Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2024

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program shines brightly as a symbol of hope and opportunity for young Africans embarking on journeys of personal and communal transformation. Initiated in 2012, this groundbreaking endeavor has played a pivotal role in empowering nearly 45,000 young individuals, enabling them to pursue their educational dreams at the secondary and tertiary levels. This initiative is not merely about providing financial support; it’s about investing in the future, nurturing a cadre of leaders who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to effect meaningful change across the African continent.

From its inception, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has been guided by a clear vision: to cultivate a vibrant network of young people and institutions dedicated to promoting inclusive and equitable socio-economic progress in Africa. This vision is brought to life through a comprehensive approach that addresses the systemic barriers hindering access to quality education, strengthens institutional capacities, encourages innovation in critical sectors, and fosters collaboration among various stakeholders within the education ecosystem.

The program’s impact extends far beyond the classroom, reaching into the hearts and minds of its scholars. By offering a supportive environment that includes mentoring, leadership development, tutoring, internships, and career services, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program equips young Africans with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of higher education and transition seamlessly into rewarding careers. This holistic approach ensures that scholars are not just educated but also empowered to make significant contributions to their communities and the broader society.

As the program enters its second decade, it stands as a testament to the power of collective action and shared ambition. By leveraging its extensive network of over 40 universities and non-governmental organizations across Africa and around the world, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not just educating young Africans; it’s building a legacy of leadership and service. The program’s alumni are already making a tangible difference in their communities, tackling challenges such as climate change, healthcare disparities, and economic inequality with creativity, resilience, and compassion.

Looking ahead, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is poised to further expand its reach and impact. With ambitious goals to double its scholarship awards by 2030, the program is committed to supporting an even greater number of young Africans on their educational journeys. This expansion reflects the foundation’s unwavering belief in the potential of young Africans to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Visionary Impact and Transformation

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is rooted in a profound vision of impactful change and transformation, aiming to forge a path towards a brighter, more equitable future for Africa and its young people. At the core of this vision is the belief that by uniting young individuals with educational institutions and other key stakeholders, we can collectively address and overcome the systemic barriers that hinder access to quality education and limit opportunities for socio-economic advancement.

This visionary approach is grounded in several key pillars:

Dismantling Systemic Barriers: Recognizing the entrenched obstacles that prevent many young Africans from accessing higher education, the program is committed to identifying and dismantling these barriers. This involves advocating for policy changes, improving infrastructure, and enhancing access to resources and support systems that empower young people to pursue their educational aspirations.

Bolstering Capacity: The program acknowledges the critical role of educational institutions in shaping the future of Africa. By strengthening the capacity of these institutions—through training, resource allocation, and strategic partnerships—the Scholars Program ensures that they are equipped to deliver high-quality education and support their students effectively.

Championing Innovative Solutions: In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to innovate is paramount. The Scholars Program encourages the adoption of cutting-edge teaching methodologies, research approaches, and collaborative models that address the unique challenges faced by African societies. This includes fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government to develop solutions that have real-world impact.

Ensuring Inclusive and Relevant Education: The program is dedicated to ensuring that education is accessible to all young Africans, regardless of their background. This includes special focus areas for marginalized communities, such as women, refugees, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the program emphasizes the relevance of education to the needs of the African continent, preparing students to contribute to fields that are crucial for Africa’s development, such as technology, agriculture, and healthcare.

Facilitating Smooth Transitions into Dignified Employment: Beyond education, the Scholars Program is committed to helping young people transition successfully into the workforce. This includes providing career guidance, internship opportunities, and networking events that connect scholars with employers looking for skilled professionals.

Empowering Transformative Lives: Ultimately, the goal of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is to empower young Africans to lead transformative lives. By equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to thrive, the program enables scholars to become agents of change in their communities, contributing to sustainable development and social progress.

In essence, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program represents a visionary effort to harness the power of education as a catalyst for positive change. By focusing on the empowerment of young people and the enhancement of educational institutions, the program lays the foundation for a future where Africa’s youth are not just beneficiaries of progress but active contributors to a brighter, more equitable future.

Beyond Scholarship: Comprehensive Support

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program extends beyond mere financial aid, offering a holistic approach to nurturing talent. Through partnerships with over 40 universities and non-governmental organizations across Africa and globally, the program provides comprehensive support including mentoring, leadership development, tutoring, internships, and career services. This multifaceted support system ensures scholars are equipped with the skills and mindset to excel in their endeavors and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Empowering Young Leaders

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has made a profound impact since its launch, empowering nearly 40,000 young leaders across Africa. These individuals, once recipients of the program’s support, have gone on to become trailblazers in their communities, addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the continent today. From combating climate change and improving healthcare to fostering entrepreneurship and creating jobs, these young leaders are at the forefront of innovation and societal change.

