The University of New Haven announced the establishment of the Afghan Women’s Scholars program, thanks to a seven-figure gift from Henrik Nielsen, a Danish engineer and computer pioneer famed for his work helping to create the World Wide Web.

The program will provide scholarship and financial assistance to 10 undergraduate and four graduate Afghan women enrolled in the university’s five academic colleges/schools. The support will span the four-year tenure of undergraduate students and the two-year tenure of graduate students. The University of New Haven has a longstanding legacy of offering international programming and currently educates students from more than 70 countries.

“Friends of mine approached me about the prospect of creating this pipeline program, and I was delighted to support it,” said Nielsen. “The impact this will have on the lives of these remarkable women is inspiring, and I look forward to seeing their stories unfold.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/skynesher)