LOTUS Scholarship Program, Quarterly Progress Report, FY2019, Quarter 2

The program was established in 2010 with an initial award of 150 scholarships, which was later modified to include an additional 50 scholarships in 2011. The program's primary objective is to provide educational opportunities to students from Egypt, with a focus on promoting academic excellence, leadership skills, and community service. As of the second quarter of FY2019, a total of 192 students from cohorts 1, 2, and 3 have graduated from the program. Of these graduates, 139 are employed, with 85 from cohort 1, 41 from cohort 2, and 22 from cohort 3. The program has also seen a 100% graduation rate for cohort 3 students, with the last remaining student graduating in January 2019. Cohort 4 students are currently in their fourth year of undergraduate studies, with 48 students enrolled in the program. The LOTUS Scholarship Program places a strong emphasis on academic performance, with students required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 to continue in the program. Cohort 4 students have shown a range of academic performance, with 9 students earning GPAs of 3.50-3.99, 8 students earning GPAs of 3.00-3.49, and 3 students earning GPAs of 2.50-2.99. Two students studying Marine Navigation did not have a GPA for the quarter due to their participation in a graduation requirement that involved completing assignments at sea. In addition to academic performance, the program also places a strong emphasis on community service and leadership development. Students are required to participate in service learning projects, with a total of 259 projects completed by cohort 1, 2, and 3 students. The program also offers career counseling sessions, mentoring sessions, and internships to help students develop their skills and prepare for the workforce. The LOTUS Scholarship Program has seen significant success in terms of its graduates' employment rates, with 148 graduates employed within one to two years of graduation. The program's focus on academic excellence, leadership development, and community service has helped to prepare students for successful careers and a lifetime of leadership and service.