Monrovia, Liberia – Twenty-four (24) young Liberians have been granted overseas scholarships by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) to study master’s degrees in STEM fields in Asia and Africa. As stated in the company’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), the scholarships are given out under the AML Advanced Academic Scholarship Program.
The educational programs are a reflection of AML’s ongoing commitment to training the next generation of competent professionals in Liberia. 99 Liberians have benefited from the scholarship program since it began in 2012, and AML has invested more than US$2.8 million to pay for living expenses, tuition, travel, research, and other academic fees.
Speaking at the award ceremony, ArcelorMittal Liberia Chief Executive Officer Michiel Van Der Merwe reaffirmed the company’s commitment to education and national development. “Through the Advanced Academic Scholarship Program, we are helping to develop the talent and expertise Liberia will rely on for decades to come. This is an investment in the future of our country and its people,” Van Der Merwe said.
Selah Ngangawulor commended ArcelorMittal and the Liberian government on behalf of the honorees, promising that they are committed to their education and return to support Liberia’s progress.
A multi-stakeholder committee made up of officials from the National Bureau of Concessions, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Education, Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa Counties, and ArcelorMittal Liberia oversees the AAASP. Academic reviews, written tests, essays, and interviews are all part of the rigorous and open procedure used to choose recipients.
The 24 scholarship recipients are pursuing advanced master’s degrees in a variety of fields, such as Transportation Engineering, Geotechnical Soil Science, Energy Systems Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, Industrial Chemistry, Public Health, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Food Engineering, Forensic Science, GIS and Remote Sensing, Pathology, Cybersecurity, Environmental Health and Safety, AI and Data Science, and Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
The initiative, which was started in 2012, helps exceptional Liberian students who want to pursue advanced degrees in STEM and related fields abroad. The program’s objective is to enhance Liberia’s human capital and train highly qualified professionals to support the nation’s long-term economic development.
