Annual Progress Report FY2013

The program aims to support development in Egypt through training a cadre of future leaders, corresponding to USAID Egypt's Strategic Objective (SO) 22: Improved Access to Quality Education in Selected Governorates. Since its inception in 2010, the program has successfully recruited, selected, and awarded scholarships to 150 students. During Fiscal Year 2013, the LOTUS Scholarship Program achieved several key objectives. A total of 149 LOTUS students were supported financially and materially to attend university, including tuition, fees, housing, and transportation. Additionally, 149 students received academic guidance, advising, and monitoring. The program also organized various leadership and action enrichment sessions, with a total of 212 students attending. These sessions included the Namaa Summer School for Sustainable Development, E’raf Baladak trip to Fayoum, Module one of Misryati 2-day sessions, and one Big Picture and Innovation Session. The program also focused on team building and community service. Two team building retreats were attended by 140 students each, and a total of 22 students participated in study in the U.S. opportunities. Furthermore, 50 high school students were recruited for Cohort 3 scholarships. The majority of LOTUS students are performing well academically and are engaged in and committed to their studies. Many students are also active in extracurricular activities, student unions, student clubs, sports, and community service activities. During this reporting period, LOTUS Scholarship students devoted 17,942 hours of their time volunteering in charities and participating in development projects. They also assumed 120 leadership roles in faculty and university student councils, student clubs, and community organizations. The program has a set of objectives under which all of its activities are organized, including providing students with the tools and support needed to perform well in their studies, building their leadership skills and capabilities, and expanding access to quality education for girls and women. The LOTUS Scholarship Program has made significant progress in achieving its objectives, despite facing challenges such as extended periods of political turmoil and deterioration of security in Egypt. The program has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the development of disadvantaged youth in Egypt and has made a positive impact on the lives of its students. The program's success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of IIE, the partner universities, and the LOTUS Scholarship students themselves. The program's achievements are reflected in the numbers. A total of 149 students were supported financially and materially to attend university, and 149 students received academic guidance, advising, and monitoring. The program also organized various leadership and action enrichment sessions, with a total of 212 students attending. Furthermore, 22 students participated in study in the U.S. opportunities, and 50 high school students were recruited for Cohort 3 scholarships. The program's success has also been reflected in the leadership roles assumed by LOTUS Scholarship students, with a total of 120 leadership roles assumed in faculty and university student councils, student clubs, and community organizations.