After visiting Michigan on a study abroad three years ago, hearing about MSU from his host family and following Spartan sports, computer engineering freshman Mohamadou Diatta was sold on MSU.
But there was one problem for the Senegal, Africa, native: he did not have the financial means to fulfill his dream.
“How it works in my family (is) only my dad works,” Diatta said. “He would not be able to afford my school here in the U.S.”
Diatta’s problems were solved when he received an email this past spring saying he had the option to be one of six MasterCard Foundation Scholars at MSU.
The scholars, two undergraduate and four graduate this year, mostly are from Africa and given funding for academics and social support from the university, according to a press release. The program is expected to give $45 million to about 185 students throughout the nine-year program.
The MasterCard Foundation is expected to give about $500 million total, spreading to students at other universities as well, according to the release.
Provost Kim A. Wilcox said MSU is honored to be part of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
Biochemistry and molecular biology/biotechnology freshman Barbara Kotei wanted to attend MSU. But she had no idea how to pay for her education.
Kotei, a Ghana, Africa, native, said in an email the program has allowed her to attend school.
“It has given me the opportunity to attend a prestigious university like MSU and to get a top-notch education without taking a toll on my parents,” Kotei said.
Wilcox said he does not predict the university having an issue finding students to fill the scholarships.
“It’s a long way from Africa, (but) it’s longer from Africa to (here) than it is from us to them,” Wilcox said. “(Being) welcoming and (an) attainable opportunity is part of our responsibility. I feel good about our relationships (with Africa).”
Diatta said he is planning on working in the technology field in Africa after graduation.
“Coming here (to) MSU, I think, will enable me to be equipped with the right … tools necessary for me to achieve a positive change in Africa through technology,” Diatta said. “That’s what Africa needs right now: people who will go and get the knowledge they need and then come back and give back to community.”
Kotei said giving back to the country is an important part of the scholarship.
MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said at a Faculty Senate meeting the program is an example of how the university is expanding globally.
“The MasterCard (Program) was very important because it’s a recognition of our institution and how we are moving forward,” Simon said. “Potential for us to move students from multiple places as opposed to study abroad.”
Adedayo Adekson, assistant dean for administration for International Studies and Programs and The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, said in an email students from Africa face challenges when coming to MSU.
Diatta said the size of campus confused him when he first got to MSU, but he is adjusting to student life and his classes.
Adekson said there are numerous positives to the program, but most importantly, it gives Africa a change to grow and thrive.
“It positions Africa as a continent rife with innumerable opportunities, which the scholars can harness for the purposes of engendering change when they return upon graduation from MSU,” Adekson said.
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