ECOWAS 2024 Scholarships for West African Women in STEM
By News

The ECOWAS Women and Clean Energy Scholarship 2024, part of the Women and Clean Energy in West Africa (WOCEWA) program, is an initiative by the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) to promote gender equality in the energy sector. This scholarship, also known as the ECOWAS 2024 Scholarships for West African Women in STEM, is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, with a budget of CAD 1.5 million. It aims to increase the participation of women in the private energy sector across West Africa by providing scholarships and guaranteed internships to female students in STEM fields focusing on clean energy.

Scholarship Details

The WOCEWA Scholarship and Green Jobs Program, also recognized as the ECOWAS 2024 Scholarships for West African Women in STEM, offers comprehensive financial support, including:

  • Scholarship Value: Up to $3,200 per year for a maximum of two years.
  • Tuition and Health Insurance: Coverage up to $2,500, paid directly to the educational institution. Any excess costs beyond this cap are the responsibility of the student.
  • Laptop Provision: A laptop worth up to $700.
  • Internship Opportunities: A six-month internship at ECREEE or other ECOWAS institutions in the energy sector, covering travel expenses, insurance, and a monthly stipend of $800.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ECOWAS 2024 Scholarships for West African Women in STEM, applicants must:

  • Be a female citizen of an ECOWAS Member State.
  • Be enrolled in the first year of a master’s degree at a recognized institution in West Africa, with a focus on energy-related STEM fields.
  • Be under 32 years old by the end of 2024.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5/5 (or an equivalent of 14/20 in the francophone system).
  • Not hold any other existing scholarship.

Application Process

Interested candidates need to submit:

  • A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • A copy of their passport biodata page.
  • Certified copies of their bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts.
  • Proof of registration for their master’s degree and the relevant bank details of their university for tuition payments.
  • A letter of motivation (300-500 words) addressed to the ECREEE’s Director Executive.
  • A commitment to adhere to the program’s terms and conditions.

The application deadline is October 3, 2024, by 23:59 (UTC-1). Applications must be submitted via email with the subject line “WOCEWA SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM.”

FAQs

Who can apply for the ECOWAS Women and Clean Energy Scholarship?

The scholarship is open to female citizens of ECOWAS Member States who are enrolled in the first year of a master’s degree in a STEM field related to energy at a recognized West African institution.

What are the benefits of the scholarship?

Recipients of the ECOWAS 2024 Scholarships for West African Women in STEM receive up to $3,200 per year, coverage for tuition and health insurance, a laptop, and a fully funded six-month internship at ECREEE or other ECOWAS institutions, including travel expenses and a monthly stipend.

What are the academic requirements?

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/5 or equivalent and must not be receiving another scholarship.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

Candidates must submit the required documents via email by the specified deadline. Detailed instructions and the necessary forms are available on the ECREEE website https://www.ecreee.org

What is the internship component of the scholarship?

The scholarship includes a six-month internship in an ECOWAS energy institution, providing practical experience in the energy sector with all associated costs covered.

This scholarship program is an excellent opportunity for young women in West Africa to advance their careers in the clean energy sector while contributing to sustainable development and gender equality in the region.