From Bali to Dartmouth: How Angelica's "Power of Pen" is Transforming Education for Young Women in Indonesia

Angelica

Angelica grew up in a suburban region of Bali where she attended a local school before earning a scholarship to an international school in Jakarta. Experiencing firsthand the stark educational inequalities she witnessed, she launched “Power of Pen”—a scholarship program empowering young women in Indonesia to complete high school and pursue university education.

To date, “Power of Pen” has given 30 million Rupiah ($2,000 USD) in scholarships to six scholars.

Curious about her story, we sat down with Angelica to learn about her path and her mission.

Learn from Angelica

• #1: Share your story. What inspired you to begin “ …

  • #2: What was your process to establish the scholarship?

• #3: What was the most important lesson you learned …

• #4: Most empowering experience?

• #5: What inspires you to keep going and making mor …

  • Stay Connected

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#1: Share your story. What inspired you to begin “Power of Pen?”

Angelica:

I grew up in Bali—fun fact: I don’t have a legal last name! My life took a turn when I received a scholarship to attend an international school in Jakarta, where I lived with a host family who taught at the school.

The experience was eye-opening. I witnessed firsthand the vast gap in resources and opportunities between local schools and international institutions. My own journey taught me how to make the most of the resources available to me, and I wanted to pass on those lessons to others facing similar challenges.

At my high school, which was closely connected to the local community, I often heard stories of women struggling to fund their education.

That’s how “Power of Pen” was born—a student organization that provides scholarships to help young Indonesian women complete high school and pursue university education.

#2: What was your process to set up an entirely new scholarship program at your school?

Angelica:
So at my school, in order to begin a new organization, you have to be a member of the Service Committee. I applied to be a member and pitched the idea to the service coordinator.

So I worked with two other friends, contacted a bunch of teachers to find an advisor, and reached out to different entities at school.

We began by brainstorming fundraising ideas that would unite students for a cause. We thought of recurring cookie bake sales and movie nights. Our flagship event soon became the annual high tea—an occasion that brings together teachers, parents, and the wider school community. The entrance fee to the event would be contributed to the scholarship.

I also knew that winning the support of the Parents’ Teacher Association could be a game-changer. Each year, they host a fiercely competitive event where students pitch their projects for funding. I made sure to be there, presenting our vision with everything I had.

Today, our scholarship program runs smoothly each year, with applications opening in June, interviews in August, and recipients announced in September. I’m proud to say it’s still going strong, even while I’m at Dartmouth.

#3: What was the most important lesson you learned from “Power of Pen?”

Most people see funding as the biggest obstacle preventing young women in Indonesia from accessing higher education.

However, the real issue is the lack of awareness about these opportunities in the first place. Many local communities don’t know that scholarships exist or even doubt their legitimacy. 

It’s really changed my understanding of what I can do help this community. Rather than just awarding scholarships, I want to continue working with our scholars to check-in with them and organize visits to their local communities. Hearing from someone from the same place sharing their new lived experience is far more powerful than any poster or website could be.

#4: Most empowering experience?

Angelica:

Hearing back from our scholars is always incredibly rewarding. We organize a few check-ins after they receive their aid, and their stories never fail to amaze me.

One student began teaching local kids, while another launched a thesis project inspired by her scholarship journey. It’s inspiring to see how committed they are to giving back and spreading that spirit of kindness even after graduating from our program.

#5: What inspires you to keep going and making more impact?

Angelica:

I focus a lot on the multiplier effect. There’s a quote that resonates with me: “You cannot change the whole world, but you can change the world for one person.”

With my project, I’ve seen how providing education to one scholar can spark a chain reaction—leading them to create amazing things and inspire others to do the same.

I’ve also learned not to worry too much about what you’ll get out of a project. 

Stay Connected

To stay updated with “Power of Pen,” visit their page: https://www.instagram.com/powerofpen.jis/

Meet Angelica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelica-422278228/

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