Founded by African musician Patrick Okorie, known as Patoranking, the Patoranking Foundation focuses on research, advocacy, and partnerships to deliver transformative educational programs and entrepreneurial skills to outstanding young leaders in Africa. Having invested over $1 million in youth education over the last six years, this new tech scholarship marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s mission.
Starting May 30, 2024, 40 exceptional candidates will have the opportunity to participate in world-class tech training programs, acquiring in-demand skills sought by leading global employers. The scholarship targets changemakers in their communities, providing them with opportunities for internships with global tech companies to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
Eligibility and Selection Process
The scholarship is open to promising tech-savvy candidates from across Africa. Applicants must complete the ALX admissions process, and beneficiaries will be selected based on their application videos and essays submitted via the Foundation’s website.
“At Patoranking Foundation, we are dedicated to advancing Africa through education and entrepreneurship,” Patoranking stated. “We have provided academic scholarships to exceptional African students at all levels and now, with ALX Africa, we are announcing technology scholarships. This step takes us closer to our goal of equipping one million Africans within the next 10 years.”
Program Details and Benefits
Beneficiaries of the scholarship, aged between 18 and 34, will receive their training at no cost, with all related fees covered. They can choose to learn fully remotely or at any of ALX Africa’s hubs in Johannesburg, Accra, Lagos, Casablanca, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Kigali, or Cairo.
Fred Swaniker, Founder of ALX Africa, emphasized the importance of preparing young people for the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “ALX’s tech programs are designed to meet the needs of the modern world, focusing on the most in-demand hard and soft skills to solve problems on the continent and beyond. Through our collaboration with Patoranking Foundation, we aim to empower tomorrow’s tech disruptors and community leaders.”
Previous Initiatives and Impact
The Patoranking Foundation has a history of leveraging partnerships to provide educational opportunities to young leaders through its Sky Level Initiative. In 2020, the Foundation awarded full scholarships to 10 scholars from eight African countries to study at the African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda or Mauritius. Additionally, 170 young pupils in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, are currently on scholarship at primary and secondary education levels.
This $500,000 tech partnership with ALX Africa extends the Foundation’s commitment to addressing financial inequalities and nurturing exceptional talent across Africa.
For more information, visit Patoranking Foundation’s website.
