Semi-Annual Progress Report: University Student Assistance Program (USP VII) Cycle I, II & III

The program aims to enroll financially needy and academically qualified Lebanese public high school students across Lebanon, with a focus on gender diversity and academic achievement. The program's objectives include enrolling 73, 75, and 67 scholars in Fall 2016, Fall 2017, and Fall 2018, respectively, and ensuring that they meet the university's admission requirements and USAID's vetting process. The program's key achievements include the successful registration of scholars for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, with 33 USP VII Cycle 2 scholars registering for Fall 2020 and 66 USP VII Cycle 3 scholars registering for Fall 2020 with full-time loads. The program's monitoring plan involves multiple stakeholders, including the Outreach and Civic Engagement (OCE) team, student mentors, academic coordinators, and student support centers. The OCE team oversees the execution of the program and ensures successful implementation, while student mentors provide support and guidance to scholars. Academic coordinators advise students on course loads, monitor academic progress, and help scholars cope with academic challenges. As of March 2021, the program has disbursed a total of 675 scholarships, with 214 scholars enrolled during the reporting period. The program has also reported a 27% increase in household income among program participants compared to the control group. The program's impact summary as of March 2021 indicates that 61 USP scholars have graduated, with 47 employed, and 3 dropped out. The program's overall graduation rate is 8.5%, with a cumulative graduation rate of 38.5%. The program's detailed progress report highlights the successful registration of scholars for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, as well as the implementation of the monitoring plan. The report also notes that the scholars have been in regular contact with their academic coordinators and have been receiving proper advice and direction. The program's student support centers, including the Cooperative Learning Center, the Writing Center, and the Academic Computer Center, have provided additional support and tutoring to scholars as needed. The program's geographic focus is on Lebanon, with a focus on enrolling scholars from across the country. The program's timeframes include the reporting period of October 2020 to March 2021, with a total award period of five years. The program's recommendations include continued support for the program's monitoring plan and the provision of additional resources to support scholars' academic and personal development. The program's implementation details include the registration of scholars for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, as well as the provision of academic advising, monitoring, and support services. The program's enrichment activities include clubs and leadership activities, with a focus on promoting scholars' personal and professional development. The program's community service project has also been implemented, with a focus on promoting scholars' civic engagement and community involvement. Overall, the Lebanese American University's University Student Assistance Program (USP VII) has made significant progress in achieving its objectives and implementing its monitoring plan. The program's impact summary as of March 2021 indicates a strong graduation rate and a significant increase in household income among program participants. The program's continued support and resources are essential to ensuring the success of its scholars and the achievement of its objectives.