FY2021, Q3 Progress Report: Lincoln Scholarship Program

The program began on August 28, 2019, and will conclude on August 27, 2024, with a total award amount of $19,000,000. The program's primary objective is to provide educational opportunities to Burmese students, with a focus on those from diverse backgrounds, including women, ethnic minorities, and individuals from rural areas. The program aims to promote peace, stability, and economic development in Burma by fostering a new generation of leaders who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the country's complex challenges. The program is divided into three cohorts, with each cohort consisting of 25 students. The first cohort, C1, was selected in 2019 and began their academic programs in the United States in August 2020. The second cohort, C2, was selected in 2020 and began their academic programs in the United States in August 2021. The third cohort, C3, was selected in 2021 and is currently undergoing the application process. The program's implementation is overseen by the IIE, with the support of several sub-recipients, including George Mason University and CoreSkills, LLC. The program's activities are monitored and evaluated through a robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework, which includes regular progress reports, key informant interviews, and surveys. The program's progress report for the third quarter of fiscal year 2021 highlights several key achievements, including the successful recruitment and selection of C3 cohort members, the implementation of pre-academic training for C2 cohort members, and the completion of several deliverables, including the Foundations of Conflict course and the Summer Conflict Resolution and Leadership Workshop. The program's priorities for the next reporting period include the implementation of risk management strategies, the completion of pre-academic training for C2 cohort members, and the recruitment and implementation of phases 3 and 4 of the program. The program's alumni network research and the relocation of the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party are also ongoing activities. The program's geographic focus is on Burma, with a specific emphasis on promoting peace, stability, and economic development in the country. The program's timeframes are from August 28, 2019, to August 27, 2024, with quarterly progress reports submitted to USAID/Burma. The program's MEL activities include regular progress reports, key informant interviews, and surveys. The program's deliverables completed include the Foundations of Conflict course and the Summer Conflict Resolution and Leadership Workshop. The program's challenges and solutions include the implementation of risk management strategies, the completion of pre-academic training for C2 cohort members, and the recruitment and implementation of phases 3 and 4 of the program. The program's sub-recipient activities include the work of George Mason University and CoreSkills, LLC. The program's priorities for the next reporting period include the implementation of risk management strategies, the completion of pre-academic training for C2 cohort members, and the recruitment and implementation of phases 3 and 4 of the program.