Mastercard Foundation Associates Program | Mastercard Foundation

Mastercard Foundation Associates Program

A young woman in professional attire at a conference for the Associates Program, in Senegal 2025.

Status

active

Period

Ongoing

Focus Areas

Refugees and Displaced Persons Disability Inclusion Education and Transitions
Associates Program group picture from cohort 3 in Nairobi, Kenya.

About the Program

The Mastercard Foundation Associates Program connects talented young people with 12-month internships across Africa. The program works through partnerships with external organizations and Foundation partner organizations to support Associates in developing leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skills following graduation.

Discover the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program

Learn how this program supports young leaders’ transition to meaningful careers and provides a valuable resource for employers looking to engage with our impactful initiatives.

Since 2023, more than 1,000 Associates in 22 countries have participated in the program, including young women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and internally displaced persons.

Who Can Apply

  • Recent graduates with 0–2 years of work experience
  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Alumni
  • Alumni of Mastercard Foundation programs
  • Young people, age 18 to 35, across Africa seeking meaningful early‑career experience

Our Commitment to Inclusion

The Associates Program is inclusive and ensures participation from young women, young people with disabilities, and refugees and internally displaced persons.

Past participants of the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program

A young woman from the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program cohort 3 in Senegal smiling and wearing a blue dress and head covering. A young woman addressing a group of people holding a microphone, for the Mastercard Foundation Associates Program in Nairobi, Kenya.

What Participants Gain

  • Illustration of two people with a check mark in the middle, above an illustration of a handshake

    12‑month internship placement

  • Hands typing on a keyboard illustration in black line

    Hands‑on work experience

  • An illustration of a person inside a gear with a checkmark beside it

    Leadership, employability, and entrepreneurship skill‑building

  • Illustration of two people talking with word bubbles over their heads

    Mentorship and professional networks

  • A black line illustration of a hand supporting dollars, shield and briefcase.

    A stipend is provided for the duration of the internship.

  • Handshake illustration in grey and orange line work

    Career transition support

Program Journey

  1. Recruitment & Selection
  2. Placement in Internship Roles
  3. Transition Pathways

How to Apply

Applicants may apply directly through the application links depending on their country of residence, or they can apply for remote roles. Roles will be posted on an ongoing basis.

Applicants can access tips and guidance joining the Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community on LinkedIn.

Where to Apply

Please apply for roles based only in your country of residence or remote roles.

Program Partners

Resources

For program tips, additional program information and downloadable materials please visit the Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community on LinkedIn.

The Mastercard Foundation Transitions Community on LinkedIn
Associates Program in Senegal, a young man smiles while sitting with a group at a table

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about eligibility, application process, placements, and accessibility.

Read the frequently asked questions
Two young women engaged in conversation at a table in a busy conference room, Mastercard Foundation Associates Program, Accra, Ghana.

Learn More About Our Work in Education and Transitions

Facilitating young people’s pathways from education to dignified and fulfilling work and entrepreneurship.

Learn more
Schoolchildren working around a desk.