Realise Your Potential

GETTING TO UNIVERSITY GRADUATION AND INTO A MEANINGFUL CAREER IS NOT ALWAYS EASY.

That’s why we select low-income students from leading universities in South Africa to become Dell Young Leaders. We help these students with the challenges they encounter on their journey, supporting them through university and into the world of work.

We are not a traditional scholarship programme. As a Dell Young Leader, you join a community of driven students who are committed to achieving their goals.

The programme is relationship-based,
offering personalised advice and resources in these areas:

Ongoing progress check-ins, coaching and academic resources

“I changed my degree, and that change came with implications and financial concerns. But the Dell Young Leaders team said, ‘don’t you worry about a single thing.’ They advised me on my options in terms of my academic credits, and what would be the best decision for my career in the future. To me, that academic guidance was invaluable.”

– Sitha Philip

Allocations for textbooks, food, transport and advice on other financial matters

“The Dell Young Leaders programme invested in me from day one. That includes financially: be it transport to a job interview, funds for tutoring, or emergency resources to meet my basic needs on campus. I’m about to become a first-generation graduate and with the programme’s support, I’m now able to be a beacon of inspiration for other people.”

– Kamvelihle Mangqishi

1:1 campus support, Alumni mentorship programme, everyday health guidance

“Coping under the pressure of exams, especially in your final year, can be a challenge. But the Dell Young Leaders programme offers 1:1 check-ins and resources to help. The programme’s resources on physical wellness exercises and healthy eating tips have helped me stay in good shape physically and mentally, and improved my confidence to perform in my exams.”

– Anele Madondo

Skill, leadership, and network development, plus support for interviews

“I was very anxious about getting a job. I attended workshops with the Dell Young Leaders programmes team that prepared me for the world of work. I had 1:1 career guidance to work on my CV and get feedback on my interview technique, which made me able to compete for top employment opportunities. When I got into work, those lessons made me stand out.”

– Vincent Magagula

Meet Our Leaders

First-generation students from low-income backgrounds have the odds stacked against them for success at university. Through programme support, Dell Young Leaders graduate from leading universities in South Africa and continue their journey as programme Alumni, furthering their studies or succeeding in careers with leading employers.

Career Insights Series: Amy on Finding the Right Work Environment

Dell Young Leaders alum Amy shares her advice on finding the right work environment.

Career Insights Series: Yonela on Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace

Dell Young Leaders alum Yonela shares more on emotional intelligence in the workplace, and advice on what university students can do now to begin to develop this important skill.

Career Insights Series: Noloyiso on Working in Data Analytics

Dell Young Leaders alumni provide guidance to students on their career journey and how to prepare for the world of work.

See More Stories

OUR STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM

The programmes team is available both on and off-campus to provide 1:1 guidance, during Dell Young Leaders’ time at university and in the world of work.