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6 minute read
We recently shared how to establish and promote a corporate scholarship program. In this post, we’ll explore leveraging technology to aid with streamlining corporate scholarship applications. Learning about the various software options available to you can save you untold amounts of time and resources. By adopting technology, corporations can revolutionize their scholarship programs, enhancing efficiency and inclusivity. We think by the time you reach the end of this article it will be clear that embracing the tech can help you create streamlined processes that empower scholarship applicants and foster a more inclusive future.
How to Streamline Corporate Scholarship Applications
So you know the what - streamlining corporate scholarship applications with the help of technology. Now, let’s take a brief look at the how. The answer to how to streamline corporate scholarship applications lies in automating your systems and processes. For example, using scholarship management software like SmarterSelect helps you quickly build your scholarship application and get it to market. Then, once the application is live, you can use technology to:
- Prequalify eligible candidates, and automatically screen applicants to filter your pool down to a smaller group
- Enable the instant submission of documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, and automate the management of those documents received
- And so much more..
The Benefits of Technology in Scholarship Applications
The benefits are of using technology for streamlining corporate scholarship applications include, but certainly aren’t limited to:
- Increased efficiency and reduced administrative burden
- Improved accessibility for applicants from diverse backgrounds
- Enhanced transparency and fairness in the selection process.
With automated application screening and evaluation tools, technology minimizes human bias, ensures consistent criteria application, and promotes a more objective selection process. These benefits collectively make technology a game-changer in scholarship applications, transforming the experience for both applicants and organizations.
Online Application Platforms - What You Need for Best Results
The entire goal of using technology is to help you work smarter, not harder. Here are a few features and advantages of online application systems:
1. Customization Options
Look for a platform that allows customization to align with the specific requirements and branding of the corporate scholarship program. This includes the ability to create tailored application forms, eligibility criteria, and review processes.
2. Application Tracking and Management
The platform should provide robust application tracking and management features, allowing managers to efficiently track the progress of applications, review and score submissions, and communicate with applicants throughout the process.
Make sure your platform features online applications because everything is online these days, and you don’t want to get left behind in the past with paper applications.
3. Application Screening
It’s also critical that the software you choose features application screening to save you, your team, and your applicants time and energy. No one wants to waste time on an application from a candidate that doesn't qualify for the scholarship in the first place.
How does application screening work?
Application screening is key to streamlining corporate scholarship applications. With platforms like SmarterSelect, organizations can quickly identify eligibility criteria and pre-screen applicants based on predetermined qualifications. This not only saves time but also ensures that only qualified applicants proceed to the next stages of evaluation. Additionally, applicants can view the application before beginning the application process in order to self-select out or to proceed based on the application questions they see.
Moreover, screening enhances accuracy and minimizes bias in the application evaluation process. By leveraging application screening, organizations can efficiently process a large volume of applications, identify the most eligible candidates, and create a more inclusive and unbiased selection process.
4. Document Management and Verification
A comprehensive document management system is essential for securely collecting, storing, and organizing applicant documents. Look for features such as document upload, verification, and secure storage to streamline document management and ensure data privacy.
Why is this so important? Simply put, no one has time to track down all the files and paperwork related to any single application, let alone hundreds if not thousands of them. Digital document submission and storage eliminate the need for physical paperwork, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly. Applicants can easily upload their required documents in digital format, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
5. Automated Communication Tools
The platform should have automated communication tools to send updates, notifications, and personalized messages to applicants at different stages of the application process. This feature improves applicant engagement and reduces the need for manual communication. People don’t want to feel ignored or left in the dark. That’s where automated communication tools really shine. When you can send automated emails and text messages, it keeps everyone in the loop from your team to your applicants to your donors and your shareholders.
Imagine being able to send personalized messaging for applicants at different stages. You’ll instantly eliminate all the correspondence of people checking on the status of their applications. Automated communication tools allow applicants not only to monitor the progress of their application, but also to receive timely updates, and stay informed about any additional requirements.
6. Reporting and Analytics
Reporting and analytics capabilities enable scholarship managers to generate reports, metrics, and insights from the application data. This helps in evaluating program effectiveness, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions for program improvements. It’s also helpful for promoting transparency so everyone can see the money went where it was intended to go.
