LOTUS Scholarship Program, Quarterly Progress Report, FY2020, Quarter 1

Department of State. 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 provides funding for students from Egypt to pursue undergraduate studies in the United States. As of the end of Quarter 1, FY2020, a total of 238 students from cohorts 1, 2, 3, and 4 have graduated from the program. Of these graduates, 175 (73%) are employed, with the majority of employed graduates being from cohorts 3 and 4. The employment rate has increased since the previous quarter, with cohort 3 males completing their military service and recently graduated students gaining employment. The program has also seen significant success in terms of academic performance. Cohort 4 students have shown strong academic achievement, with 46 students graduating from the program. Two students from cohort 4 are continuing their undergraduate studies, with one student expected to complete an additional semester due to a study abroad opportunity and another student requiring an additional year to complete her coursework due to health problems. The LOTUS Scholarship Program has also provided opportunities for students to participate in service-learning projects, internships, and study abroad programs. A total of 381 internships and 259 service-learning projects have been completed by students from the program. Additionally, 134 students have participated in study abroad programs, with several nursing students participating in a Nursing Observational Study Tour. The program has also seen success in terms of residency placements. Fourteen nursing students from cohort 4 were accepted into the residency program at Cleopatra Maadi Hospital, with 13 students starting their residency in October 2019 and one student starting in December due to family reasons. The program will continue to monitor the nursing residency students to ensure they are progressing and learning. The LOTUS Scholarship Program has also established a strong alumni network, with semi-annual updates provided on the employment status of graduates. The program has seen a high level of employment among graduates, with 175 students (73%) employed as of the end of Quarter 1, FY2020. The program will continue to provide support and resources to its alumni to ensure their continued success. The program has also seen success in terms of leadership and skills development. The Leadership in Action (LIA) sessions have been well-received by students, with 11 sessions completed in Quarter 1, FY2020. The program has also provided opportunities for students to develop their leadership and skills through internships and service-learning projects. Overall, the LOTUS Scholarship Program has seen significant success in terms of academic performance, employment, and leadership development. The program will continue to provide support and resources to its students and alumni to ensure their continued success.