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MasterCard Foundation commits USD 10.8m for next generation of African tech leaders at Carnegie Mellon University
The Mastercard Foundation commits USD 10.8m to benefit 125 academically talented but economically disadvantaged students of Carnegie Mellon University’s College…
The Mastercard Foundation commits USD 10.8m to benefit 125 academically talented but economically disadvantaged students of Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering program in Rwanda.
This effort has addressed the critical shortage of information and communication technology (ICT) skills required for Africa to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution where physical, cyber and biological systems converge through information, computing and communication technologies to transform the lives and livelihoods of citizens around the world in unprecedented ways.
“We are excited to partner with Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, an exceptional institution committed to training the next generation of African engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs to meet pressing global challenges,” said Reeta Roy, President and CEO of The MasterCard Foundation. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program will provide holistic student support, including comprehensive scholarships, leadership development, volunteerism and industry-driven career services – developing highly skilled, transformative leaders to catalyze Africa’s digital transformation with a priority on increasing the enrollment of women.
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The Program will start in Fall 2016 and conclude in 2023, underscoring the importance of establishing long-term education programs in Africa. Research underway at Carnegie Mellon in Rwanda also takes a long-term approach. The faculty understand that to address Africa’s technology needs, students require time to analyze and solve problems in the context in which they occur. Research at Carnegie Mellon explores critical topics relevant to Africa: wireless networking
“Investment in STEM education is pivotal to Africa’s future and will ensure that African nations have the opportunity to identify, develop and deploy their wealth of talent.” Added Reeta.
Carnegie Mellon University will join a global network of 23 Scholars Program partners, comprising educational institutions that are committed to developing Africa’s young leaders.