Higher education to empower young Africans for sustainable futures
Project summary
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at University of Cambridge is part of a global initiative established by the Mastercard Foundation to develop the next generation of transformative leaders. It enables talented, service-oriented youth (less or equal to 35 years) from Africa, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to access quality higher education, strengthen their leadership potential, access dignified and fulfilling work and contribute to Africa’s socio-economic development. In addition, the programme provides transition support that takes into consideration scholars’ varied career trajectories: graduate placements; direct employment; entrepreneurship; and further study (PhDs).
Between 2022 and 2030, the programme aims to create access to a total of 500 scholars (70% women, 20% refugees and displaced persons, and 10% persons with disabilities) to undertake a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge, presenting a unique opportunity to monitor and evaluate its implementation and measure short-term and long-term programme outcomes and impact in real time.
Using theory-based evaluation and rigorous mixed-methods to monitor and evaluate the program, this research investigates the following:
- The extent to which the programme is creating access to quality higher education to youth from underrepresented communities
- The academic and social experiences of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars to inform programme improvement and scholar support systems at University of Cambridge
- Alumni and host supervisors’ perspectives on the value and effectiveness of post-study placements in Africa as a transition route to employment
- The transition pathways of alumni and programme outcomes and impact to alumni and beyond
Ultimately, the research will inform evidence-based decision-making, institutional learning and continuous programme improvement; identify opportunities to strengthen post-study support to facilitate transitions into dignified and fulfilling work; and deepen understanding of how scholarship programmes can advance inclusive higher education and sustainable outcomes for Scholars, their communities, and wider society.
Research team
- Project leads: Professor Pauline Rose; Professor Sonia Ille
- Principal Investigator: Dr Susan Marango
Partner organisation
Duration
2022 to 2030
