Short Story
This project aims to provide new laptops with quality software and funding for internet data for students to prepare for university during the online Ashinaga Academic Preparation Year. During the Ashinaga Preparation Year, we prepare the US-bound Ashinaga Scholars to apply to US universities and provide them with tools to succeed academically at their specific university. We create customized curricula for each scholar, in consultation with various hosting universities, and based on each scholar’s background. We focus on Math, Writing, and Academic Research by partnering with educational organizations that offer free online resources such as Steve Menking Tutoring, Pioneer Academics, Horizon Inspires, Khan Academy, Scribbr and IXL.Â
Use of Funds
- Laptops for 10 students from Botswana, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, and Zambia
- Software according to students’ intended majors (e.g., software engineering)
- Funding for internet data in students’ home countries for the duration of Ashinaga Academic Preparation Year (12 months)
Metrics
We are raising funds for our incoming students to use laptops and access the internet during their Preparation Year. Preparation Year is a full-time, 40-hour per week commitment during which Candidates work on their university applications and academic preparation through online coursework, with the Ashinaga USA team’s coaching and support. To support 10 students during the 2025-2026 Preparation Year, our goal is to raise $15,000 to cover the costs of new laptops and data.
Project Contact Person and Info
Lynne Stillings, PhD (Director, Ashinaga USA); stillings.l@ashinaga.org
Use Of Funds
Use Of Funds
Impact Metrics
This project aims to provide new laptops with quality software and funding for internet data for students to prepare for university during the online Ashinaga Academic Preparation Year. During the Ashinaga Preparation Year, we prepare the US-bound Ashinaga Scholars to apply to US universities and provide them with tools to succeed academically at their specific university. We create customized curricula for each scholar, in consultation with various hosting universities, and based on each scholar’s background. We focus on Math, Writing, and Academic Research by partnering with educational organizations that offer free online resources such as Steve Menking Tutoring, Pioneer Academics, Horizon Inspires, Khan Academy, Scribbr and IXL.Â
Use of Funds
- Laptops for 10 students from Botswana, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, and Zambia
- Software according to students’ intended majors (e.g., software engineering)
- Funding for internet data in students’ home countries for the duration of Ashinaga Academic Preparation Year (12 months)
Metrics
We are raising funds for our incoming students to use laptops and access the internet during their Preparation Year. Preparation Year is a full-time, 40-hour per week commitment during which Candidates work on their university applications and academic preparation through online coursework, with the Ashinaga USA team’s coaching and support. To support 10 students during the 2025-2026 Preparation Year, our goal is to raise $15,000 to cover the costs of new laptops and data.
Project Contact Person and Info
Lynne Stillings, PhD (Director, Ashinaga USA); stillings.l@ashinaga.org
Story
Ashinaga USA represents the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) in the US. We support high-achieving, low-income students from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. At Ashinaga USA, we measure impact in two ways:
- Access to higher education for high-achieving, low-income students;
- Our Graduates’ contribution to social change and development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Student Story: One of our students, Lakshanah from Mauritius, is a freshman at Tufts University. Last year, Lakshanah completed the Ashinaga Preparation Year curriculum to prepare her for her first year at university in the US. Lakshanah will double major in Cognitive and Brain Science and Math, with a minor in Music, having earned straight A’s in her first year at university.Â
This campaign will support the academic preparation of our next cohort of brilliant students and help them hit the ground running when they arrive on campus!
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