Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Annual Learning Convening will take place from 17-19 October, 2017, at the Kigali Convention Center. The theme of the event is The Future of Work in Africa. It will bring together more than 100 participants including University Presidents and Vice Chancellors, non-governmental organization (NGO) leaders, and program administrators from the Scholars Program network of 28 university and NGO partners.The other anticipated participants will include the Minister of Youth and ICT, the Founder and CEO of HeHe Labs, the CEO of Bank of Kigali and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda.

The goal of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is to develop a cohort of next-generation leaders supporting social transformation and economic growth in Africa. The Scholars Program provides access to quality secondary and university education, leadership development and support to transition to work for bright young people who are committed to giving back to their communities. The Scholars Program is delivered by a network of 28 world Class University and non-governmental organization partners. In Rwanda, this includes the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Carnegie Mellon University-Africa (CMU-Africa), and FAWE, who are collectively supporting 1,205 secondary and 113 university students.

This year marks the first time the Scholars Program Annual Learning Convening will be held in Africa. AIMS and Mastercard Foundation are delighted to be working together to host the event in Rwanda.