Generation Rwanda

Kepler launched in kigali, rwanda with a higher education program that allowed students to access a high-quality university experience through a combination of in person, online and on the job experiences. Students currently earn an american degree online through our partnership with southern new hampshire university. Kepler is also in the process of building a locally contextualized bachelors of arts degree in project management and seeking accreditation as a higher education institution in rwanda (received in 2022). All Kepler students receive intensive career preparation and support throughout the program. Kepler uses technology for a blended learning experience on campus and provides students coaching through the online learning experience. The program began with 50 students in 2014 and currently serves more than 500 students on its kigali campus. Students also have access to a dormitory, a living stipend, and healthcare support. Over 90% of graduates are employed in meaningful jobs within 6 months or less of graduation.

In 2020, Kepler started its operations in ethiopia. Funding was received from save the children to start a graduate training program and eventually work with students to find jobs.

In 2015, Kepler established a second campus at the kiziba refugee camp in western rwanda. The project began with 25 students and currently has more than 152 students. The campus operates inside the camp in partnership with the united nations refugee agency (unhcr) and the rwandan government. Students who attend classes on campus in kiziba earn an american online degree through our partnership with southern new hampshire university and receive career preparation and support throughout the program. Unlike the kigali program, students live in the camp and staff travel to the camp from a nearby town. All students receive full scholarships to participate in the program.

Preparatory programs were put on hold for most of 2020 and 2021 due to the covid-19 pandemic. A pilot was run in late 2020 for a fully remote program and, based on those outcomes, Kepler decided to wait until an in-person program would be possible. The preparation program re-started in-person in the fall of 2021, but participant numbers were lower to ensure social distancing.