Despite progress in expanding access to primary and secondary education across Sub-Saharan Africa, the transition to tertiary education remains alarmingly low. In countries like Ghana—where free secondary education has been implemented—thousands of academically capable students cannot continue to university due to financial constraints, limited institutional capacity, and a lack of structured support systems. This challenge is not unique to Ghana; across the Sub-Saharan region, only about 9% of youth aged 18–22 are enrolled in tertiary institutions, compared to the global average of approximately 40%.
The Rising Scholars Program was created in direct response to this gap. By providing scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development, the program seeks not only to make tertiary education accessible for under-resourced but promising students—but also to equip them to serve, lead, and transform their communities. Rising Scholars isn't just about access to education—it's about investing in futures that multiply impact across generations.
