The philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company will be offering the global programme that empowers students to improve their communities through sustainability projects across universities in four countries.
As part of the C3 programme, university students are required to take the leadership role in all aspects of their project, from design to implementation. Potential areas of focus include alternative energy, environmental sustainability, agriculture, mobility, water conservation or economic development.
Student-led community projects will be chosen in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa that address critical local needs and create a more sustainable place to live and work.
Introduction of the C3 programme builds on Ford’s increasing community presence in the Middle East and Africa region.
“As we expand in Africa, we are delivering on our commitment to create a better world by improving the communities where we do business,” said Jim Benintende, president of Ford’s Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in a press statement.
Ford is collaborating on the programme with Enactus, a global NGO that brings together students, academic professionals and business leaders who are committed to using entrepreneurial action to improve lives.
Over the past eight years, Ford Fund has provided more than $1.7 million to student teams as grants. In 2014, the C3 programme expanded internationally for the first time, partnering with Enactus to include communities in Brazil and China.