Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides academically talented yet financially disadvantaged young people, particularly from Africa, with access to quality and relevant secondary and university education. Students selected for the Program receive a holistic set of financial, social, and academic supports throughout their education and during their post-graduate transitions. The Program consists of a global network of education institutions and non-profit organizations, who together believe that education is a catalyst for social and economic betterment.

Supported by Mastercard Foundation to the tune of USD 17.38 million, this ten-year programme was started in August 2013 and is being implemented by FAWE through the respective National Chapters in Ethiopia and Rwanda and it runs until December 2023.

In Ethiopia, the Scholars Program at FAWE Ethiopia offers a Comprehensive Scholarship package to 800 (600 girls and 200 boys) throughout secondary school (Grades 9 to 12). The Program aims at providing bright yet disadvantaged students with the necessary scholastic material and empowerment support so as to acquire essential knowledge and skills through delivery of quality education. This will enable them to access better livelihoods and contribute to the household, community and national development. The Program is currently implemented in eight partner schools, both private and public, located in four marginalized localities where gender disparities in education are most notable: Bahir Dar city in Amhara region, Adama city in National Regional State of Oromia, Hawassa city in the Southern Nations and Nationalities People’s Region and marginalized parts of Addis Ababa city administration. The program has so far reached 400.

In Rwanda, the Scholars Program at FAWE Rwanda provides students with the necessary scholastic material as well as skills training, leadership development, counselling, and mentoring. The program aims to support 1,200 girls who are young leaders in secondary school, in three cohorts (senior secondary 4 to 6), to acquire essential knowledge and skills through delivery of quality education. This will enable them to pursue their aspirations and contribute to the household, community, and national development. All the Scholars are selected through a transparent process that promotes community participation and ownership. Approximately 70 percent of secondary scholars expected to transition to university will receive full or partial support from the Program with a few expected to access full international scholarships from other Mastercard Foundation partner universities.

About Mastercard Foundation

MasterCard Foundation works with visionary organizations to provide greater access to education, skills training and financial services for people living in poverty, primarily in Africa. As one of the largest private foundations, its work is guided by its mission to advance learning and promote financial inclusion to create an inclusive and equitable world. Based in Toronto, Canada, its independence was established by Mastercard when the Foundation was created in 2006. For more information and to sign up for the Foundation’s newsletter, please visit www.mastercardfdn.org. Follow the Foundation at @MastercardFdn on Twitter.