Doha – The Obama Foundation has announced that Imane Berchane, co-founder of Robots & More and co-founder of LOOP For Science & Technology, will be part of its seventh cohort of Obama Scholars.
The cohort is composed of 30 emerging leaders from around the world who will participate in an immersive program at either Columbia University in New York City or the University of Chicago for the 2024-2025 academic year, the foundation said in a statement shared with Morocco World News.
A social entrepreneur in the field of technology and a STEM advocate, Berchane works to advance gender equality and social equity in Africa.
Through her for-profit educational technology company and non-profit organization, Berchane aims to provide underserved students with future-ready skills through access to STEM education.
In partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Education and international sponsors, Berchane’s organizations have introduced STEM programs in over 180 schools, trained 500 teachers, and increased girls’ participation in STEM education programs to over 50%.
Despite reaching more than 21,000 individuals, Berchane’s organizations continue to face high demand for the program.
She is seeking this opportunity through the Scholars program to reframe their vision and strategy, explore new funding models, and foster new partnerships to deepen their reach in existing communities and expand their interventions across the African region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast.
Read also: 3 Moroccans Selected among Obama Foundation’s Young African Leaders
The Obama Scholars program plays a key role in fulfilling the Obama Foundation’s mission to train the next generation of leaders.
Founded in 2018, the program enables scholars from around the world to gain practical skills, tools, and experiences that will amplify their impact when they return to their communities.
Throughout the academic year, Scholars will engage in academic, skills-based, and experiential learning opportunities on their campuses, organized by Columbia University and the University of Chicago in collaboration with the Obama Foundation.
The Obama Foundation provides leadership development training, access to a global network, and tailored support that brings both cohorts together to further enrich their training post-graduation.
“We’re thrilled to welcome another group of exceptional changemakers into the Obama Foundation family,” said CEO Valerie Jarrett. “These scholars bring with them a wealth of talent, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference in their communities and beyond.”
“By joining our global network of leaders, they will not only gain valuable insights and support but also contribute to a collective effort to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We are confident that, together, they will maximize their potential and make their local impact global,” she added.
The Obama Foundation Scholars program at Columbia University will host 12 Scholars from 12 different countries.
They will engage in a comprehensive program designed to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and develop new capabilities and networks to amplify their global understanding and impact.
As a cohort, the Scholars will participate in weekly seminars, personal and professional development workshops, audit courses, and other specialized programs created in close collaboration with the Foundation.
