Cooperative Agreement AID-263-A-15-00020: Local Scholarship Program (LSP) – Private Universities Quarterly Report FY2016, Quarter 1

The start-up phase of the project began immediately after the agreement was signed. The recruitment and selection phase took place after USAID approved all outreach documents. The project's annual work plan for FY2016 was finalized, and the staff hiring process continued. Providers were selected for the Bridge Year Program and Summer Intensive English Program. The selection and recruitment process for Cohort 1 took place, including interviews, home visits, and the selection camp. USAID approved the list of 65 principal and 15 alternate students. The students and their guardians signed the terms and conditions of the award. LSP Cohort 1 students took the SEPT exam to measure their English Language proficiency. The students started the Bridge Year Program on December 15, 2015. A baseline assessment was conducted for LSP Cohort 1 students. The M&E plan and PIRS were finalized and submitted to USAID for approval. The team building retreat and Bridge Year Program orientation was held for students. The project's annual work plan for FY2016 was submitted in the first quarter and approved by USAID in December 2015. The M&E plan and PIRS were submitted to USAID on November 29, 2015. USAID recommended changes and had some inquiries. IIE made the necessary changes and resubmitted a final version to USAID for approval. The project's activities in the first quarter included developing a transition plan for the project director to assume leadership of LSP, continuing the recruitment process for project staff and partner positions, and completing the annual work plan for FY16. The recruitment and selection process for Cohort 1 involved finalizing selection rubrics and rating matrices, hosting a selection orientation meeting, conducting first interviews of shortlisted applicants, and conducting home visits to shortlisted candidates. The selection of finalist and alternate candidates and approval by USAID took place. Award announcements and signing of scholarship terms and conditions were completed. Team building retreats and orientations to Bridge Year Program students were held. English Placement Exams for Cohort 1 students were conducted, and 65 Cohort 1 LSP students were enrolled in the Bridge Year Program. Recruitment and selection for Cohort 2 involved developing a recruitment video showcasing the program and providing field of specialization information, engaging the Ministry of Education to distribute announcements and outreach materials, and finalizing application documents. A request for proposal (RFP) was issued for the selection of Bridge Year English-language and academic training program providers. Proposals were screened and providers were selected. Tailored outreach and recruitment approaches were identified to focus on recruitment in all of Egypt's 27 governorates. Discussions were initiated with AFS-Egypt to coordinate outreach activities. Updated printed outreach materials were produced and printed. Information sessions about the program were conducted within governorates, incorporating LOTUS and other IIE/partner program alumni.