One of the defining features of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is its emphasis on empowering young leaders to tackle global challenges head-on. Whether it’s developing sustainable farming techniques to combat climate change, designing innovative healthcare solutions to improve access to medical care, or launching startups that create jobs and stimulate local economies, these young leaders are making a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.

A significant portion of the program’s impact comes from its encouragement of entrepreneurship and innovation among its scholars. By providing them with the educational resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to turn their ideas into reality, the program has helped spawn numerous successful ventures. These enterprises are not only creating economic value but also generating social impact, often in underserved areas.

Beyond individual entrepreneurial efforts, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program plays a crucial role in job creation and economic growth. By preparing young Africans for the workforce with skills that are in high demand, the program helps to bridge the gap between education and employment. Moreover, by fostering connections between scholars and businesses, the program facilitates the creation of new job opportunities, contributing to economic development and prosperity.

With ambitious plans for the future, the Mastercard Foundation aims to double its impact by 2030. This means awarding 60,000 more scholarships and expanding its network of partners, especially within Africa. This expansion is not just about increasing numbers; it’s about deepening the program’s reach and impact, ensuring that even more young Africans have the opportunity to benefit from its support.

The ultimate goal of this expansion is to foster a new era of economic prosperity and growth led by Africans. By empowering more young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks they need to succeed, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is positioning itself as a catalyst for change. It’s about creating a generation of leaders who are not just equipped to navigate the challenges of the present but are prepared to shape the future of Africa.

Eligibility and Application Process

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is designed to empower young African leaders, particularly those from marginalized communities, to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities. This initiative is open to African nationals who are committed to ethical leadership and community building, with a particular focus on individuals facing challenges in accessing higher education due to factors such as gender, displacement, disability, or socioeconomic status.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality: Applicants must be African nationals.
Commitment to Community Building: Prospective scholars should demonstrate a commitment to ethical leadership and community building.
Marginalized Communities: Preference is given to applicants from marginalized communities, including women, refugees, internally displaced persons, persons with disabilities, and others facing barriers to higher education.
Age Limits: For undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree programs, applicants must be 29 years old or younger at the time of application. For graduate (master’s) degree programs, applicants must be 35 years old or younger at the time of application.
Academic Excellence: Candidates must possess strong academic records and show potential for leadership roles.

Application Process

The application process for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is decentralized, with each partner university and non-governmental organization managing its own recruitment and selection processes. This means that prospective scholars must apply directly through the university of their choice. It’s important to note that each partner institution has its own eligibility criteria, deadlines, and admission fees, so applicants are encouraged to review these details carefully.

Key Steps in the Application Process

Research Partner Institutions: Visit the Scholars Program section of the Mastercard Foundation website to find a list of partner universities and non-governmental organizations. Research each institution to understand their specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and admission fees.

Prepare Your Application: Ensure you meet the general eligibility criteria outlined above. Prepare your application materials according to the specific requirements of the institution you’re applying to. This may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of financial need.

Submit Your Application: Submit your application through the designated portal or method provided by the partner institution. Be mindful of application deadlines and ensure all required documents are included.

Follow Up: After submitting your application, keep track of your application status. If selected for an interview, prepare to discuss your academic achievements, leadership experiences, and how you plan to contribute to your community upon graduation.

Financial Support: For institutions that require application fees as part of the admissions process, note that these fees will be reimbursed if you are selected for the Scholars Program.

It’s crucial to apply through legitimate channels and avoid engaging with fraudulent recruitment practices. The Mastercard Foundation warns against scams and advises contacting the foundation directly if you encounter suspicious posts or groups claiming to recruit for the Scholars Program.

Commitment to Integrity

The Mastercard Foundation cautions against fraudulent recruitment practices and emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research before engaging with any scholarship advertisements. The foundation urges the public to report any suspicious activities or posts claiming to represent the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.

Preparing for Success

Prospective scholars are advised to meticulously prepare their applications, understanding the specific requirements of their chosen institution, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and application instructions. Financial assistance for admission fees and standardized tests like the SAT and TOEFL is available for eligible applicants, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Conclusion

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program exemplifies a collaborative effort to uplift young Africans, providing them with the tools and support needed to overcome educational barriers and achieve their full potential. As we look forward to the future, we are reminded of the immense possibilities that lie ahead for Africa, driven by the visionary leadership of its youth. Are you ready to join this transformative journey?