The African Scholarship Program of American Universities (ASPAU)
1961 – 1975
Between 1961 and 1975, AAI administered the African Scholarship Program of American Universities (ASPAU), which provided scholarships for African secondary school graduates to obtain undergraduate degrees at U.S. educational institutions. A cooperative effort between U.S. universities, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and African governments, ASPAU responded to the need of newly independent African countries for overseas training opportunities for its citizens while local institutions were being built. During the project, over 1,600 participants from 34 different African countries were enrolled in Bachelor's degree programs at American universities.
AAI administered all aspects of the program: selection, placement, orientation and counseling, as well as practical training and financial management. In addition, AAI organized short-term, on-the-job training for over 70% of ASPAU participants who were placed at over 200 private organizations and corporations in the United States. AAI also organized workshops on African development, communications and community development to supplement academic studies. By 1975, 75% of the participants had returned to their home countries. A majority of those who remained in the United States stayed to pursue advanced degrees. ASPAU was discontinued in 1975 as African universities began to meet the needs for undergraduate training programs on the continent.
Total number of participants: 1,600 +