Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is arguably the most important field driving socio-economic development across the continent, and yet according to the African Development Bank, less than four percent of African higher education students pursue STEM-related career fields. To counter this and support African students in their careers AAI, in partnership with Chevron, established the AAI African STEM Initiative, supporting African students in pursuing their education in universities across the United States. 

AAI focused its 2023/2024 support for African students who were impacted by the invasion of Ukraine. 

When Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, roughly 10,000 African students were studying at universities across Ukraine. Many of those students, while trapped in legal limbo, were spread across Europe, facing obstacles as they sought to fulfill their educational aspirations. With most available scholarships limited to supporting students of Ukrainian descent, the Africa-America Institute saw an immediate need and opportunity to provide a path forward for African students. 

Meet the Scholars