【Program Report】 Career and Scholarship Guidance Program for the 2026 Scholars
BEYOND Tomorrow held an online program for its scholars in June.
The program was designed to equip participants with the knowledge, practical skills, and mindset needed to pursue their goals without allowing financial circumstances to limit their opportunities. The first half featured a Scholarship Workshop for 12 high school participants in the Endeavor Program, while the second half welcomed first-year participants in the Japan Future Scholarship Program for a Career Development Session.
1. Scholarship Workshop: Taking Initiative to Create Your Own Opportunities
The workshop began with a powerful message: “Don’t let financial circumstances prevent you from pursuing your dreams.”
The session was led by Beyond Tomorrow alumni who now serve as interns. Drawing on their own experiences, they shared practical advice on finding and applying for scholarships.
Understanding Scholarships
Participants learned about the different types of financial aid available, including non-repayable scholarships (grants) and student loans, as well as the advantages and considerations of each.
Learning from Senior Scholars
The alumni speakers introduced their own scholarship experiences, sharing concrete examples of how they finance their education. Coming from diverse backgrounds—including both science and humanities majors, and students living both independently and with their families—they explained which scholarships they receive and how they combine support from multiple organizations. Participants listened attentively as they gained a realistic picture of how scholarships can make higher education more accessible.
Four Keys to Finding Scholarships
The speakers emphasized four important principles:
- Be proactive in searching for scholarship opportunities.
- Prepare recommendation letters and application materials well in advance.
- Don’t hesitate to ask teachers, mentors, or staff members for advice.
- Practice expressing your experiences, aspirations, and personal story clearly.
Hands-on Research
Participants then explored scholarship search platforms, including Miomus, a scholarship search website created by Beyond Tomorrow alumni to support young people with experience in alternative care, as well as Gaxi and Canpass. Each participant researched scholarships that matched their own educational goals and circumstances, summarized their findings in a shared spreadsheet, and presented what they had learned to the group.
Participant Reflections
“It was really helpful to learn what kinds of scholarships the interns have received and then research opportunities for myself.”
“Before this session, I only knew about major scholarships such as the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO). I was glad to discover scholarship programs offered by local governments and other organizations.”
“I realized that searching for scholarships is more challenging than I expected. When I searched by location, there were far fewer opportunities in rural areas. I want to continue researching on my own.”
2. Career Development Session: Discovering Your Personal Values
The second half of the program featured a workshop led by Beyond Tomorrow staff member Akamatsu, focusing on identifying each participant’s personal values—the foundation for making meaningful educational and career choices.
Creating a Motivation Timeline
Participants created a graph illustrating the highs and lows of their motivation from childhood to the present, helping them identify the experiences and events that have shaped their personal growth.
Identifying Personal Values
Working in small groups, participants analyzed patterns in their motivation and discussed questions such as:
- What kinds of activities inspire me?
- What type of organizational culture suits me best?
Many discovered personal strengths and values such as enjoying new challenges, thriving in collaborative environments, or finding fulfillment through teamwork.
Living According to Your Values
By understanding their own values, participants learned how to make choices with confidence rather than simply following others. They were also encouraged to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and to take the first step without fear of failure.
Participant Reflections
“As a third-year high school student currently deciding my future path, the timing of this session was perfect. I also enjoyed having so much time for discussion.”
“Listening to other participants during the group work motivated me to work harder and introduced me to new ways of thinking. Reflecting on my own sources of motivation also gave me valuable insights for thinking about my future career.”
“I had never thought about what kind of organizational culture would suit me, so this was a very valuable exercise.”
“This session made me realize that I want to rethink my personal values. I hope to always remember the importance of living true to myself.”
Looking Ahead
The 2026 cohort will participate in a Tohoku Study Tour in August, followed by study programs in Indonesia and the United States in September.
By visiting organizations working to address a wide range of social challenges in Japan and around the world, participants will broaden their perspectives, deepen their understanding of social issues, and continue developing the leadership needed to create positive change in their communities and beyond.
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Tax Benefits for Donations (Applicable under Japanese Tax Law)
Donations to our foundation are eligible for certain tax benefits under Japanese tax law.
- For individuals residing in Japan: Donations from individuals are eligible for tax deductions under both the tax credit method and the income deduction method, as well as for deductions under local inhabitant tax and inheritance tax regulations.
- For corporations in Japan: Donations are subject to a special deductible limit.
Please note: These tax benefits apply only to taxpayers in Japan. If you reside outside Japan, tax incentives may not be available unless specifically recognized under the tax system of your country of residence.
Tax Benefits for Donations (Applicable under Japanese Tax Law)
Donations to our foundation are eligible for certain tax benefits under Japanese tax law.
- For individuals residing in Japan: Donations from individuals are eligible for tax deductions under both the tax credit method and the income deduction method, as well as for deductions under local inhabitant tax and inheritance tax regulations.
- For corporations in Japan: Donations are subject to a special deductible limit.
Please note: These tax benefits apply only to taxpayers in Japan. If you reside outside Japan, tax incentives may not be available unless specifically recognized under the tax system of your country of residence.
