For thousands of high-performing students, completing secondary school and securing university admission is only the beginning of the journey.
Through the Equity Leaders Programme (ELP), Equity Group Foundation has created a pathway that takes students beyond the classroom, exposing them to the workplace experience, leadership development, mentorship and, for some, opportunities at universities and organizations around the world.
At the centre of the programme is the pre-university paid internship, which gives selected top-performing secondary school graduates practical workplace experience at Equity Bank before they begin university.
The programme is part of a wider Equity Group Foundation education and career development model that links scholarships, mentorship, professional exposure, university placement and technology training to employment opportunities.
Through the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), 35,353 students have received university scholarships, including 1,206 global scholarships, while 4,039 students have benefited from TVET scholarships.
Additionally, 10,505 students have gained hands-on work experience through paid internships across Equity’s branch network.
1,115 Scholars on Full Scholarships Across the World
So far, the programme has 1,115 global scholars on full scholarships across 262 universities in 39 countries and six continents.
Of these scholars, 224 are studying at Ivy League institutions.
The global university programme supports high-performing scholars access higher education opportunities at some of the world’s leading universities.
The programme also provides college counselling and support to scholars seeking admission and scholarships at international institutions.
In addition, Equity Group Foundation has facilitated 10,505 paid internships for scholars under its education and leadership programmes.
The internships provide students with practical experience and exposure to the workplace, helping them develop skills that go beyond their academic qualifications.
Through the programme, interns gain experience in areas such as customer service, communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism and workplace ethics.
The internship experience also allows scholars to interact with professionals and build networks before entering university and, eventually, the job market.
The opportunity for scholars to return for paid internships during university breaks also lets them keep building workplace experience throughout their studies.
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121 Scholars Secure Scholarships to Global Universities
In August this year, 121 scholars under the Equity Leaders Programme secured admission to some of the world’s leading universities after securing fully funded undergraduate scholarships worth more than KSh3 billion.
The successful students included 86 from Kenya, 29 from Rwanda, four from Uganda and two from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
They secured admission to 63 universities across 16 countries spanning North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
According to Equity Group Foundation, each student received a comprehensive scholarship package covering the cost of their undergraduate studies.
The latest admissions add to the growing number of Equity Leaders Programme scholars who have secured opportunities at universities around the world.
Last year, 145 scholars received full scholarships to top universities, allowing them to pursue their studies at institutions around the world.
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44 More Await Overseas Scholarship Confirmation
In addition to the 121 scholars who had already secured admission, 44 other Equity Leaders Programme scholars had completed interviews for government-sponsored overseas undergraduate scholarships. They were awaiting final admission and scholarship confirmation.
Among them were 23 students interviewed for the Türkiye Government Scholarship and another 21 shortlisted for the Romania Government Scholarship.
If successful, they will further expand the number of Equity scholars heading to universities abroad on fully funded scholarships.145 Scholars Receive Full Scholarships to Top Universities
From University to Global Firms
Upon graduation, alumni of the Equity Leaders Programme have gone on to make significant contributions to leading organizations across different industries.
The programme’s alumni network includes professionals working at prestigious firms and institutions such as Amazon, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Bloomberg, Meta, Fastly, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Blackstone, Morgan Stanley, IBM, Bain & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), the World Bank Group and McKinsey & Company, among others.
The growing network shows how the programme’s support can extend beyond access to education.
For students who begin with scholarships, internships and mentorship, the programme can provide a path to university, professional development and employment opportunities in Kenya and abroad.
415 Wings to Fly Alumni Absorbed Into Equity Group
Equity Group Foundation has also created a direct link between education, specialized training and employment.
A total of 415 Wings to Fly alumni completed a one-year technology training programme and were subsequently absorbed into Equity Group.
The programme equips young people with technology skills and prepares them for roles within the Group.
The absorption of the 415 alumni shows how the Foundation connects its education programs with skills development and employment.
Rather than ending support when a student completes school or university, the programme provides opportunities for further training and, in some cases, direct entry into the workplace.
The Equity Group Foundation model begins by identifying and supporting academically talented students, including those from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Through programmes such as Wings to Fly, students receive support to complete secondary school and pursue further education.
Those who qualify for the Equity Leaders Programme can then access leadership training, mentorship and internship opportunities.
Some proceed to universities in Kenya, while others secure full scholarships at institutions across the world
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