Blossom Academy has secured a grant from the Internet Society Foundation for its “Building Data Professionals for Internet Opportunities” program. This funding will enable the organization to equip underemployed professionals in Ghana with essential data and leadership skills, helping them unlock freelance and consulting opportunities and ultimately increase their incomes.
As part of the program, Blossom Academy aims to recruit and develop 150 underemployed Ghanaian professionals, with a goal of achieving 50% female participation over the next two years. The academy is committed to ensuring that 90% of students graduate from the program, with 80% securing full-time, remote freelance, or consulting opportunities. Participants will receive tailored career support and mentorship, with the goal of helping them double their income within a year of completing the program. To further support graduates’ success, Blossom Academy will create ongoing professional development opportunities, including partnerships with platforms like DataCamp Donates to provide additional learning resources. Graduates will also gain access to Blossom’s alumni community, which includes over 400 data professionals working in various roles across the globe.
Despite the promise of growth in the digital economy, Africa faces a significant skills gap. According to a report by the African Development Bank, about 65% of young Africans are unemployed or underemployed, with a lack of digital skills being a primary barrier to employment. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2030, 230 million jobs could be created in Africa, provided there is a concerted effort to develop the necessary skills. Initiatives like Blossom Academy’s are crucial in addressing this gap, providing training that not only enhances individual prospects but also contributes to the broader economic landscape.
The Internet Society Foundation’s Strengthening Communities/Improving Lives and Livelihoods (SCILLS) grant program provides grants of up to $250,000 to programs that expand economic growth and increase educational opportunities by empowering individuals and communities to use the internet more knowledgeably and skillfully. Other Ghana-focused grantees for the 2024 cycle include Dreamoval Foundation, Tech4Dev, and the University of Ghana.
