MCS Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Supporting EARTH students for more than a decade
Since 2011, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has provided EARTH University scholarships to young leaders from disadvantaged communities around the globe who dream of positively impacting their communities and our global food system. To date, 370 students have been awarded Mastercard Foundation scholarships. A full 75% of the Mastercard Foundation scholarships are awarded to women.
Through its long standing partnership, EARTH and the Mastercard Foundation have increased EARTH’s impact by developing ongoing resources to support and empower EARTH graduates as they transition back to their home countries, particularly in African nations. Through this fellowship, EARTH is able to offer its graduates opportunities in the areas of agricultural employment, agricultural education, science and research and entrepreneurship.
The Mastercard Foundation is a Canadian foundation and one of the world’s largest foundations, with a mission to advance education and financial inclusion. It works with visionary organizations to enable young people in Africa and in Indigenous communities in Canada to access dignified and fulfilling work. The Foundation was established in 2006 through the generosity of Mastercard when it became a public company. The Foundation is an independent organization and separate from the company. Its policies, operations and programs are determined by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and leadership.
Student Stories
Mastercard Foundation Scholars thrive at EARTH University
Diana Wairimu Njuna
Class of 2022, Kenya
Inspired by a social venture Diana created at home in Kenya called the Vermi-Farm Initiative which produces solid and foliar fertilizer from market waste, Diana’s graduation project is about biological alternatives to control the Meloidogyne Incognita pest in tomato plants. Read more about Diana’s project and her goal to earn a master’s degree in plant pathology.
Stella Esenam Ruber
Class of 2022, Ghana
Stella’s graduation project is called “Elaboration of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Manual for some Important Food Crops in Ghana”, including maize, groundnut, and rice. Stella was accepted into the Mastercard Fellowship Program, an opportunity that will allow her to go back to Ghana to connect and network with fellow farmers. Read Stella’s story for more.
Litzy Alexandra Torres
Class of 2022, Honduras
Litzy’s project evaluates the effect of different additives, particularly sand and soy, to create a better silage product. Silage is a type of pasture grass, which, with improved digestibility, intake, and nutrition for the animals that feed on this grass, can provide small-scale farmers with good-quality silage that is also cost-effective. Read more about Litzy’s future plans.