LIBERATORY EDUCATION
Scholarship Programs
Supporting 23,000 African Students, and Counting…
By supporting emerging African scholars in their studies along with offering scholastic programming across the USA and the African continent, AAI is addressing historical wrongs by advancing liberatory education. AAI has proudly provided over 23,000 scholarships and fellowships to African students. (Please note we cannot accept scholarship and fellowship applications or other requests for support unless explicitly stated on our website.)
AAI African STEM Initiative
SUPPORTING STUDENTS
Less than 25% of African higher education students pursue STEM-related career fields. In 2023 AAI established the African STEM Initiative, supporting African students pursuing their education in universities across the United States. In partnership with NoirUnited, AAI identified and assisted a 2023/2024 cohort of scholars, all of whom are African students who were displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine but are now studying at American universities.
EADB-AAI STEM Scholarship Program
ADVANCING EDUCATION
In partnership with the Africa-America Institute (AAI), the East African Development Bank (EADB) launched the EADB Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) Graduate Scholarship Program in 2015 to support the capacity of regional faculty teaching in STEM fields which are critical to local employment and the growth of national economies. The fast-track, 12-month scholarships provide experienced teachers and lecturers from EADB member countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda) to earn a Masters’ degree in science, technology, engineering and math at Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA.
Since 2015, sixteen students have received this full scholarship to pursue a graduate degree at Rutgers University. As alumni, they have returned to their respective countries and are contributing towards building a skilled workforce in STEM fields in East Africa.
Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship
CHANGING FUTURES
The Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship (JOFLS) is a partnership between the Jim Ovia Foundation and AAI that will have a long-term impact in creating a better and brighter future for young Africans. The JOFLS is funded by the generous donation of $2 million pledged by Mr. Jim Ovia, Founder/Chairman of Zenith Bank and the Jim Ovia Foundation, on behalf of the Foundation. Through our University partners, Covenant University in Nigeria and Ashesi University in Ghana, the Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship provided to select high achieving students, from under resourced backgrounds, a full education that will offer them with the necessary skills for a dynamic and innovation-driven career.