The Mpala Graduate Student Scholarship Program is a transformative initiative that empowers African students to pursue higher education and conduct cutting-edge research at Mpala. Our scholarship program is built on a foundation of educational empowerment, research innovation, and conservation stewardship.
Scholarship Overview
The Mpala Graduate Student Scholarship Program offers full scholarships to recent outstanding university graduates in Kenya. These scholarships cover tuition, stipends, room and board at Mpala, and fieldwork costs, providing students with the resources they need to excel in their academic and research endeavors.
Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous and designed to identify the most promising scholars from Kenya:
- Mpala solicits nominations from faculty members at Kenyan universities.
- Nominees attended a weeklong symposium at Mpala which includes workshops on research project design, how to apply for scholarships, CV writing and interview preparation.
- Nominees are invited to submit written applications and attend oral interviews.
This year, the best two applications were selected by a committee consisting of Mpala executives and scholars. In the future we hope to have more scholarships to award.
Meet the Current Scholarship Recipients
Samuel Kiuna – grew up in Nyahururu, Kenya. He completed his undergraduate studies at Karatina University where he studied Natural Resource Management with a focus on Wildlife Management. Through the Mpala scholarship he has just begun his MSc at Karatina University. His proposed research project is entitled, “Optimizing rangeland restoration through movable cattle corrals.” Sam’s study will look at how livestock management practices can maximize rangeland productivity, biodiversity, and wildlife conservation.
“I am deeply grateful for this scholarship. It is not just a financial award; it’s a token of opportunity, personal growth, and a hope for a more promising future, especially by being at Mpala, because Mpala offers a great opportunity to meet and interact with researchers from all over the world. It provides a space to receive mentorship, and an opportunity to engage in collaborative research. It is my responsibility to use this opportunity to its fullest, both for my benefit and the betterment of the world around me.”
~ Sam Kiuna
Learn more about Sam’s journey here
Chrispin Odhiambo – grew up in Homa Bay, Kenya. He completed his undergraduate degree at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Environmental Science and will soon begin his MSc at the same university. His proposed research project is entitled, “Understanding the influence of precipitation patterns on vegetation cover at Mpala Research Centre, Kenya.” Chrispin’s project promises to provide critical insights into how climate change affects vegetation dynamics, ultimately contributing to our understanding of ecosystem resilience.
“Receiving the Mpala Graduate Student Scholarship means more to me than words can express. It signifies an incredible opportunity for personal and academic growth. This scholarship will enable me to pursue my passion for wildlife conservation and ecology without the financial constraints that often hinder such pursuits. It means the chance to engage in impactful research, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to the broader mission of conserving our planet’s biodiversity. It is not just financial support; it’s a life-changing opportunity to make a real difference in the world of conservation, and I am profoundly grateful for the doors it opens and the potential it represents.”
-Chrispin Odhiambo
Learn more about Chrispin’s journey here
Impact
Through the Mpala Graduate School Scholarship, we aim to grow the network of African researchers crucial for addressing the global challenges of our time. Africa holds immense potential to enhance the world’s scientific knowledge, through the Mpala Graduate Student Scholarship, we are not just investing in individuals; we are unlocking the potential to shape a positive impact on our collective future.
Fundraising Campaign 2023
We invite you to be part of our mission to continue empowering Kenyan students through the Mpala Graduate Student Scholarship Program. Join us in our end-of-year fundraiser, which will take place in early December 2023. Your support, whether through donations, attendance, or spreading the word is invaluable in shaping the future of research and education in Kenya.
Join us in transforming lives, nurturing brilliance, and shaping the future of research and conservation in Africa. Together, we can make a lasting impact through the Mpala Graduate Student Scholarship Program. Visit our donation page and help to make a difference in a young person’s life.