Quarterly Report FY2015, Quarter 4: Local Scholarship Program (LSP) – Private Universities

The start-up phase of the project began immediately after signing the agreement. During FY2015, Q4 (July 1 – September 30), several activities took place, including finalizing the project's Annual Work Plans, producing updated printed outreach materials, conducting program information sessions in governorates, and continuing the staff hiring process. The Annual Work Plan and a detailed first year Annual Work Plan were submitted in this quarter and approved by USAID in September 2015. The draft M&E plan and PIRS were submitted to USAID on July 9, 2015, but the delivery of the final M&E plan and the PIRS to USAID for approval was delayed pending a clarification from USAID and one of the project's partners regarding a couple of indicators. IIE plans to submit the final M&E plan and the PIRS to USAID in FY2016 Q1. The staff hiring process is ongoing, with IIE successfully hiring a Program Director, Academic Advising and Partnerships Manager, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, and Leadership and Community Services Officer. Interviews are ongoing for the remaining positions, and the program staff are operating out of IIE's current office, benefiting from interaction with LOTUS and STEP staff. It is planned that the new office set-up will be ready in Q1, FY2016. The outreach and recruitment processes were initially planned to be finalized in November, with students commencing the Bridge Year Program on November 15, 2015. However, the timeline was modified due to the delay in receiving the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) approval. The modified timeline includes the development of outreach materials, planning meetings with AFS, nationwide Buy-in Meetings and Info Sessions, and the announcement and outreach materials available online. The recruitment activities continued throughout July, with the first ad appearing in Al Ahram on August 7, and the deadline for applications on August 30. Preliminary application review took place on September 30, followed by first interview sessions with candidates on October 10-11, home visits on October 15-13, selection camps on November 20-21, and final selection and decision on university placement on November 24.