Program Overview

Introduction to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town celebrates its 10th Anniversary, marking a decade of leadership excellence. This program has educated over 400 young leaders from more than 20 African countries, who are academically gifted but face significant social and economic barriers to opportunity.

Program Overview

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars are a force for good, working to transform themselves and their communities positively. They have shown a remarkable sense of social responsibility and are trailblazers, change makers, and innovators. The program is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in connecting nations, youth, universities, governments, partners, non-governmental organisations, and communities for progress.

Scholar Development

The program focuses on developing youth, dismantling barriers, unlocking human potential, and advancing inclusive prosperity. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars are engineers, lawyers, educationists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, business professionals, health scientists, life scientists, and social scientists, all working creatively to make life better. They are finding innovative solutions to African and international challenges such as:

• Climate change
• Social justice
• Health disparities
• Quality education
• Communication
• Food
• Water
• Transportation
• Housing
• Entrepreneurship
• Peace
• Diplomacy
• Artificial intelligence
• Planetary exploration

Alumni Achievements

The majority of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni have continued their studies at top universities, while the remaining majority are gainfully employed or pursuing dignified employment as entrepreneurs. Many Mastercard Foundation Scholars hold prestigious positions across many industries globally.

Events

The program hosts various events, including:

• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Dialogue
• Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Luncheon

Note

The program details are subject to change, and the information provided is based on the available data.