Science and Technology: a Moroccan woman selected to participate in a program in the United States

The Obama Foundation announced that Imane Berchane, co-founder of Robots & More and co-founder of LOOP For Science & Technology, will be part of its seventh Obama Scholars cohort, comprised of 30 emerging leaders from around the world who will participate in an immersive program at Columbia University in the City of New York or the University of Chicago for the 2024-2025 academic year. Imane Berchane, a commitment beyond borders Imane Berchane, a social entrepreneur in the field of technology, a STEM advocate and an alumna of the TechWomen program, works to advance gender equality and social equality in Africa. Leveraging her private educational technology company and non-profit organization, Imane aims to provide underprivileged students with skills for the future through access to STEM education. It has partnered with the Moroccan Ministry of Education and international sponsors to introduce STEM programs in more than 180 schools, train 500 teachers and increase girls’ participation in STEM education programs to more than 50%. Despite reaching over 21,000 people, Imane’s organizations continue to experience high demand for this program, and she is seeking this opportunity through the Scholars program to reformulate their vision and strategy, explore new funding models, and foster new partnerships to deepen their reach into existing communities and expand their interventions across the African region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast. The Obama Scholars Program plays a key role in fulfilling the Obama Foundation’s mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders. Founded in 2018, the program allows fellows from around the world to gain practical skills, tools and experiences that will amplify their impact when they return to their communities. Support focused on leadership Throughout the academic year, students will participate in academic, skills-based and experiential learning opportunities on their campuses, organized by Columbia University and the University of Chicago, in collaboration with the Obama Foundation. The Obama Foundation provides leadership development training, access to a global network, and personalized support that brings both cohorts together to further enrich their education after graduation. “We are thrilled to welcome another group of exceptional changemakers to the Obama Foundation family,” said CEO Valerie Jarrett. And added: “These fellows bring with them a wealth of talent, passion and a deep commitment to making a difference in their communities and beyond. By joining our global network of leaders, they will not only gain valuable knowledge and support, but also contribute to a collective effort to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We are confident that together they will maximize their potential and turn their local impact into a global one.” A comprehensive program The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University will host 12 scholars from 12 different countries. They will immerse themselves in a comprehensive program designed to strengthen their knowledge, skills and develop new capabilities and networks to amplify their understanding and global impact. As a cohort, fellows will participate in weekly seminars, personal and professional development workshops, audit courses and other specialized programs created in close collaboration with the Foundation. The Obama Foundation Scholars Program is the Obama Foundation’s only international cross-regional leadership program, uniquely designed to connect dynamic leaders across geographies and themes. Launched in 2018, this innovative nine-month immersive academic and leadership experience is offered in partnership with the University of Chicago and Columbia University. The program empowers individuals with a proven commitment to service by equipping them with the tools, networks and values-based leadership skills needed to tackle complex global challenges. Through a blend of academic coursework, experiential learning, and the Foundation’s comprehensive leadership development program, Fellows gain practical knowledge and mentorship that prepares them to lead impactful change in their communities and beyond.