Mastercard Foundation

Call for Submissions 📣 Are you a Kenyan-led organization experienced in transformative gender and inclusion programming? The Mastercard Foundation is seeking a technical partner to support country program partners in deepening young women-centric design approach and transformative inclusion programming practices. Through our Young Africa Works strategy, we aim to enable 7 million young people, 70% being young women, to secure fulfilling work by 2030. This bold target for young women, especially those from rural and marginalized areas, aims to enhance their contribution to Kenya’s and Africa’s economies while unlocking their potential. Reaching the most marginalized young women through gender-transformative programming is essential across the country program portfolios. The selected partner will provide context-specific gender & inclusion support to our country program partners. For more information on how to apply, visit our website here: https://ow.ly/M16Q50V0tmO 📌 The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2025.

Imagine a world where women in #STEM were encouraged to pursue their goals, were supported by female mentors, and were represented in equal numbers. Our partnerships enable girls and young women to develop the skills they need to obtain dignified and fulfilling work opportunities. By investing in women, today and every day we're empowering them to become catalysts for change in their communities. #WomeninSTEM #WomeninScience

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Four Rivers and Matawa First Nations Management and the Mastercard Foundation to launch the Youth River Guardians internship. This program will provide innovative learning opportunities for Matawa youth in STEM-related fields, creating new pathways to meaningful livelihoods that contribute to a healthy environment and advance their communities’ technological priorities. “The strength and wisdom of this program is that it is a solution driven by community. It will prepare Indigenous youth to lead in areas like climate change and technology, contributing to their communities today and for generations to come,” says Jennifer Brennan, Senior Director, Canada Programs at the Mastercard Foundation. Learn more at the link https://lnkd.in/eicNzbzp

When it comes to encouraging young women and girls to pursue an education and a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), it’s the voices of the women who came before them that are the most powerful motivators. These women have already conquered the hurdles that stand between them and their dreams — and are inspiring others to do the same. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let’s close the gender gap in science and empower girls to pursue careers in #STEM. #WomenInScience

Girls and boys demonstrate the same level of interest in #STEM subjects at the beginning of their education. However, societal pressures on young women can discourage them from pursuing STEM education. How can we close the gender gap in #STEM learning and employment in Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments. #WomenInSTEM

Chukwuwezam Obanor, co-founder of PrepClassNG, is transforming education in Nigeria through online learning and home tutoring. His innovative work in EdTech has earned him recognition as an Anzisha Prize Fellow and a spot among the 50 Global Makers and Shakers of Education Technology. The Mastercard Foundation Centre for Innovative Teaching and Learning is driving the advancement of technology to improve access to quality education, particularly for the most underserved communities. Our work in #EdTech supports entrepreneurs like Chukwuwezam to drive impactful change in education. Learn more here: https://ow.ly/KRnE50UW4o8

Young African creatives who are embracing digital technology and e-commerce platforms are poised for success. What they need is support from the government, the private sector, and development initiatives. What other kinds of investments should be made to support hashtag#AfricanCreatives? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. Learn more in this study, co-authored by Ananse Africa: https://ow.ly/ugxF50RL0ZK

Irene del Carmen Suazo Salazar is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar from Nicaragua. Forced to flee to Costa Rica at just four years old, Irene grew up navigating the challenges of being undocumented in a remote community. With determination and support, she pursued her education and eventually secured her passport to attend Universidad EARTH. Here, Irene is thriving—finding her voice, embracing her identity, and pursuing her dreams. Read her inspiring story here: https://ow.ly/QRLY50UV00z

Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn and prosper. By enabling access to quality education and skills training, we aim to support 30 million young people in Africa and 100,000 Indigenous young people in Canada on their pathways through education and to meaningful livelihoods. Share this post with your network. #EducationDay

Asking for a reference letter is a standard step in the scholarship or program application process but it can be intimidating. Here’s how to ask the right person in the right way. Still have questions about the application process? Learn more in our #ScholarsApplicationTips series: https://ow.ly/snsH50TUHt1