Annual Progress Report FY2014

The program was awarded to IIE by USAID in 2010 and has since supported the education of 150 students. As of the end of the reporting year, 178 students from Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 are continuing in the program. The program's objectives are organized under eight separate yet inter-related objectives, which contribute to the program's goals and USAID's Strategic Objective (SO) 22: "Improved Access to Quality Education in Selected Governorates." During FY2014, IIE worked diligently to achieve these objectives, collaborating with partner universities and NGOs to provide students with the tools and support needed to perform well in their studies and build their leadership skills. Cohort 3 students, who were recruited and selected in September 2013, participated in a Bridge Year Program at the British University in Egypt, where they gained essential skills in English language, computer, research, and study skills. All 50 Cohort 3 students passed the Bridge Year Program successfully and will continue their academic studies in both BUE (29 students) and AASTMT (21 students). The program's goal is to support development in Egypt through training a cadre of future leaders corresponding to USAID Egypt's Strategic Objective (SO) 22. IIE is committed to achieving this goal by offering scholarship recipients solid academic programs, leadership enrichment activities, career development opportunities, and community-based service learning opportunities. In FY2014, IIE worked with partner universities and NGOs to provide students with the tools and support needed to perform well in their studies. The program's activities included leadership in action, service learning projects, and volunteering and community service. The program also conducted a midterm evaluation, which revealed a 27% increase in household income among program participants compared to the control group. The program's success is evident in the achievements of its students. Since the inception of the program in 2010, 150 students have been successfully recruited, selected, and awarded scholarships. As of the end of the reporting year, 178 students from Cohorts 1, 2, and 3 are continuing in the program, excluding 14 graduated students. Three students left the program for personal reasons after three semesters, and a total of five students had their scholarships terminated for weak academic performance over the course of the four semesters they were in the program. The program's impact extends beyond the students themselves, contributing to the development of Egypt through the training of future leaders. The program's activities and achievements demonstrate its commitment to supporting development in Egypt and achieving USAID's Strategic Objective (SO) 22. The program's leadership in action program, which includes service learning projects and volunteering and community service, has been a key component of the program's activities in FY2014. The program's students have participated in various service learning projects, including Nahdet El Mahrousa Enrichment Activities and Volunteering and Community Service. The program's leadership in action program has provided students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and contribute to the development of Egypt. The program's success is also evident in the achievements of its students in their academic studies. Cohort 3 students, who participated in the Bridge Year Program, have shown significant improvement in their academic performance, with a 27% increase in household income among program participants compared to the control group. The program's academic programs, which are offered in partnership with six Egyptian private universities, have provided students with the opportunity to gain a quality education and develop their skills and knowledge. In conclusion, the LOTUS Scholarship Program has made significant progress in achieving its objectives and contributing to the development of Egypt through the training of future leaders. The program's activities and achievements demonstrate its commitment to supporting development in Egypt and achieving USAID's Strategic Objective (SO) 22.