From Uganda to New York University, Abu Dhabi: Claire Nsaba’s Equity Leaders Program Journey

Claire Nsaba, an ELP Scholar joined New York University, Abu Dubai campus to study Environmental Engineering says her journey hasn’t been easy, facing rejections from some universities and missing other opportunities was disheartening. But through mentorship and support from Equity, she learned that rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough; it can be life redirecting you to something better.

Claire is among 128 scholars from our ELP program who are joining leading universities on full scholarship.

‘’We are excited to celebrate Claire Nsaba, a scholar from the Equity Leaders Program (ELP), who has earned a full scholarship to New York University, Abu Dhabi Campus. Claire is one of 128 outstanding ELP scholars joining top universities around the world. Her journey is a shining example of talent, resilience, and the transformative impact of the Equity Leaders Program’’, wrote Equity Bank Uganda on their social media platforms.

Nsaba’s story is inspired by what’s possible with determination and opportunity.

Applying to New York University was her last attempt, and it worked. Now, she is pursuing her passion for a unique kind of engineering, proof that persistence and faith can open doors you never imagined.

Claire Nsaba hails from Kisoro District; she is an alumnus of Mary Hill High School who scored 20 points in the 2023 UNEB exams.

128 Equity Leadership Program scholars secured admission and scholarships to join 62 global universities located in 19 countries around the world.

The scholars secured scholarships valued at Ksh. 2,791,962,093 (USD 21,643,117) for the 4-year duration of their undergraduate studies, and each scholar will receive an airlift token of up to Kshs. 200,000 to support their transition into the global universities.

With this year’s admissions, a total of 1098 students successfully received admission to prestigious universities on fully funded scholarships. This intake included 16 students who joined Ivy League Universities including: Columbia University (1), Harvard University (4), Princeton University (8) and University of Pennsylvania (3).

The Equity Leaders Program (ELP) is an initiative of the Equity Group Foundation, established in 1998 to cultivate a new generation of future leaders. By identifying and nurturing top-performing students nationally from within Equity Group’s subsidiaries, ELP has become a catalyst for transformative change.

The Program was launched in Uganda in 2022 and has since admitted 419 scholars, with 13 currently studying in various Global universities in the USA, Russia, German and Mauritius while others are studying at local universities in Uganda.

This rigorous program is designed to equip young minds with the leadership skills, knowledge, and networks essential to drive sustainable economic growth and social progress across the continent. Through a holistic approach that encompasses academic excellence, character development, and practical experience, ELP aims to foster a community of interconnected leaders poised to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.