Equity Bank Selects 750 Top Secondary School Graduates for Prestigious Equity Leaders Programme (ELP).
Equity Group Foundation has chosen 750 outstanding secondary school graduates in Kenya to join the prestigious Equity Leaders Programme (ELP).
These high-performing students will participate in a six-month Pre-University Paid Internship at Equity Bank branches across the country, preparing them for university later this year.
The selected scholars include 350 Wings to Fly and Elimu Scholars who attained Grade A and A-, 167 top-performing students from each sub-county who achieved Grade A (Plain), and 233 top national scholars who secured a minimum of Grade A (Plain) with 84 points in their final exams.
During the commissioning ceremony in Nairobi, Equity Group Foundation Executive Chairman Dr. James Mwangi acknowledged the scholars’ consistent excellence and determination. He assured them that their selection into the programme was a testament to their academic dedication, emphasizing that the Foundation was proud to support them on this transformative journey.
Dr. Mwangi highlighted that the programme not only provided practical work experience but also cultivated leadership skills, empowering scholars to become change-makers in their communities and beyond.
He expressed confidence in their potential, stating that they represented the future of Africa and that Equity was committed to supporting them at every step.
The commissioning event followed a rigorous two-week induction programme, where scholars engaged with leaders from various industries, including the Equity Group leadership team. The sessions covered leadership, personal growth, and community development, fostering a holistic approach to learning.
During the induction, Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda emphasized the importance of values such as professionalism, integrity, creativity, innovation, teamwork, and a shared purpose.
He urged the scholars to embody these principles in their professional and personal lives, stressing that strong ethical foundations were essential for effective leadership.
Internship Benefits and Mentorship
The six-month internship will provide scholars with a monthly stipend, a portion of which will be saved and released upon their transition to university, instilling a culture of financial responsibility. Additionally, the initiative aims to facilitate a seamless academic transition by offering financial support for higher education.
Scholars will also receive mentorship and coaching from globally experienced professionals with diverse skills, enabling them to make informed career choices. This mentorship will deepen their knowledge and equip them with essential tools for future success.
Among the selected scholars is Dieume Baraka, a former student of Starehe Boys Centre and an alumnus of the Elimu Scholarship Programme.
Despite facing immense challenges, including life in refugee camps and struggling with basic needs, he remained committed to education as a pathway to a better future. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, hoping to use his skills to foster peace and unity in his community.
Salmo Abdullahi Hassan, a former student of Parklands Arya Girls Secondary School who achieved an A- (Minus), described the leadership mentorship as an incredible experience. She looked forward to the internship, eager to learn from experienced colleagues and broaden her perspective before joining university.
Elema Badaqe Duba, a former student of Makueni Boys High School and a Wings to Fly alumnus, recounted the difficulties of growing up in Marsabit as the eldest of seven children.
Despite harsh living conditions, he remained determined to excel academically. He expressed enthusiasm about gaining leadership skills through the programme, hoping to uplift his family and contribute to community development.
Expanding Opportunities for Scholars
Since its inception, ELP has supported 29,515 scholars at local and global universities. With the addition of this new cohort, the total number of scholars benefiting from the six-month pre-university internship now stands at 9,700.
During the internship, scholars undergo mentorship, leadership training, life skills development, and work readiness sessions.
Additionally, they have access to Equity’s specialized College Counselling programme, which has facilitated 970 scholars in securing fully funded scholarships at 233 universities in 37 countries across six continents, including Ivy League institutions.
The global scholars benefit from a two-month College Counselling programme covering essay writing, university selection, and exam preparation. A week-long boot camp further prepares them for university life, equipping them with critical skills for thriving in a global academic environment.
Equity’s commitment to fostering global interconnectedness extends beyond academic excellence. The programme nurtures critical thinking, leadership development, and exposure to diverse educational environments, breaking geographical barriers and preparing African scholars for the global stage.
This initiative creates a pipeline of globally competitive talent, fostering innovation through diverse perspectives and challenges.
Impact on Society and Future Growth
The Equity Leaders Programme, spearheaded by Equity Group Foundation, continues to transform lives by preparing young scholars for successful educational and professional futures.
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ELP alumni have excelled in various sectors, including entrepreneurship, and have established 132 Equity Afya medical centres across Kenya’s 47 counties.
In 2024, five additional units were set up in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), demonstrating the programme’s far-reaching impact.
As the Equity Leaders Programme continues to grow, it remains a beacon of hope, empowerment, and opportunity for young scholars, shaping the next generation of leaders who will drive change in their communities and beyond.
Equity Bank Selects 750 Top Secondary School Graduates for Prestigious Equity Leaders Programme (ELP).
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