​​​​Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (MSDF) recently announced the launch of the Dell Young Leaders programme at SU. The programme will enable Stellenbosch students from low-income backgrounds to receive increased support towards university graduation.

The inaugural class of 100 qualifying first-years were announced in early November. Over a period of five years, the programme seeks to benefit 1 000 Dell Young Leaders at Maties.  

Dell Young Leaders typically come from low-income communities and are the first in their families to attend university, so earning a degree is an essential step towards prosperity. The programme offers support to students where it is most needed, helping them overcome their individual challenges so they can graduate from university and move on to a meaningful career. To date, 97% of Dell Young Leaders have either graduated or are still actively pursuing their studies, and 98% of graduates are employed or are pursuing further study.  

The Dell Young Leaders programme — which has been running in South Africa for the past decade — selects students enrolled for professional degrees to receive a top-up scholarship that covers the gap in their full cost of university attendance. Students also receive ongoing, targeted and personalised advice and on-campus resources from dedicated programme staff. This includes mentorship, academic support, wellness resources, leadership development, career coaching and graduate job placement. Ultimately, the programme helps students with challenges they encounter on their journey to graduation and into the world of work.

“We are continuously inspired by the driven students in our programme, who overcome immense odds to make not only their lives, but also the lives of their families and communities better," said Helen Vaughan, programme manager of MSDF's University Success portfolio in South Africa. “We are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with SU and assist more students to graduate, secure meaningful employment and become leaders in their chosen professions."

In the spirit of ensuring that more students thrive, SU has committed to allocating increased scholarship funds of its own to grow the number of students who will benefit from this programme, thereby doubling up on student success.

“We are excited at the possibility of extending our scholarship offering for students from low-income backgrounds at our university through a comprehensive, multilayered support programme in partnership with MSDF's Dell Young Leaders programme," said Prof Wim de Villiers, SU's Rector and Vice-Chancellor. “The Dell Young Leaders programme is a vehicle to help SU fulfil its core strategic objectives. At SU, we value our students and are committed to delivering a transformative student experience to each one of them."

This latest initiative is in addition to several of SU's ongoing efforts to drive student success and ensure that the University is accessible to qualifying students from all backgrounds, particularly those facing barriers to success in university education.

According to Karen Bruns, SU's senior director of Development and Alumni Relations, the SU–MSDF partnership is a perfect fit: “This partnership will certainly improve outcomes for students who become Dell Young Leaders, and will benefit their families in the long run. This resonates strongly with SU's intention of having a positive social impact and ensuring that our students help grow our national economy with appropriate skills gained both from our curricula and alongside their formal education."