Bank of Georgia, UN Women and Mastercard Launch AI Scholarship for Women

Bank of Georgia's AI Scholarship: What It Offers and How to Apply

Bank of Georgia, in collaboration with UN Women and Mastercard, has introduced a new scholarship program aimed at women who want to learn artificial intelligence. The initiative, called "AI Scholarship for Girls," offers 100% funding for AI courses at 10 partner professional academies across Georgia. The program is open to any woman interested in AI, with no prior professional experience or tech background required. Each academy sets its own selection criteria, and applicants are evaluated based on their motivation and potential.

To apply, candidates must visit the scholarship website, choose a preferred academy and course, and submit a motivation letter explaining their interest and how they plan to use the knowledge gained. After applications are received, academies review them according to predefined criteria, which may include additional testing or professional skills assessments. The program is designed to make AI education accessible to a broader group of women, helping them gain skills that are increasingly in demand across industries.

The scholarship reflects a growing recognition that AI literacy is becoming essential for a wide range of careers. By partnering with UN Women and Mastercard, Bank of Georgia is positioning itself at the intersection of corporate social responsibility and workforce development. The program not only supports individual women but also aims to contribute to a more inclusive tech sector in Georgia. For those interested, detailed information about the program, partner academies, and application process is available on the scholarship website.

Why Bank of Georgia Is Betting on Women in AI

Bank of Georgia's Strategic Move

Bank of Georgia's sponsorship of an AI scholarship for women is more than a philanthropic gesture. It aligns with the bank's long-term interest in fostering a skilled workforce that can drive digital transformation in Georgia's economy. By partnering with UN Women and Mastercard, the bank gains reputational benefits and strengthens its brand as a forward-thinking institution committed to gender equality and innovation. For context, similar corporate-backed education initiatives have become a common way for companies to build talent pipelines and enhance their social license to operate.

Addressing the Gender Gap in Tech

The program directly tackles the underrepresentation of women in technology and AI fields. Globally, women remain a minority in AI research and development, and Georgia is no exception. By removing financial and experience barriers, the scholarship opens doors for women who might otherwise be excluded from high-growth tech careers. This can have a multiplier effect: as more women gain AI skills, they can become role models and mentors, gradually shifting cultural norms. The involvement of UN Women lends credibility and may attract additional partners or funding.

What Partner Academies Gain

The 10 partner academies, including the Academy of Digital Industries and ScaleUp, benefit from increased enrollment and visibility. By participating, they can showcase their curricula to a motivated, diverse group of learners and potentially attract corporate clients or further partnerships. However, the decentralized selection process means academies must ensure their criteria are fair and transparent to avoid criticism. The program's success will depend on how well these academies deliver quality education and support participants through to completion.

Implications for Georgia's Tech Ecosystem

In the short term, the scholarship will provide immediate opportunities for a cohort of women to gain AI skills. Over the medium term, as graduates enter the workforce, they could help fill skill shortages in Georgia's growing tech sector, which may attract more foreign investment. In the long term, a more inclusive AI workforce could lead to more diverse perspectives in product development and innovation, benefiting the broader economy. However, the program's impact will be limited by the number of scholarships available and the capacity of partner academies. It is a positive step, but not a complete solution to the gender gap in tech.

What the AI Scholarship Means for Aspiring Women in Tech

For women in Georgia interested in AI, this scholarship removes the financial barrier to entry. The program offers fully funded courses at 10 academies, with no prior experience required. If you are considering a career in AI or want to upskill, this is a concrete opportunity to gain in-demand skills at no cost.

• Apply strategically: Research the 10 partner academies and their course offerings to find the best fit for your interests and career goals. The Academy of Digital Industries and ScaleUp are named examples, but the full list is on the scholarship website.
• Craft a strong motivation letter: Since selection is based on motivation, clearly articulate why you want to learn AI and how you plan to apply the knowledge. Be specific about your goals and how the program will help you achieve them.
• Prepare for possible assessments: Some academies may require additional testing or skills evaluations. Be ready to demonstrate your aptitude and commitment.
• Leverage the network: Once accepted, engage actively with peers, instructors, and the partner organizations. UN Women and Mastercard's involvement may open doors to further opportunities, such as internships or mentorships.
• Watch for program updates: The scholarship may expand or evolve. Keep an eye on Bank of Georgia's and UN Women's channels for future cohorts or additional resources.

For businesses and educators, this program signals a growing demand for AI skills and a push for inclusivity. Consider how your organization can support or replicate such initiatives to build a diverse talent pipeline.