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SciMathUS launches #ChangingLives campaign
Author: Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni
Published: 03/06/2021

​The SciMathUS Programme (Science and Mathematics at Stellenbosch University) in collaboration with the University's Development and Alumni Relations Division, has launched its #ChangingLives campaign to celebrate the programme passing its 20-year milestone in 2020 and ensure its financial sustainability going forward.

Presented by the Stellenbosch University Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP), this programme annually offers 100 learners, who have already passed Grade 12, but do not qualify for higher education selection or did not gain access to courses with high entry requirements, a second opportunity to improve their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results in mathematics, physical sciences and accounting to enable them to re-apply for university programmes; specifically those focusing on STEM related fields. Established in 2001 with a mere 40 students partaking, SciMathUS has grown to help 1 697 young people change the trajectory of their lives. No fewer than 398 students have gone on to obtain a degree at SU, and 124 postgraduate degrees have been awarded, including four doctorates.

“SciMathUS is fully dependant on philanthropic donations to ensure that students from educationally disadvantaged environments get a second chance to improve their NSC marks. Together with the University's Development and Alumni Relations Division, we want to ensure that SciMathUS grows from strength to strength. The aim is to make sure that the programme, with support from all stakeholders, continues to create even more opportunities for students to reach their full academic potential over the next 20 years," says Nokwanda Siyengo, SciMathUS Programme Manager.

In a recent video, Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, paid tribute to all those involved with this programme. “Allow me to pay tribute to everyone involved with SciMathUS the past two decades: The students and their families, all the staff members throughout the years, and of course, the donors and friends of the programme for their loyal support."

He added: “With your help, we can ensure that many more young people from under-resourced environments gain access to higher education and become economically active citizens contributing to the knowledge economy." Be sure to watch his video here.

 

Over the next 20 weeks, SciMathUS will be sharing videos and stories of their past students with Stellenbosch University alumni, friends of the University and donors. You can follow the #ChangingLives campaign on social media, share with your network or make a financial contribution via the SciMathUS GivenGain fundraising page, SnapScan or the University's website (just pick the “SUNCEP" option).

You can follow SciMathUS on the following channels: