BlackBerry wants women in Africa to leave the kitchen and instead run companies. The firm has set up a scholarship program dubbed BlackBerry® Scholars Program to inspire women in Kenya and globally to develop careers in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The BlackBerry Scholars program is headed by BlackBerry® Global Creative Director, Alicia Keys.
The program will offer ten full, four year university scholarships to outstanding female candidates. The BlackBerry Scholars Program is available to women in Kenya and will provide scholarships to outstanding applicants who are seeking degrees at accredited local colleges and universities in the areas of STEM across Kenya.
According to Alicia Keys, the BlackBerry Global Creative Director,“Women are underrepresented in fields of science and technology, and we feel strongly that it’s time to drive a change.”
She added,“It’s important to connect the dots for young women in secondary school and college, and show them that careers in science and technology are within their reach. And when women do land these jobs, it’s vital they receive the mentoring and support they need to advance in their careers. I’m proud BlackBerry is demonstrating leadership in women’s education, both in school and in the workplace, and giving back to its most loyal users in such a profound way.”
Interested Kenyan women can now apply for the scholarship before 9 pm GMT on June 26th, 2013. Alicia Keys and a panel of inspirational and accomplished women will recruit candidates based on their academic merit and passion for entering the mobile computing industry.
This scholarship program is the first step in BlackBerry’s long-term commitment and multi-tiered strategy to engage young women at every step of their education from secondaryschool to college, and as they rise through their careers. As more than 55% of BlackBerry customers are women, BlackBerry aims to champion this generation of female leaders as they strive to achieve their ambitions in this highly competitive industry.
