The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana has officially welcomed 35 new students including 14 women, into the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program with an orientation session, marking the start of an inspiring academic and leadership journey. Rooted in the belief that education drives social and economic transformation, the Scholars Program empowers academically talented yet economically disadvantaged youth with scholarships, mentorship, and leadership training. Guided by values of excellence, integrity and service, it nurtures a new generation of visionary problem solvers committed to using science, technology, and innovation to create inclusive growth and meaningful change across Africa.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program orientation, opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Rhoda J. Hawkins, Academic Director at AIMS Ghana, who congratulated the Scholars on their admission under the Program and encouraged them to embrace AIMS Ghana’s culture of collaboration and intellectual curiosity. She emphasized that while the AIMS environment provides advanced mathematical training, it is also a community where leadership and service to society are nurtured.

Following this, the Senior Manager, Communications, Mr. John Appiah, delivered an inspiring message on behalf of the Centre President, highlighting the partnership between AIMS and the Mastercard Foundation. Speaking about qualities such as responsibility, gratitude and give-back which he urged the Scholars to embody, he also encouraged them to make the most of the unique opportunities the Program offers, ranging from mentorship and leadership development to engagement with real-world challenges.

A highlight of the orientation was the Scholars Program Alumni panel, where former scholars including; Prince Dorcis Akpaglo, Dorcas Ajayi Anuoluwapo, Livingstone Nyamadi, Abigail Baidoo and Bashira Naa Kwarley Quartey, shared personal stories about their academic experiences, community engagement and leadership journeys during and after AIMS. Their insights underscored the Program’s transformative impact and its focus on giving back to society.

Mrs. Beauty Beatrice Kwawu, Program Manager for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the Centre, provided an overview of the Program’s vision, structure and the support systems available to Scholars. She highlighted that in Phase two of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at AIMS, transition pathways after Scholars’ academic program was a key area of interest, such that Scholars would receive support, whether it was to transition into academia, industry or entrepreneurship. Mrs. Kwawu further led an onboarding session for the new Scholars on the Baobab platform, which is a social and professional platform for Mastercard Foundation alumni and encouraged the Scholars to use the opportunity to not only achieve academic success but also to build strong networks, such that they can contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Dr. Abdulmajid Osmanu, Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) Specialist, also threw some insight into the transition process especially for Scholars who would prefer to move into industry or entrpreneurship. The event concluded with motivational remarks from the Academic Manager, Dr. Angela Tabiri as well as a challenge session and a lively Q&A session led by Mr. Joel Bamfo Appiah, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager, providing scholars with an opportunity to interact, ask questions and familiarize themselves with key aspects of the program.

With this new cohort, AIMS Ghana and the Mastercard Foundation continue their joint mission to cultivate a generation of ethical leaders and innovators who will shape a brighter future for Africa.