Quarterly Report FY 2011: LOTUS Scholarship Program

The program was awarded on May 4, 2010, and the first cohort of students was successfully enrolled in October 2010. Forty-four students were placed at five LOTUS partner universities: Al Ahram Canadian University, British University in Egypt, Future University in Egypt, Modern Sciences and Arts University, and Pharos University. The students' fields of specialization include accounting and finance, business administration, dentistry, engineering, informatics and computers, international business, languages and translation, mass communications, pharmacy, and political science. The students have been on a steep learning curve, adapting to living away from their families and becoming more self-reliant. However, they have faced challenges related to weak English language proficiency, which is a significant barrier to their academic success. To address this issue, IIE has enrolled eight students in supplemental English courses at AmidEast. The LOTUS Scholarship Program has made significant progress in its first quarter, with the completion of several tasks and the achievement of key milestones. Task 0, Program Start-up and Management, has been completed, with the finalization of the Statement of Work and legal service agreements for partner NGOs and universities. Task 1, LOTUS Scholarship Recruitment, Selection, and Placement, has also been completed, with the recruitment and placement of 44 students in their chosen fields of study. Task 2, LOTUS Scholar Academic and Personal Support, has been ongoing, with the development of agreements and procedures with the five universities to host LOTUS students and pay university coordinators. The program has also provided supplemental English training and tutoring as needed, with eight students enrolled in supplemental English courses at AmidEast. The Leadership in Action Program, Task 3, is anticipated to start in FY 2011, Quarters 2, 3, and 4, with the development of program design and materials in coordination with partner NGO Nahdet Mahrousa. The program will include components such as tolerance and diversity, innovation, sustainable development, and know your country. The program has also faced challenges related to the availability of classes, with the gap year posing numerous challenges for the partner universities. IIE has worked with the university coordinators and administrations to ensure that LOTUS students have access to the necessary classes and academic support. Overall, the LOTUS Scholarship Program has made significant progress in its first quarter, with the completion of several tasks and the achievement of key milestones. The program continues to face challenges related to English language proficiency and the availability of classes, but IIE is working to address these issues and ensure the success of the LOTUS students.