FY23, Q2 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 scholarships to Burmese students for graduate studies in the United States, with a focus on conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and leadership development. The program aims to support the development of a new generation of leaders who can contribute to the peace and reconciliation process in Myanmar. The program is divided into five cohorts, with each cohort consisting of 20-25 scholars. The scholars undergo a rigorous selection process, which includes a written application, interviews, and a review of their academic and professional backgrounds. Once selected, the scholars participate in a comprehensive pre-academic training program, which includes English language training, GRE preparation, and academic placement. The program also provides scholars with opportunities for professional development, including leadership blueprints, campus visits, and conflict resolution and leadership workshops. The program's monitoring and evaluation activities are designed to track the scholars' progress, assess the program's impact, and identify areas for improvement. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2023, the program made significant progress in implementing its activities. The cohort 2 and 3 scholars continued their graduate studies, with many achieving academic success and participating in leadership development activities. The cohort 4 scholars underwent pre-academic training, including TOEFL iBT and GRE preparation, and began their graduate studies in the United States. The program also made progress in outreach and recruitment for cohort 5, with the development of a new outreach and recruitment strategy, including the use of social media and online application systems. The program's sub-recipients, including George Mason University and CoreSkills, LLC, continued to provide support to the scholars and contribute to the program's success. Looking ahead, the program's priorities for the next reporting period include the completion of cohort 4 pre-academic training, the implementation of placement and training implementation plans, and the continuation of cohort 5 outreach and recruitment. The program will also focus on the development of a new alumni network and annual conference, as well as the provision of mental health support sessions for the scholars. Overall, the Lincoln Scholarship Program is making significant progress in achieving its objectives and contributing to the development of future leaders in Myanmar. The program's commitment to providing high-quality education and professional development opportunities to Burmese students is critical to the country's peace and reconciliation process.