If you're young and eager to make a difference, now is the time to seize opportunities specifically designed for you. From government-supported initiatives to mentorship programs, these opportunities can prepare you to tackle local challenges with global solutions. The New Times presents a curated list of diverse opportunities to inspire and guide potential applicants. Scholarship for a Research Master's in Data Science Program For students in their final year of a BSc program or those holding a BSc degree with a strong interest in data science and related disciplines such as Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Machine Learning, Data Mining, Deep Learning, and Cognitive Computing, this is an excellent opportunity. Applicants with an MSc degree may also qualify for a one-year MPhil program. This initiative offers up to four competitive Master's by Research scholarships based in Rwanda. The fellowship lasts up to 24 months, with additional funding available for attending conferences and international scientific events. Learn more and apply by May 28 at AIMS RIC. Distribution Equals Development Prize Competition Are you a bold leader with dreams of starting an organization to eradicate poverty? You could win up to $20,000 to launch an NGO or social venture aimed at fighting poverty. This competition funds ideas across various sectors including education, public services, agriculture, energy, health, and water. D-Prize is intended for new organizations. Most awardees are first-time entrepreneurs who have not yet launched their organization or raised other funding. Applicants from low and middle-income countries are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from existing organizations are only considered if the core focus is on distributing an existing, evidence-based poverty intervention. Organizations with more than 18 months of full-time operations or those that have raised more than $30,000 in outside funding are not eligible. Learn more and apply by July 14 at D-Prize. Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab 2024 The Great Lakes Creative Producers Lab is a five-day film development program designed to expand the professional networks and producing expertise of participants. Hosted in Kampala, Uganda, this residential program will feature hands-on workshops and one-on-one sessions with local and international industry mentors. The lab aims to enhance the creative instincts and communication skills of emerging producers at all stages of their feature film projects. The call is open to producers from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. To qualify, applicants should have three years of professional experience in the film industry, the ability to communicate in English in a professional context, and a track record of producing at least two short films or one feature film. Additionally, applicants must have a feature project in hand and the legal rights to produce the script. Learn more and apply by June 30 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfB4Gd-GbaWYs-bepN7hxijMK2Fjg8jLxjZ9rHsMdJ9er4_OA/viewform. 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition The 2024 GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition offers $100,000 in prizes to two winners. Agrifood entrepreneurs from across Africa will showcase their startup business ventures, with judges looking for ventures that impact areas such as rural livelihoods, nutrition, climate solutions, technology, gender impact, natural resource conservation, and job creation. Top finalists will pitch their businesses at the GoGettaz Finals at the Africa Food Systems Forum Summit, to be held in Kigali in September. Participants will also have facilitated participation in the Agribusiness Deal Room and receive an invitation to the 2025 GoGettaz Africa Leadership Program. Learn more and apply by June 10 at GoGettaz Agripreneur Prize Competition 2024. Emerging Leaders for Change East Africa Cohort Are you young, aged 15-29, and living in Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, or Uganda? Do you advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and, or, gender equality, particularly focusing on issues affecting adolescent girls within your community? If so, consider applying for the Women Deliver Emerging Leaders for Change Program. This two-year leadership program supports passionate young activists with the resources, platforms, connections, and training necessary to amplify and achieve their advocacy goals. Preference will be given to youths interested or experienced in universal health coverage, the climate crisis, and countering the anti-rights movement. Emerging leaders will receive 18-month flexible, trust-based grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to support their advocacy and strengthen their organizations, along with technical assistance and content-specific resources. Learn more and apply by May 30 at Emerging Leaders for Change Application East Africa cohort – Women Deliver. Africa Business Heroes Grant Entrepreneurs can win up to $300,000 in grant funding, mentorship, and global exposure through the Africa Business Heroes (ABH) competition. ABH aims to identify, support, and inspire the next generation of African entrepreneurs who are making an impact in their local communities, solving pressing problems, and building a more sustainable and inclusive economy for the future. Applications are open in English and French to entrepreneurs from all African countries, all sectors, and all ages. Eligible applicants must operate businesses formally registered and headquartered in an African country with a three-year track record. Ten finalists are selected to compete in the ABH grand finale pitch competition. These finalists receive extensive exposure through high-quality video narratives produced by ABH, showcasing their stories and journeys. Ultimately, the finalists compete for a share of $1.5 million in grant money. Learn more and apply by June 9 at https://africabusinessheroes.org/en/apply-now. Maximize these opportunities by either applying yourself or sharing them with potential candidates. Stay updated for the latest opportunities throughout Rwanda by visiting The New Times' Jobs and Tender profile, the largest job market in the country, and follow our social media platforms for daily postings.