Another benefit of reporting and analytics is that it helps you identify trends and areas for improvement. For example, your report can let you know the demographics of your applicants which could reveal underserved communities. This could help you with your marketing and messaging for future scholarship periods to attract a more diverse pool of applicants. Put another way, by utilizing technology for data analysis and reporting, organizations can continuously improve their scholarship programs, enhance their impact, and ensure ongoing success.
7. Integration Capabilities
Consider platforms that offer integration options with other systems or services, such as CRM systems, document verification services, or communication tools. Integration streamlines workflows and enhances the overall efficiency of the scholarship management process.
8. User-Friendly Interface for Enhancing the Applicant and Review Board Experience
Too much of a learning curve or making things too complicated will leave everyone from your applicants to your review board frustrated. A user-friendly interface ensures that both scholarship managers and applicants can navigate the platform easily. Additionally, providing contextual guidance and tooltips can further assist applicants in completing their applications accurately and efficiently. Look for intuitive navigation, clear instructions, and an aesthetically pleasing design that enhances the overall user experience.
Where possible, it’s also a good idea to provide resources and support for technical difficulties. This can look like a knowledge base of articles and frequently asked questions, video tutorials, step-by-step guides, and so on.
9. Data Security and Privacy
To protect your brand and your reputation, ensuring data security and privacy is of utmost importance in scholarship applications. Technology plays a vital role in safeguarding sensitive information. Organizations must implement robust data security measures to protect applicant data from unauthorized access or breaches.
This includes employing encryption, secure servers, and access controls to ensure data integrity and confidentiality. Additionally, organizations must comply with privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Adhering to these regulations ensures that applicant data is handled lawfully and ethically, respecting individuals' privacy rights.
Effective communication of privacy policies is crucial, providing applicants with clear information about how their data will be used, stored, and shared. Organizations should obtain explicit consent from applicants regarding data collection and processing, ensuring transparency and trust.
10. Customer Support and Training
Ensure that the platform provider offers comprehensive customer support and training resources for scholarship managers and applicants. This support should include technical assistance, training materials, and responsive customer service to address any concerns or issues that may arise.
Overcoming Implementation Challenges
Overcoming implementation challenges is crucial when adopting technology for streamlining corporate scholarship applications. Let’s look at three of the common implementation challenges and how to navigate them.
Initial investment and costs associated with technology adoption
Organizations need to allocate resources for software development, infrastructure upgrades, and ongoing maintenance. The good news is the long-term benefits, such as increased efficiency and improved outcomes, often outweigh the initial investment. For example, the software you invest in could eliminate hundreds of hours of hands-on labor. It could also help your team source more funding for additional scholarships that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible!
Training and support for staff and applicants
Training and support for staff and applicants are essential for successful implementation. Whatever software you choose to use should come with comprehensive training on how to use the new technology effectively and efficiently. Additionally, providing support to applicants through clear instructions, tutorials, and responsive helpdesk services ensures a smooth transition and a positive experience for all stakeholders.
Continuous monitoring and improvement of the technology infrastructure
Continuous monitoring and improvement of the technology infrastructure is also necessary to address any issues and optimize performance. It’s a good idea to implement regular evaluation and request feedback from staff and applicants. Simple steps like this can identify areas for improvement and inform system upgrades or enhancements. By maintaining a proactive approach, organizations can ensure that the technology remains up-to-date, secure, and aligned with evolving needs.
While implementation challenges exist, addressing them through careful planning, training, and ongoing monitoring can lead to successful adoption of technology in scholarship applications. The long-term benefits of improved efficiency, enhanced user experience, and streamlined processes make overcoming these challenges well worth the effort.
Where to Go From Here
If you take nothing else from this post, we hope you see leveraging technology in corporate scholarship applications offers a multitude of benefits. The most important of which being that it enhances efficiency by reducing administrative burdens and automating processes. By adopting technology, corporations can open doors for a wider range of applicants and ensure fairness in awarding scholarships. It is time for corporations to take action and transform their corporate scholarship programs for the better.
If you’re interested in seeing how SmarterSelect can aid your organization in streamlining corporate scholarship applications, click here.
