The Equity Group Foundation (EGF) has welcomed 505 scholars from diverse backgrounds into its prestigious Equity Leaders Program (ELP), marking the 26th cohort of this transformative initiative.

These young scholars, selected from 225 secondary schools across all 47 counties in Kenya, represent the best performers in the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), as well as beneficiaries of the Wings to Fly program and Elimu scholarships.

The scholars underwent a comprehensive two-week induction and training program, preparing them for their journey ahead.

This program, facilitated by leaders from various industries, including the Equity Group leadership team, focused on crucial topics such as leadership, personal growth, and community development, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

The Equity Leaders Program, a flagship initiative under EGF's Education and Leadership Development pillar, is committed to empowering academically talented youth.

Currently operational in the DRC, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, the program focuses on nurturing promising scholars through intensive mentorship and leadership exposure, aiming to foster their personal and professional development, encourage innovation, and promote community engagement.

Established in 1998, ELP is a leadership development initiative designed for exemplary academic performing students. Its primary aim is to cultivate a network of transformative leaders who collaborate across borders and sectors, contributing to Africa's sustainable economic and social progress.

One of the program's key features is a six-month paid internship at Equity Bank branches across the country, providing scholars with practical experience and mentorship.

By the end of the internship, scholars will have received monthly stipends totaling Kes121.2 million, part of which is saved to support their transition to university. They will continue to receive mentorship and coaching throughout their university studies.

Speaking at the scholar commissioning event, Dr. James Mwangi, Group Managing Director and CEO of Equity Group Holdings, and Executive Chairman of EGF, encouraged the scholars to strive for excellence and become catalysts for positive change.

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Nurturing leadership skills

Dr. Mwangi highlighted the importance of leveraging their academic success to make a difference in their communities and beyond. He also underscored the value of the network they will build with other talented Kenyans in their age group.

Since its inception, the program has supported 23,825 scholars studying in local and global universities, with 8,878 benefiting from paid internships. Notably, 891 scholars have secured fully funded scholarships at prestigious universities across 36 countries, including Ivy League institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Cornell universities in the USA.

The Equity Leaders Program is designed to empower academically gifted scholars by facilitating their access to education in universities both locally and globally, while also nurturing their leadership skills.

ELP Scholars, who pursue medicine and gain the necessary experience, have been supported by EGF to establish Equity Afia medical centers, expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare nationwide.

To further promote enterprise and provide solutions to various socio-economic challenges, EGF has created a network for ELP alumni in the enterprise and innovations space.

This network supports alumni in setting up and growing their businesses, reflecting EGF's commitment to fostering a new generation of African entrepreneurs and innovators. This initiative demonstrates the belief that investment in education is a powerful tool for continental and global betterment.

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