The Patoranking Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to advancing Africa through education, entrepreneurship, and empowerment, has unveiled the $500,000 Patoranking Foundation Tech Scholarships.
This initiative, in collaboration with ALX Africa, a leading provider of technology training, aims to offer transformative technology programs to 40 young, tech-savvy Africans.
These programs cover areas such as data analytics, cloud computing, and Salesforce Administration, preparing participants to become future pioneers in the tech industry.
Foundation Background
The Patoranking Foundation, established by African musician Patrick Okorie, known professionally as Patoranking, focuses on providing transformative educational programs and market-ready entrepreneurial skills to outstanding young leaders in Africa.
Over the past six years, the foundation has invested more than $1 million in youth education across the continent.
The introduction of the $500,000 tech scholarship in partnership with ALX Africa signifies a new phase in the foundation’s mission.
Starting from May 30, 2024, 40 exceptional candidates will gain access to world-class tech training, equipping them with highly sought-after tech skills.
Scholarship Details
- Eligibility: The scholarship is open to promising, tech-savvy candidates from across Africa who are already making a difference in their communities.
- Application Process: Candidates must complete the ALX admissions process and submit application videos and essays through the foundation’s website. Successful applicants will be selected based on a thorough review.
- Training: The scholarship includes opportunities for internships with leading global tech companies, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
- Age Range: Candidates between the ages of 18 and 34 are eligible.
- Learning Options: Beneficiaries can choose to study fully remotely or at one of ALX Africa’s hubs in cities such as Johannesburg, Accra, Lagos, Casablanca, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali, or Cairo.
Founder’s Statement
Patrick Okorie, Founder of the Patoranking Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership:
“At Patoranking Foundation, we are dedicated to advancing Africa through education and entrepreneurship.
We have previously provided academic scholarships to exceptional African students at all levels. Now, partnering with ALX Africa, we are excited to announce technology scholarships.
ALX Africa shares our commitment to empowering tomorrow’s leaders with advanced digital skills crucial for future employability and entrepreneurship.
This step brings us closer to our goal of equipping one million Africans within the next ten years.
We believe in the abundance of exceptional talents and changemakers in Africa and will continue to challenge financial inequalities that hinder the emergence of the next generation of African disruptors.”
Previous Initiatives
The Patoranking Foundation has a history of leveraging partnerships to provide access to leading educational institutions.
Under its Sky Level Initiative in 2020, the foundation awarded full scholarships to 10 scholars from eight African countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Liberia, enabling them to study at the African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda or Mauritius
At the primary and secondary education levels, 170 young pupils are currently on scholarship at five leading schools in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, which is Patoranking’s home state.
Partnership with ALX Africa
The $500,000 tech partnership with ALX Africa is open to youth from all parts of Africa at no cost, with all related fees covered. The beneficiaries can opt to learn fully remotely or at any of ALX Africa’s hubs.
Fred Swaniker, Founder of ALX Africa, commented on the collaboration:
“In today’s world of AI and Big Data, young people need to be prepared for uncertainty; they need to be agile and adaptable.
ALX’s tech programs are designed around the importance of reimagining and redesigning skills training to meet the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Through our collaboration with the Patoranking Foundation, we aim to empower tomorrow’s tech disruptors and innovative community leaders with the most in-demand hard and soft skills to solve the problems of the continent and beyond.”
Impact and Vision
Patoranking continues to leverage his influence to nurture Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit, accelerating transformative change across the continent.
By selecting resilient and innovative community changemakers for the tech scholarships, the Patoranking Foundation is equipping Africa’s young leaders with essential digital skills, enabling them to scale local impact and build valuable connections for collaborations.
Through these efforts, the foundation hopes to create a ripple effect of change, empowering youth to become architects of their own futures and catalysts for progress within their communities.
Conclusion
The Patoranking Foundation’s tech scholarships represent a significant step towards bridging the digital skills gap in Africa.
By investing in young leaders, the foundation not only empowers individuals but also contributes to the continent’s broader socio-economic development.
For more information and to apply, please visit: Patoranking Foundation Tech Scholarships.
