Non-profit organisation DotConnectAfrica (DCA) has launched the Miss.Africa initiative, a US$5,000 seed fund supporting women and girls in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to launch or expand their projects.
DCA is launching the Miss.Africa seed fund through its DCA Academy programme, with the grant of US$5,000 to be awarded to selected winners in February of next year.
“The programme is interested in learning about successful activities that are currently supporting women and girls in STEM, and through this effort, we identify how we might support scalability and their impacts,” DCA said.
Applications open on July 1 and close on November 15, with interested parties encouraged to send an expression of interest (EOI) to eoi@dotconnectafrica.org. To apply, applicants must be a current resident of an African country, submit their application in English, be applying as an individual of at least 18 years of age or as a representative of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) or social enterprise based in Africa.
Also required is an ability to demonstrate previous experience conducting activities supporting women and girls in computer science or STEM fields, a commitment to developing and contributing to a virtual community for supporting women and girls initiatives, and demonstrated leadership potential.
“Proposed projects must have a tangible impact for women and girls in computer science and/or STEM- related fields,” DCA said.
“Preference will be given to projects that target underserved populations and locations, take a collaborative approach, have a high potential for growth and present an innovative use of technology.”
