M.A.T.C.H. connects early-career African women in STEM to experienced mentors, peer support, and real career pathways — because a degree alone shouldn't be the ceiling.
Across Africa, women are entering STEM in growing numbers — but most never build lasting careers in the field. The barrier isn't access to education. It's what happens after: no mentor, no network, no bridge between the classroom and the workplace.
In Nigeria alone, women make up just 25% of STEM students, and fewer than half see themselves in STEM careers long-term. Existing programs address only technical skills — ignoring the confidence, community, and career navigation that actually determine who stays and who leaves.
M.A.T.C.H. was designed specifically around these lived gaps.
Women make up just 25% of STEM students in Nigeria — and fewer than half see themselves in STEM careers long-term
Between graduation and employment: no mentors, no networks, no workplace exposure
Is the structured bridge — combining mentorship, community, and career support in one 10-week program
M.A.T.C.H. is a 10-week, fully virtual program that pairs early-career STEM women with experienced mentors from the global African diaspora. It's not just mentorship — it's a complete career support ecosystem.
Matched with a senior woman in your exact STEM domain — from the global African diaspora — for personalised, field-specific guidance.
Structured sessions on career navigation, salary negotiation, interview prep, and professional presence — skills no university teaches.
A buddy system, cohort community, and points-based engagement model that rewards showing up, reflecting, and growing together.
Real company connections, internship pathways, and portfolio development that opens doors beyond the classroom.
"It was a gentle reminder that careers are never built alone. Mentors, role models, and community support quietly shape the risks we take, the doors we knock on, and the courage we bring into rooms where we might be the first."
Elbethel was matched with Rosalia Joseph — from Namibia, the first female entomologist from her country, now completing her PhD at the University of Greenwich. Two years after the program ended, they ran into each other in person in the UK — still in each other's corner, still growing.
Our mentors are accomplished professionals across data, product, engineering and research — volunteering their time to walk alongside early-career women in STEM.
Pay forward the support you wish you'd had. Cohort 4 mentor applications open in 2026.
Apply as Mentor →Applications open in 2026. Program delivery in 2027. Nigeria-focused. 40 participants.