Education has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools for transforming societies. Across Africa, millions of talented young people possess the intelligence, ambition, and leadership potential needed to drive economic growth and social progress. Yet for many, financial hardship and limited access to global opportunities create barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU) was created to bridge that gap.
Since 2012, this transformative partnership between ASU and the Mastercard Foundation has been equipping academically talented African students with not only access to world-class education, but also the leadership skills, professional competencies, and global exposure needed to become changemakers in their communities.
Through three distinct phases—Undergraduate Scholarships (Phase I), Strengthening Institutional Linkages (Phase II), and Innovation and Technology (Phase III)—the program has grown from supporting hundreds of students to engaging hundreds more in technology-driven and innovation-centered pathways for Africa’s future.
This is more than a scholarship program. It is a long-term investment in Africa’s next generation of ethical leaders, entrepreneurs, engineers, policymakers, and innovators.
A Vision Beyond Financial Aid
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU is built on a holistic philosophy. It does not simply provide tuition support; it creates an ecosystem of success.
Scholars receive:
- Academic training at one of the world’s most innovative universities
- Structured leadership development programs
- Professional mentorship and career guidance
- Transition support for adapting to new academic and cultural environments
- Community engagement opportunities
- A strong emphasis on giving back to Africa
ASU leverages its extensive institutional resources to ensure that scholars graduate not only with degrees, but with vision, confidence, and a commitment to economic and social transformation.
During the first two phases alone, ASU supported 314 Mastercard Foundation Scholars. Each scholar represented more than individual success—they represented future impact in communities across Africa.
Now, Phase III aims to expand that impact even further by engaging 700 African young adults between 2024 and 2030.
Phase I: Expanding Access to Undergraduate Education
The journey began in 2012.
Through collaboration with a global network of partner organizations, ASU selected 120 academically talented students from 20 African countries. These students demonstrated exceptional academic performance and strong leadership potential. However, like many brilliant young Africans, they faced financial constraints and systemic barriers that threatened to derail their educational dreams.
Phase I removed those barriers.
Four Cohorts of Excellence
ASU welcomed four cohorts of undergraduate Mastercard Foundation Scholars.
- The first cohort graduated in May 2016.
- The final cohort was admitted in 2015 and graduated in May 2019.
These milestones marked powerful moments—not only for the university, but for families and communities across Africa.
Fields of Study: Preparing for the Future
Scholars pursued a wide range of academic majors, with the majority concentrated in:
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
- Business and related disciplines
This focus reflected Africa’s development priorities. Engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and business leaders are essential to building resilient economies and innovative industries.
Beyond the Classroom
Academic excellence was only one part of the journey.
All Phase I scholars engaged in:
- Structured leadership development programs
- Community service initiatives
- Personal and professional growth workshops
These experiences were designed to nurture socially conscious leaders. Scholars were encouraged to think critically about how their education could be used to address real challenges in their home countries—whether in healthcare, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, or public policy.
By the end of Phase I, it was clear that when given opportunity, African students do not just succeed—they excel.
Phase II: Strengthening Institutional Linkages and Accelerated Master’s Degrees
While Phase I focused on undergraduate access, Phase II expanded the program’s ambition.
It was not only about supporting individual students—it was about strengthening institutional partnerships and building long-term academic bridges between Africa and the United States.
The Ghana Partnership
Phase II supported scholars from select partner institutions in Ghana, particularly:
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)
- Ashesi University
In August 2017, the first cohort of 20 Mastercard Foundation Scholars from KNUST arrived at ASU.
This group marked the beginning of a larger initiative that would support 150 scholars under Phase II.
The 3+1+1 Accelerated Master’s Model
One of the most innovative features of Phase II was the 3+1+1 accelerated master’s degree format.
Under this structure:
- Students completed their undergraduate studies at their home institutions.
- They transitioned to ASU for advanced graduate coursework.
- They earned accelerated master’s degrees in high-impact fields.
Before arriving at ASU, scholars participated in intensive summer coursework and orientation programs. These sessions prepared them for the fast-paced and rigorous academic environment they would encounter.
Fields Aligned with Economic Growth
The master’s programs were strategically selected to align with Ghana’s economic development priorities.
Scholars enrolled in programs within:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
W.P. Carey School of Business
- Global Logistics
- Management
These fields directly contribute to industrial growth, healthcare innovation, supply chain efficiency, and entrepreneurial expansion.
