Enabling learning: Attending the launch of the Dell Young Leaders programme on 22 April were (from left) Tamara Esau, Janet Mountain, Caitlin Baron of the Dell Foundation, and Dr Jim McNamara (Development and Alumni Department).

Twenty-five new UCT students will be fully supported by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation through their Dell Young Leaders programme, which they are introducing to South Africa.

But the support isn't purely financial. The programme takes a 'wrap-around' approach, equipping students to graduate, gain employment and achieve professionally in the long term. This means students receive backing not only in terms of tuition fees, but also with technology, resources and mentoring to ensure they have the support they need to graduate and enter the workforce successfully.

Initially aimed at commerce and law students, the scholarships (worth R150 000 each) will be awarded to students who have shown extraordinary potential, but who don't have the financial means to study at tertiary level.

"The Dell Young Leaders programme is an opportunity for us to help build future leaders of South Africa by ensuring talented students are not locked out because of financial hurdles," says Michael Dell, co-founder of the Dell Family Foundation. "We are very excited to be working with UCT, given its reputation for supporting first-generation university students who develop into competent and capable graduates."

The foundation's focus is to improve the lives of children living in urban poverty around the world. With offices in Austin in the US, Cape Town, and New Delhi in India, it funds programmes that foster high-quality public education and childhood health, and which improve the economic stability of families living in poverty. The foundation has committed more than $650 million to global children's issues and community initiatives to date.