Press Release:

Applications open for fifth annual ISPA Inspires educational sponorship

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ISPA says smart young South Africans aspiring to careers in the ICT (Information and Communications Technologies) industry can submit their applications for consideration for the fifth instalment of the ISPA Inspires educational sponsorship from Monday, 2 September 2024.

ISPA is South Africa’s official internet Industry Representative Body (IRB) and the ISPA Inspires sponsorship opportunity helps showcase promising future ICT sector entrants to ISPA’s 235 members while creating industry access points for young people with a passion for ICT.

“South Africa’s most forward-thinking tech and telecoms firms are very likely to be ISPA members and this membership base remains dedicated to fostering the growth of young South African ICT talent,” says Sasha Booth-Beharilal, ISPA chair.

Aurora Vani, chairperson of ISPA’s Social Development Working Group says: “ISPA is committed to empowering the next generation of ICT professionals. The ISPA Inspires educational sponsorship programme provides vital support for aspiring students and strengthens our community by fostering growth and innovation within the sector.”

Thembelihle Mzobe, Mduduzi Shangase (2024), Maile Selala, Ruchelle Coetzee (2023), Tracey Bungu (2022), Fabian Brijlal and Jordy Kafwe (2021) are the young tech superstars that have been recipients of this funding program that has helped propel them towards rewarding careers in ICT.

To be considered for the ISPA Inspires bursaries for the 2025 academic year, please visit the ISPA Inspires website and ensure that you submit your application before 30 October 2024.

Sponsorship is available to applicants from universities, TVET and technical colleges, as well as from any institution providing accredited ICT training or sector-specific courses that aim to address South Africa’s skills shortage.

This social development programme aimed at assisting promising South African youth has had a ripple effect of encouraging grant recipients to complete advanced diplomas, bachelor and masters degrees, as well as to enter intern programmes at prospective employers.

As a recent graduate noted: “My goal is to make a meaningful contribution to the field of ICT and leverage my education to drive innovation in the industry. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities ISPA has provided and I’m now excited about the future.”

Who should apply:

• South African citizens.
• Individuals 35 years of age or younger.
• Current or prospective undergraduate students enrolled for the 2025 academic year at a South African TVET college, university, registered private college, or registered higher educational institution.
• Applicants enrolled or planning to enrol in a field of study related to ICT.

Note:

• Postgraduates and students already funded by an existing bursary or scholarship are not eligible for this grant.
• Previous experience in the information technology industry is not a prerequisite for applying.
• Priority will be given to previously disadvantaged individuals.

ISPA Inspires is ISPA’s commitment to providing the support and resources necessary for young individuals to turn their aspirations into reality. To learn more, please visit: ispa.org.za/social-development.

Further Information

For further information, please contact the ISPA secretariat on the Contact ISPA page.