FY23, Q1 Progress Report: Lincoln Scholarship Program

The program began on August 28, 2019, and is set to conclude on August 27, 2026, with a total award amount of $28,000,000. The program's primary objective is to provide educational opportunities to Burmese students, with a focus on conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The program is divided into several cohorts, with each cohort consisting of a group of students who undergo a rigorous selection process. The cohorts are designated as C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5, with each cohort representing a different group of students. The program's implementation is overseen by the Chief of Party, Dr. Bryce Smedley, and the Deputy Chief of Party, Robert Letchford. The program's key administrative highlights for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 include the completion of several milestones. Cohort 1, 2, and 3 scholars underwent various professional development activities, including campus visits, foundations of conflict resolution courses, and re-entry workshops. The scholars also participated in TOEFL iBT training and GRE preparation courses to enhance their academic skills. Cohort 4 scholars faced several challenges, including difficulties with J2 visa applications and C4 scholar challenges. However, the scholars showed strong adoption rates for sustainable agriculture practices, with women-headed households demonstrating higher adoption rates. The program's donor coordination efforts were also significant, with the IIE working closely with USAID to ensure the program's success. The program's monitoring and evaluation activities were conducted in accordance with the USAID/Burma Field Visits and Environmental Compliance Reporting requirements. The program's priorities for the next reporting period include Cohort 4 pre-academic training, placement, foundations of conflict course, launching of Cohort 5 outreach and recruitment, and implementing a social media strategy. The program's geographic focus is on Burma, with a specific emphasis on supporting educational development in the country. The program's timeframes are from August 28, 2019, to August 27, 2026, with quarterly progress reports submitted to USAID/Burma. The program's recommendations for future implementation include continued support for Cohort 4 scholars, expansion of the program's outreach and recruitment efforts, and development of a social media strategy to enhance program visibility.