On September 20, 2025, the ballroom at Simon’s Cellar at Groot Constantia came alive with music, laughter, and a sense of community and purpose. The AISCT Welcome Back Gala was not just an elegant evening; it was a celebration of community and a powerful fundraiser in support of the AISCT Scholarship Program. Together, attendees raised critical funds to provide student scholarships and expand educational access. By the end of the night, the community had raised R200,000, funds that will go directly towards helping students achieve their dreams of higher education.
Why the AISCT Scholarship Program Matters
Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation, but for many students, financial barriers can stand in the way. The AISCT Scholarship Program exists to break down those barriers by providing scholarships that cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
At the Welcome Back Gala, Head of School Dr. Daniel Jubert spoke about the significance of the program:
“Five years ago, our scholarship program started out as a dream. We didn’t know where it would lead or how it could impact lives. It takes time to truly appreciate the impact a program has on an individual and community. Five years later, as I stand in front of you today, I am proud to say that this is one of AISCT’s crowning achievements.
The students accepted into our scholarship program are some of the best and brightest that South Africa has to offer. They continually set the bar for our school, pushing all students to go further. Each year, and you wouldn’t be able to tell who they are, they win top awards, captain our teams, and play lead roles in our plays. They are what we hope every AISCT student aspires to be. And that is what they give to us!
To make all of this possible, funding is needed. AISCT supports their full tuition. The Scholarship Fund supports everything else that makes them a full-time student at AISCT. This includes laptops, uniforms, transportation, lunch, SAT exams, AP exams, university applications, Prom, tickets to other events, and travel trips with sports or academics. Our goal is to give these students the same opportunities and experiences as all of our students.”
Each scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is a message to students that their community believes in them and their potential. That support builds confidence, inspires achievement, and opens the door to opportunities that may have once felt impossible. The AISCT Welcome Back Gala and the funds it raised brought our community together to celebrate this mission and ensure that more students can access opportunities that will shape their futures.
Community Support and Generosity
One of the defining features of the AISCT Welcome Back Gala is the spirit of community. From longtime donors to new AISCT parents and first-time attendees, everyone contributed to the collective energy of the night. The success of the evening was achieved not by a few but through the collective efforts of sponsors, donors, volunteers, and guests who gave their time, talent, and resources.
Local Businesses and Sponsors
Our heartfelt thanks go to our phenomenal sponsors whose generous donations made this gala possible. Their commitment goes beyond a single evening; it reflects a deep connection to the community and investment in the education and futures of students through the AISCT Scholarship Program. From donating auction items and services to making direct contributions, sponsors and local businesses played a central role in bringing the gala to life. Their involvement demonstrated a deep commitment to our community, education, and the students who will benefit from these scholarships.
Volunteers Behind the Scenes
Dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly in the weeks leading up to the event and throughout the night itself. From welcoming guests at the door and managing the silent auction to hosting the live auction and ensuring every detail was seamless, their dedication brought warmth and a sense of community connection to the evening.
Guests Who Gave Generously
The magic of the AISCT Welcome Back Gala was palpable in the room as guests bid in the auction and offered words of encouragement. Guests came from across the community who have seen firsthand how powerful a scholarship can be. Their stories and presence added depth to the evening while first-time attendees quickly joined in the spirit of generosity and community.
Student Success Stories from the AISCT Scholarship Program
Two years ago, Ahmed graduated with the class of 2024. A Sudanese refugee living in Cape Town, he showed up one day as a 15-year-old wanting to study and take AP exams independently. We steered him to our Scholarship Program, where he was unanimously accepted. Three years later, he graduated with an impressive record and an array of AP courses and technology achievements.
While he was accepted overseas, he did not receive the scholarships he hoped for. He spent the next year as an apprentice at AISCT, supporting our technology program and building up his resume. Then he got the breakthrough opportunity he had been waiting for. The University of Rochester in New York awarded him a full scholarship and all travel and boarding expenses. After much fanfare and visa issues, which were assisted by the US Consulate, he sent us a selfie from New York this past August with the simple caption, “I made it!”
That is what this program is all about: allowing students to reach their full potential. Your generous contributions for this event helped make all of this possible.
Fundraising Success: How Much Was Raised for Scholarships
The AISCT Welcome Back Gala raised over R200,000. These funds will provide for a new scholarship student to join each year through the AISCT Scholarship Program.
What does that mean in real terms? It means a new student will be able to walk into a classroom next semester without the burden of overwhelming financial stress. Not worrying about access to technology, supplies, or the means necessary to study. It means dreams of becoming teachers, engineers, nurses, and leaders are now within reach.
For many families, this scholarship support is the difference between possibility and impossibility, and this gala made it happen. This milestone shows what is possible when people come together for a cause that matters.
The Lasting Impact of the AISCT Welcome Back Gala
Scholarships do not just impact one student; they create a ripple effect that inspires siblings, uplifts families, and strengthens entire communities. That is why the AISCT Welcome Back Gala was about so much more than one night of celebration; it was about building a lasting legacy of opportunity through the AISCT Scholarship Program.
This year’s gala was an incredible success, but the mission does not end here. With continued community support, the AISCT Scholarship Program can grow and open the door for even more students to reach their full potential. You can keep the momentum going today by making a gift at the school finance office and helping us provide scholarships that change lives.
To every sponsor, donor, volunteer, and guest, we thank you. You made this fundraiser a truly memorable night, and your contributions will change lives for years to come. The lights may have already dimmed on the fabulous, fun-filled evening of the AISCT Welcome Back Gala, but its impact will shine brightly in every classroom, every student, and every dream made possible by it.
