Participating students from St. Joseph’s High School, Namagunga last year walked away with a brand-new solar system valued at Shs 25 million for their school, Shs 1.5 million for their teacher/patron, and brand-new laptops for each team member in the Stanbic Bank National Schools Championship (NSC) which featured total prizes worth Shs 100 million.
This year, as NSC celebrates its 10th anniversary, Stanbic bank has announced a call for applications for the forthcoming edition under the theme ‘Powering Innovation for Job Creators’.
Secondary schools will this year be competing for top prizes worth Shs 150 million. Cathy Adengo, the head of Sustainability at Stanbic bank, said NSC empowers students and teachers to become forward-thinking entrepreneurs and innovators, aligning with the government’s National Development Plan and the newly implemented competence-based curriculum.
She said, “I urge parents, students, teachers, and school owners to ensure their institutions participate in this exceptional program. Beyond the chance to win prizes worth Shs 150 million, this learner-centered framework equips students with critical skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, preparing them for the job market and enhancing their problem-solving abilities.”
Adengo highlighted that Stanbic bank has invested more than Shs 7 billion in youth-led enterprises, fostering the teamwork, leadership and discipline essential for personal and professional development.
Diana Ondoga, head of Corporate Social Investments, said: “We are excited to launch another edition of the Stanbic National Schools Championship, which has positively impacted over half a million learners and educators across the country over the past decade.”
She highlighted the program’s goals and the vital role NSC has played in bridging the skills gap among Ugandan youth. With nearly 75% of the population under 30 years of age and 11 million students enrolled in formal education, the NSC aims to equip students with essential skills for the future success of their personal development.
The NSC organizers collaborate closely with educational stakeholders, including the ministry of Education and Sports, to expand its reach. The competition has grown significantly, from just 10 participating schools during its inaugural year to over 250 today.
“The Stanbic National Schools Championship has shifted mindsets from ‘After school, I must look for a job’ to ‘I can create a job starting from where I am right now.’ Since the start of the skilling program, more than 187 business ventures have emerged from this initiative,” Ondoga said.
HOW TO APPLY
Secondary and vocational institutions across Uganda are invited to participate, with applications now open at stanbicnsc.ug.
Ondoga said: “Participation in the National Schools Championship is completely free of charge. We encourage both private and government-aided schools from all corners of the country to submit their applications and share their business ideas. You never know—this might be your opportunity to shine and make a breakthrough.”
There are two main categories: the Startup Challenge for new schools (Student Spark) and the Business Fellowship category for ongoing school and alumni projects.
“Our ultimate goal as the leading bank is to support not only women and farmers, but also to unlock potential and empower our youth to generate ideas that create employment and drive Uganda’s economic growth. By doing this, we believe we contribute to our motherland’s sustainable development,” Ondoga said.
In addition to traditional competition elements, the NSC also features mental health support for participants, offering guidance on career development and stress management, reflecting a broader commitment to student well-being.
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