Institutional Collaboration and Faculty Exchange
Phase II also facilitated faculty exchange and institutional collaboration.
This meant:
- Knowledge sharing between ASU and African partner universities
- Curriculum enhancement
- Research collaboration
- Long-term capacity building
The impact extended beyond students. Entire institutions benefited from strengthened academic networks and shared expertise.
Phase II demonstrated that sustainable transformation requires both individual opportunity and institutional partnership.
Phase III: Innovation and Technology for Africa’s Future
The world is changing rapidly.
Digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate innovation, and sustainable technologies are redefining economies. Africa’s future competitiveness depends on how well its young leaders can adapt, innovate, and create solutions.
Phase III responds to this reality.
A Focus on Innovation and Sustainable Development
The third phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU centers on:
- Technology
- Digital transformation
- Entrepreneurship
- Sustainable innovation
The goal is clear: empower young African leaders with the tools to harness emerging technologies for inclusive growth.
Between 2024 and 2030, Phase III will engage 700 African young adults.
This represents a significant expansion in scale and ambition.
Preparing Problem Solvers, Not Just Graduates
Phase III emphasizes:
- Practical skills development
- Solutions-oriented thinking
- Leadership in technology ecosystems
- Innovation for community impact
Scholars are trained not just to join the workforce—but to create jobs, launch enterprises, and design systems that address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
From climate resilience to fintech, from supply chain modernization to digital governance, scholars are positioned at the forefront of change.
A Holistic Model of Scholar Development
What sets the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU apart is its holistic approach.
It recognizes that leadership development requires more than academic training.
Scholars benefit from:
- Mentorship from faculty and industry professionals
- Career readiness workshops
- Networking opportunities
- Personal development coaching
- Cultural transition support
They are encouraged to maintain a strong connection to their home countries and communities.
The program cultivates a mindset of responsibility. Scholars are not educated to leave Africa permanently—they are empowered to contribute meaningfully to its transformation.
Impact Beyond Numbers
The numbers are impressive:
- 120 undergraduate scholars in Phase I
- 150 scholars supported under Phase II
- 314 scholars supported in the first two phases combined
- 700 young adults to be engaged in Phase III
But the true impact lies beyond statistics.
Each scholar represents:
- A family lifted by opportunity
- A community strengthened by leadership
- A sector advanced by expertise
- A country enriched by innovation
Graduates have gone on to work in engineering firms, multinational corporations, startups, public institutions, and non-profit organizations. Some have launched ventures of their own. Others contribute to research, policy development, and infrastructure growth.
Their influence extends across borders.
Why This Program Matters for Africa
Africa is the youngest continent in the world.
Its demographic dividend presents enormous potential—but only if young people have access to quality education and leadership development.
Programs like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU play a critical role in:
- Reducing educational inequality
- Expanding global academic access
- Building STEM capacity
- Strengthening business and entrepreneurial ecosystems
- Promoting socially responsible leadership
In a global economy driven by innovation, Africa cannot afford to be left behind. Investing in young leaders ensures the continent does not just participate in global transformation—it helps shape it.
Looking Ahead: 2024–2030 and Beyond
With Phase III underway, the program is entering its most ambitious chapter.
By engaging 700 African young adults in innovation and technology pathways, ASU and the Mastercard Foundation are signaling long-term commitment to Africa’s future.
This phase reflects an understanding that tomorrow’s challenges require new skills:
- Digital fluency
- Systems thinking
- Entrepreneurial leadership
- Cross-cultural collaboration
- Sustainable development expertise
The next generation of African leaders will need to operate confidently in both local and global contexts.
Phase III is designed to prepare them for exactly that.
Conclusion: Education as a Catalyst for Transformation
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University stands as a powerful example of what is possible when access, excellence, and purpose align.
Since 2012, the program has:
- Opened doors for talented African students
- Strengthened institutional partnerships
- Promoted innovation and technology-driven development
- Supported hundreds of scholars committed to transformation
As the program expands into its third phase, its mission remains consistent: equip African young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and vision to transform their communities.
Education alone does not change the world.
But educated, empowered, and purpose-driven leaders do.
And across Africa, Mastercard Foundation Scholars are doing exactly that—transforming economies, strengthening institutions, and building a more inclusive and innovative future.
Application Deadline: March 8th, 2026
Apply: https://mcfscholars.asu.edu/