The Back to Inspire: From Here to There initiative is a national mentorship program designed to connect alumni with students in Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) across Ghana. Led by the Mastercard Foundation Alumni Network – Ghana Chapter, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and T-TEL, this initiative aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunities.
Unlike traditional opportunities such as scholarships or internships, this program focuses on mentorship and knowledge-sharing, giving alumni the chance to directly influence the next generation by sharing their lived experiences, career journeys, and lessons learned.
About the Opportunity
The Back to Inspire initiative is built on the belief that alumni are powerful agents of change. Having successfully navigated the education system and transitioned into careers or entrepreneurship, alumni are uniquely positioned to guide current students.
Through this program, selected alumni will return to their former schools—or support schools within their regions—to engage with students through mentorship activities. These engagements may include career talks, one-on-one mentoring, group sessions, and guidance on educational pathways.
The initiative particularly focuses on supporting students in underserved or hard-to-reach communities, where access to mentorship and career guidance is often limited. By bringing alumni back into schools, the program creates a bridge between aspiration and opportunity, helping students better understand their future possibilities.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Many students in Ghana, particularly in underserved communities, lack access to relatable mentors, accurate career information, and practical guidance on life after school. This often leads to uncertainty and missed opportunities.
Back to Inspire addresses this challenge by connecting students with alumni who have walked the same path. By sharing lived experiences, mentors can:
- Demystify career and education pathways
- Build students’ confidence and aspirations
- Strengthen school-level mentoring systems
- Support smoother transitions into higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship
This initiative is not just about mentorship—it is about creating a ripple effect of knowledge, inspiration, and opportunity across generations.
What You’ll Gain
While this is a volunteer-based initiative, the benefits go far beyond financial rewards. Participants will gain:
- Leadership and Mentorship Experience – Strengthen your ability to guide, coach, and inspire young people
- Personal Fulfillment – Make a tangible difference in students’ lives and contribute to national development
- Professional Growth – Enhance your communication, leadership, and facilitation skills
- Expanded Network – Connect with fellow alumni, educators, and national education stakeholders
- Recognition and Impact – Be part of a nationally recognized initiative shaping the future of education in Ghana
Additionally, selected alumni will receive training, safeguarding guidance, and facilitation support, ensuring they are well-prepared to engage effectively with students.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open to:
- Mastercard Foundation alumni in Ghana
- Individuals willing to return to their former SHS/SHTS or support schools in their region
- Alumni interested in mentoring and engaging with students
- Those passionate about youth development, education, and career guidance
- Individuals ready to contribute to a collaborative, national initiative
No prior mentoring experience is required—just a willingness to give back and inspire.
Application Process and Deadline
Interested alumni are required to express their interest by completing a short online form. This initial step helps organizers:
- Understand alumni backgrounds and school affiliations
- Identify available resources and mentorship gaps
- Plan coordinated engagement with schools
After submission:
- Alumni data will inform school selection and rollout planning
- Selected participants will receive onboarding and guidance
- Mentorship engagements will begin after final selections
Before applying, read the official brief. After, you can apply via the official interest form.
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