(Monrovia, Montserrado) ─ ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), has awarded foreign scholarships to twenty-four (24) young Liberians to pursue master’s degrees in various science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines in Asia and Africa. The scholarships are awarded under the AML Advanced Academic Scholarship Program, which is a commitment under the company’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
The courses of studies reflect AML’s continued investment in developing Liberia’s next generation of skilled professionals. Since the program’s launch in 2012, 99 Liberians have benefited from the scholarship initiative, with AML investing more than US$2.8 million to cover tuition, living expenses, travel, research, and other academic costs.
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.
On behalf of the recipients, Selah Ngangawulor thanked ArcelorMittal and the Government of Liberia for the opportunity, pledging that the scholarship recipients would remain dedicated to their studies and return to contribute to Liberia’s development.
The AAASP is administered by a multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Ministry of Education, National Bureau of Concessions, Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa Counties, and ArcelorMittal Liberia. Recipients are selected through a rigorous and transparent process that includes academic reviews, written assessments, essays, and interviews.
The 24 scholarship recipients are pursuing advanced master’s degrees across a wide range of disciplines, including Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering), 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, Transportation Engineering, Geotechnical Soil Science, Energy Systems Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, Analytical Chemistry, and Climate Change and Sustainable Development.
About the Advanced Academic Scholarship Program
Established in 2012, the program supports outstanding Liberian students pursuing advanced studies overseas in STEM and related disciplines. The program aims to strengthen Liberia’s human capital and prepare highly skilled professionals to contribute to the country’s long-term economic growth and development.
