Thanks to the generosity of individual donors who contributed nearly $7,000 to a UI GoldRush campaign, student Kethia Mulongo, from the Congo is now receiving financial aid to support her transition to the University of Iowa. 

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mulongo is the first recipient of a crowdfunded scholarship initiative spearheaded by International Programs in late 2018.   

"I chose the University of Iowa, because I heard about the Tippie College of Business which was a great program for me since I wanted to major in accounting, " said Mulongo. "I honestly never thought that I would be coming to the United States to pursue my education. However, my mom challenged and encouraged me to do so because she thought that it would be one of the best gifts she could offer me as I have always been considered as one of the most strong-minded women in my family. The scholarship will help me in my studies, because it will allow me to cover part of my tuition, but will also remind me that I have to be the best that I can. Being the first recipient of this scholarship is a privilege."

"The scholarship will help me in my studies, because it will allow me to cover part of my tuition, but will also remind me that I have to be the best that I can."

Although many young Africans aspire to study in the U.S., serious financial obstacles often prevent them from doing so. As a result, students from Africa remain significantly underrepresented among the populations of international students at most U.S. universities. Mulongo is already dreaming up ways to convince more students from Africa to consider making the journey to the University of Iowa. "One thing that has surprised me is the lack of diversity, meaning there aren’t as many African students here as I thought there would be. That's something I'd like to change, and I hope that this scholarship will be a promoter for African students to apply to the University of Iowa."