Scholarship awards play a crucial role in providing opportunities for students to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams. However, the current system of merit-based scholarships often fails to address the underlying issues of fairness, equity, and inclusion. This imbalance not only perpetuates existing inequalities but also disproportionately affects marginalized individuals.

One of the main problems with merit-based scholarships is that they primarily focus on academic achievements and standardized test scores. While these factors are important, they do not provide a comprehensive picture of a student’s potential or their unique circumstances. Many marginalized students face significant barriers and disadvantages that hinder their academic performance, such as limited access to quality education, financial constraints, or systemic discrimination. By solely relying on merit, we overlook the immense potential and resilience of these individuals.

Furthermore, the emphasis on merit perpetuates a cycle of privilege, where those who are already advantaged continue to receive the most significant opportunities. This creates a significant disadvantage for marginalized students who may not have access to the same resources or opportunities. As a result, they are further marginalized and excluded from the benefits of higher education.

To address this issue, it is crucial to adopt a more holistic approach to scholarship awards. Instead of solely focusing on academic achievements, we should consider a broader range of factors, such as personal experiences, community involvement, and overcoming adversity. By doing so, we can ensure that scholarships are awarded based on a student’s potential and their ability to contribute to society, rather than solely on their past achievements.

In conclusion, the current system of merit-based scholarships perpetuates inequality and hinders the progress towards fairness, equity, and inclusion. By adopting a more holistic approach, we can level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is time to balance the scales and create a scholarship system that truly reflects the values of fairness, equity, and inclusion.