The aim of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Â鶹AV is to empower Mastercard Foundation Scholars with the tools they need to fulfil their full potential, to flourish personally and academically, and to develop the ability to lead transformative change across Africa and beyond. This is achieved through wrap-around services that support the Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ integration into the Â鶹AV ecosystem, as well as tailored professional development programming that enhances their skills in leadership and entrepreneurship, while preparing them for their chosen careers on the continent and beyond.Ìý
Entrepreneurship
Fostering Innovation and Social ImpactÌý
Developing an ecosystem of entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship that inspires social change on the African continent is core to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. A key partner in our work is theÌýÂ鶹AV Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship,Ìýa hub of entrepreneurship at Â鶹AV with the mission to teach, coach, and support entrepreneurs.ÌýÌý
Mastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni have been participating in the Â鶹AV Dobson Cup Competition since the start of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and have a legacy of creating impactful business ideas across the four streams: health sciences, technology, environment, and social impact.ÌýÌý
In addition to participating in the mainÌýDobson Bootcamp & Cup Competition,ÌýMastercard Foundation Scholars and Alumni also participate the Mastercard Foundation-Dobson Startup Awards. These awards embody a commitment to nurturing viable, sustainable, and scalable social ventures and community projects, ones that foster economic empowerment and opportunity for all.ÌýÌý
Leadership
Mastercard Foundation Scholars are selected based on their demonstrated intention to carry out positive change within their communities. Transformational leadership is core to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Â鶹AV and the leadership development curriculum takes a global approach to African contexts. The tailored program exposes Mastercard Foundation Scholars to different forms of leadership, professional development, mentorship, entrepreneurship, while fostering experiential learning and community engagement.ÌýÌý
Transitions Support
The goal of transitions support at Â鶹AV is to empower Mastercard Foundation Scholars to effectively navigate their careers, launch entrepreneurial pursuits, connect with mentors, and build an ecosystem of support that will provide them with a solid foundation to find meaningful work and have impact in Africa and beyond. Building on the lessons learned from the Â鶹AV Mastercard Foundation Transitions Project that was piloted between 2020 – 2023, transitions support for Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Â鶹AV is grounded on a strong network of employers, educational institutions, private, public, and civil society organization partners, and Â鶹AV alumni who serve as catalysts for the success of Mastercard Foundation Scholars and their impact now and in the future. This is accomplished through the following pillars:
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- Experiential learning and Internships
- Entrepreneurship
- Career & Professional Development
- Mentorship
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