their education—graduating into the uncertainty of a pandemic, navigating remote learning, exam delays, and a drastically shifting job market.

Behind the Data

The young people represented in this survey are part of NYF’s College Scholarship program, which supports students who have already overcome significant challenges to pursue higher education. Many began their journey with NYF as children in our K-12 Scholarship or Shelter programs, and with consistent support and mentorship, advanced to college—often gaining admission to some of Nepal’s most prestigious institutions.

Between July 2023 and June 2024 alone:

• 331 students (168 men and 163 women) received NYF College Scholarships.
• 64 students graduated from bachelor’s and master’s programs.
• Fields of study included medicine (11), nursing (2), business management (20), social science (13), law (2), and programs like agriculture, education, and science.

This diversity reflects NYF’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, empowered leaders across every sector—and it signals a brighter, more resilient future for Nepal, as these graduates bring their skills and insights into every corner of society.

Rising Above Adversity

These scholars are not just high achievers—they are survivors and change-makers.

Some have faced caste-based discrimination in their classrooms, including the injustice of untouchability. Others have been underestimated due to their gender, with parents reluctant to invest in a daughter’s education. Still others are the pride of remote villages, supported by neighbors who pooled whatever they could to help a child succeed.

They’ve grown up during pivotal moments in Nepal’s history. They were toddlers—or not yet born—when the Civil War ended in 2006. They were in school when the 2015 earthquake shook the nation, and in their teens when the COVID-19 pandemic turned the education system upside down.

Through all of this, they’ve kept moving forward.

Supporting students through these challenges requires more than just funding—it takes a team that understands, listens, and walks alongside them at every step.

Meet the Team Powering NYF’s Scholarship Success

Behind every successful NYF graduate is a small but mighty team of passionate, devoted experts. NYF’s Academic Education team combines technical expertise with deep empathy—many having faced similar challenges as the students they support. Through meticulous record-keeping, regular field visits, and personal check-ins, they provide the personal touch that sets NYF apart. Their work isn’t just about education—it’s about building trust, opening doors, and creating lasting opportunity.

Investing in Nepal’s Future

Rojina completed her 4-year course in Public Health and is currently working as an intern at a Maternity & Reproductive Health Care Center in Kathmandu. She and her younger brother have been under the care of NYF since 2005.

Today, NYF college graduates are thriving—not just building careers, but contributing meaningfully to Nepal’s development. They’re leading in healthcare, business, education, agriculture, and beyond. And with every success, they’re paying it forward—strengthening their families, uplifting their communities, and helping to shape a brighter, more equitable future for Nepal.

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them—and so grateful to you, our NYF community, for making these stories possible.

At Founder’s Day 2025, NYF will highlight Olga Murray’s legacy in action through alumni who have become today’s dynamic Nepali leaders. If you like what you’ve read, please join us at Founder’s Day on May 29th in San Francisco to hear more about NYF’s incredible alumni. We’ll also be celebrating 35 incredible years of impact over dinner and drinks! You can RSVP online for free here.

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