Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program continues to reach learners, create leaders across the globe

This fall, Arizona State University — through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — welcomed 35 new scholars to begin master’s degrees focused on innovation and technology.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program first launched in 2012 with the goal of preparing young leaders from across Africa to drive social and economic transformation in their communities. The partnership was designed to be implemented in three phases, each expanding access to higher education opportunities.

Now in its third phase, launched in 2024, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU builds on more than a decade of success by introducing new educational pathways and learning modalities that reach even more learners across the continent. Phase III emphasizes future-ready disciplines such as computer science, civil engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, clean energy systems and user experience design.

To further increase accessibility, Phase III also expands English language learning opportunities for students from French-speaking countries through ASU Global Launch. The first cohort of 50 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni from Université d’Abomey-Calavi began their studies in October, marking another milestone in the shared mission between ASU and the Mastercard Foundation to advance inclusive, transformative education across Africa.

Phase III aims to serve 600 students by 2030 through four distinct pathways:

• Full-immersion degree pathway — aims to support 130 Mastercard Foundation Scholars pursuing in-person master’s degree programs at ASU, with a focus on innovation, technology and entrepreneurship.

• ASU Online and Kepler College collaboration — delivers ASU online degree programs to 180 students through regional partnerships in East Africa in collaboration with EdPlus.

• Global Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate pathway — offers 180 students applied, flexible certificate pathways for academic and career advancement through the Thunderbird School of Global Management and the W. P. Carey School of Business, with the option for select candidates to transition into master’s degrees. 

• Francophone pathway — English language learning and community building for Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni in partnership with ASU Global Launch and Université d’Abomey-Calavi in Benin. 

One year after launching Phase III of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University, all four learning pathways are now fully underway.

"We’re proud to see how quickly Phase III has grown in just one year," said Nancy Gonzales, executive vice president and university provost. “This phase exemplifies ASU’s commitment to our design aspirations, measuring success by whom we include and how they succeed. By expanding access through inclusive, global pathways rooted in innovation and community impact, we are supporting Africa’s next generation of leaders to shape a future defined by technological progress and shared growth.” 

This fall, 35 Mastercard Foundation Scholars began degree study within the W. P. Carey School of Business, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and College of Global Futures as part of the full-immersion degree pathway, in fields ranging from computer science to civil engineering, artificial intelligence, robotics, clean energy systems and user experience design.

“Arizona is deeply connected to the global economy, and the challenges faced in Africa — from energy and technology to health and sustainable development — are challenges we all share,” said Mina Ahmad, director of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU. “By welcoming Mastercard Foundation Scholars to ASU, we are fostering the exchange of ideas that will help drive innovation here in Arizona while preparing leaders to create change across Africa. It is inspiring to imagine the ripple effects these students will create in their home countries and across the globe.”

MS in information technology
The Polytechnic School

"With a background in software engineering and nearly five years of experience in different roles, I was seeking a program that would both enhance my technical expertise and equip me with the right skills needed to develop solutions that translate into meaningful real-world impact. Through the resources available at ASU like mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration and research opportunities, I'm optimistic that I will make significant advancements in my projects and translate these advancements into tangible societal benefits. I am currently working on projects such as AI-driven tuberculosis screening, glioma segmentation in MRI imaging, and soil mineral deficiency detection using convolutional neural networks."

MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business (MS-AIB)
W. P. Carey School of Business

"ASU has a unique AI in Business program and its inspiring charter of inclusion. As a Mastercard Foundation Scholar, I feel empowered to pursue my dream of creating AI solutions that make real-world impact. And I hope to grow through world-class education and hands-on experience while building a global network of changemakers. But, most importantly, I want to give back by mentoring and uplifting others with the knowledge I gain. After graduation, I aim to contribute to the AI industry and continue creating solutions that make a real difference, starting in Ethiopia and extending to the world."

MS in clean energy systems
The Polytechnic School

"I was drawn to ASU because of its strong reputation for innovation, interdisciplinary research and commitment to sustainability. I hope to deepen my technical expertise in renewable energy systems while developing the leadership and problem-solving skills required to drive large-scale impact. I aim to collaborate with faculty and peers on research and community projects that explore innovative approaches to clean energy deployment, especially in emerging markets like Kenya. After graduation, I want to start and grow a renewable energy enterprise that focuses on decentralized, off-grid solutions that also address waste management issues. My goal is to make clean energy accessible and affordable to improve lives and create jobs."

MS in data science analytics and engineering
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

"Having devoted myself to measurable social impact in the nonprofit sector, I was particularly inspired by Professor Hannah Kerner, whose groundbreaking work in machine learning and artificial intelligence for agriculture in ASU embodied the intersection of technology and community empowerment. Her work resonated with my passion for data science and my ambition to create transformative opportunities for young people through agricultural advancement. ASU’s vibrant, collaborative community convinced me it’s the perfect place to expand my horizons intellectually, professionally and socially. I believe learning is most powerful when shared. "

MS in global technology and development
School for the Future of Innovation in Society

"It was clear to me from its consecutive rankings as the No. 1 university in the USA for innovation and the many alumni testimonials I came across online, that I then knew that ASU had the resources and brilliant expert minds to guide me toward success in my future goals and career. While at ASU, I want to build myself professionally in both the development field and innovative entrepreneurship so I can be prepared for future success and be equipped with the necessary capabilities to make a meaningful impact. My goal after my time at ASU is to transform the knowledge and skills I will have gained into real-life innovative efforts that will drive economic change and self-reliance."

As Phase III of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at ASU accelerates, the stories of Mastercard Foundation Scholars like those above highlight how access to world-class education can ripple far beyond the university walls.

By equipping emerging leaders with tools in technology, innovation and sustainability, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is not only reshaping individual futures but laying the groundwork for solutions that address some of the most pressing global challenges.