“There are job opportunities available both locally and internationally, however our people don’t even apply because they know they do not have the needed skills”
Community leader in Madagascar
Photo by Husha Bilimale on Unsplash
BYU Pathway
In April of 2025 we met several times with friends and community leaders from Madagascar. The question discussed was “What is the most impactful thing we could do to benefit the people of Madagascar?”
The unanimous conclusion was education; specifically, enable more adults and young adults to be able to take advantage of the BYU Pathway Program to enhance their skills and marketability in the workforce.
The BYU Pathways Program allows students to earn certificates, associate degrees and bachelor degrees from an accredited university all online. A bachelor’s degree can be earned in as little as 3 years.
“Project Laptop” Begins
In the meetings we also discussed that the biggest factor limiting access to BYU Pathways was lack of computer access because of poverty.
Therefore, after consulting with other organizations that are doing similar programs in some of the African nations, as well as, friends and community leaders in Madagascar, The Jared Prescott Trust has developed and launched “ Project Laptop” to enable more of our Malagasy friends to have access to BYU Pathway. We also plan to provide tuition support where needed.
Our first shipment of 33 laptops arrived in early January 2026. The first question the community leaders asked after they arrived was “Can you send more?” Our answer was yes. However, we need your help to sustain and grow the project.
Help sustain Project Laptop
The Jared Prescott Charitable Trust is not affiliated with BYU Pathway Worldwide, BYU Idaho, Ensign College or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.