Become a scholar
Are you our next candidate?
For Africa-based African women:
We’re seeking women living on the African continent, or those that have resided on the continent within two years of their application date.
Focused on prestigious tertiary educational institutions:
We’re initially focused on partnering with top MBA programs, but will be expanding our program coverage to include top law, medical, and other graduate programs. Please stay tuned as we expand our reach and impact.
Beyond academics:
We’re looking for intellectually capable women with a strong academic track record, but also want FCS Foundation scholars to be well-rounded women with interests and indicated leadership potential outside of the classroom. Our application process will screen for academics and beyond.
Paying it forward:
Our dream is facilitating the brilliance and ascension of Africa’s rising female leadership. We are excited to extend Dr. Farai Shonhiwa’s legacy and watch FCS Foundation scholars make an impact on the African continent, and require our recipients to share those same aspirations.
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We’re finalizing the details of our application criteria, so please sign up for our mailing list or check back soon for more detail.
Do I have to live in Africa?
Yes, we are offering scholarships to African women of all nationalities and ethnicities currently residing on the continent.” to “No, you do not need to currently reside on the African continent, but we are seeking women with a demonstrable connection to the African continent and a commitment to impacting it.
Do I have to be targeting work in a certain field or sector after the completion of my degree?
No, we aim to support a diverse range of scholars and interests, and are sector-agnostic, and willing to fund women who intend to work in either the public or private sector.
How will we be selected?
Our selection committee will review all applications and screen for academic excellence, eager and energetic community impact, a demonstration of leadership potential, and a certain “it factor”. We seek to bridge the funding gap for those in need for support to obtain their degree. More details on our criteria and application process coming soon.” to “The selection committees at each of our partner schools will screen for academic excellence, eager and energetic community impact, a demonstration of leadership potential, and a certain “it factor”. The FCS Foundation’s endowed gifts will help bridge the funding gap for those in need of support to obtain their degree. More details on our criteria and application process coming soon.
Do I apply to The FCS Foundation before or after applying to my educational program?
We’re finalizing the details of our application criteria, so please sign up for our mailing list or check back soon for more detail.” to “The FCS Foundation will endow gifts at partner schools that will then be disbursed to selected candidates as part of each school’s admissions and financial aid processes. Please sign up for our mailing list, check back soon, or visit our partner schools websites for more information.
Do I have to commit to returning to Africa after my degree?
Our goal is to fund the education of African women who seek to return home to make an impact and inspire others, just as Dr. Farai Shonhiwa did. However, we understand that not all paths are straight lines, and you may not return home immediately. We look forward to hearing about how and when you’d like to make an impact on the continent during your application process.
what type of women are we seeking to fund?
We’re currently focused on supporting women pursuing a full-time MBA program. Please check back as we expect to expand to other degrees soon.
Are you like farai?
Are you an African woman determined to inspire others and make an impact? We’re looking for amazing, ambitious, dynamic and multifaceted women that are ready to make an outsized impact in Africa.
Vibrant
You’re a phenomenal woman whose presence is felt in the rooms you’re in and the communities and companies you have been a part of. You’re dynamic, energetic, and not afraid to march to your own drum beat.
Brilliant
Your intellectual brilliance shines to all who know you. You have applied yourself academically, and have clear plans for how you’ll use your gift and talents to make an impact on the world.
Caring
You are kind, caring and connect with others in a meaningful way. You also care a lot about making a difference – and are ready to make your own impact in this world.
impact
facilitating brilliance
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“We educate women because it is smart. We educate women because it changes the world.”
- Drew Faust
FCS Foundation is a project of Players Philanthropy Fund, a Maryland charitable trust recognized by IRS as a tax-exempt public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Federal Tax ID: 27-6601178, ppf.org/pp ). Contributions to FCS Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.