Higher Education Scholarships Program (HES) - Phase I

The program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and has a duration of nine years, from September 30, 2018, to September 30, 2027. The program's objectives are to enroll 67, 66, 84, 112, and 18 financially needy and academically qualified Lebanese public and private high school students across Lebanon in Fall 2019, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Fall 2022, and Fall 2023, respectively. The program also aims to provide scholarships to students who meet the following criteria: gender diversity, a minimum of 13.5/20 on the Lebanese Baccalaureate official exam, and LAU admission requirements. As of September 2023, the program has disbursed a total of 949 scholarships, with 282 scholars enrolled in the program. The program has also achieved a cumulative graduation rate of 628, with 530 scholars graduating under the program. The program has also reported a cumulative employment rate of 39, with 53 scholars employed. The program has also reported the following key achievements: * Between April 2023 and May 2023, 5 scholars (55.55%) were on the High Distinguished list (cumulative GPA 3.8 or above), 4 scholars (0%) were on the Distinguished list (cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.79), and 4 scholars (44.45%) were on the Honors list (cumulative GPA between 3.20 and 3.49). * Between June 2023 and September 2023, 2 scholars (16.67%) were on the High Distinguished list (cumulative GPA 3.8 or above), 5 scholars (25%) were on the Distinguished list (cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.79), and 6 scholars (50%) were on the Honors list (cumulative GPA between 3.20 and 3.49). * Between April 2023 and May 2023, 16 scholars (16.66%) were on the High Distinguished list (cumulative GPA 3.8 or above), 11 scholars (22.91%) were on the Distinguished list (cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.79), and 39 scholars (39.58%) were on the Honors list (cumulative GPA between 3.20 and 3.49). * Between June 2023 and September 2023, 8 scholars (17.02%) were on the High Distinguished list (cumulative GPA 3.8 or above), 13 scholars (27.64%) were on the Distinguished list (cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.79), and 16 scholars (33.33%) were on the Honors list (cumulative GPA between 3.20 and 3.49). * Between April 2023 and May 2023, 19.64% of scholars were on the High Distinguished list (cumulative GPA 3.8 or above), 26.78% were on the Distinguished list (cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.79), and 25 scholars (25%) were on the Honors list (cumulative GPA between 3.20 and 3.49). * Between June 2023 and September 2023, 19.64% of scholars were on the High Distinguished list (cumulative GPA 3.8 or above), 25.89% were on the Distinguished list (cumulative GPA between 3.5 and 3.79), and 28.57% were on the Honors list (cumulative GPA between 3.20 and 3.49). The program has also reported the following detailed progress in advising and registration: * Between April 2023 and May 2023, 9 HES Cycle 1 scholars registered for Spring 2023 with full-time loads. * Between July 2023 and September 2023, 12 HES Cycle 2 scholars registered for Fall 2023 with full-time loads. * Between April 2023 and May 2023, 48 HES Cycle 3 scholars registered for Spring 2023 with full-time loads, and 11 scholars pre-registered for Summer 2023 with full-time loads. * Between July 2023 and September 2023, 47 HES Cycle 3 scholars registered