The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a prestigious initiative that aims to empower young people in Africa to become transformative leaders and drive inclusive and equitable socio-economic change on the continent. Since its launch in 2012, the program has supported nearly 45,000 young people in Africa to pursue secondary or tertiary education, and has created a network of young people and institutions committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, including its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits.
Objectives
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has several objectives, including:
- To provide talented young people in Africa with access to quality education and leadership development opportunities
- To empower young people to become transformative leaders and drive inclusive and equitable socio-economic change in Africa
- To create a network of young people and institutions committed to making a positive impact in their communities
- To support the economic growth and development of Africa by developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be ordinarily resident in an African country unless you can show temporary absence for study or work with the intention to return, or unless you have been displaced
- Be applying for a Master’s course of up to one year in length at a partner university
- Meet the academic requirements for admission to the university
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in your community
Application Process
The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program varies depending on the partner university. However, the following steps provide a general overview of the process:
- Research and identify a partner university that offers the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Check the eligibility criteria and ensure that you meet the requirements
- Submit an application for admission to the university, including all required documents and test scores
- Submit a separate application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, including a personal statement and letters of recommendation
- Wait for the selection committee to review your application and make a decision
Impact
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has had a significant impact on the lives of its scholars and the communities they serve. Some of the key impacts include:
- Increased access to quality education and leadership development opportunities for young people in Africa
- Empowerment of young people to become transformative leaders and drive inclusive and equitable socio-economic change in Africa
- Creation of a network of young people and institutions committed to making a positive impact in their communities
- Support for the economic growth and development of Africa by developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce
Conclusion
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a life-changing opportunity for young people in Africa to pursue their academic and leadership development goals. With its fully funded scholarships, leadership development opportunities, and global network of young people and institutions, the program is empowering a new generation of transformative leaders to drive inclusive and equitable socio-economic change in Africa. If you are a young person in Africa with a passion for leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact in your community, we encourage you to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
