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

The program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has a duration of September 30, 2015, to September 29, 2023, with an award amount of $17,870,007 and a LAU cost-sharing amount of $7,740,892. As of Fall 2016, the program had enrolled 73 scholars across Lebanon, with a focus on gender diversity, academic qualifications, and adherence to USAID requirements. Key achievements include the registration of 54 scholars for Fall 2017 with full-time loads and 54 scholars pre-registering for Spring 2018 with full-time loads. By the end of Fall 2017, 16 scholars (29.6%) were on the Distinguished list, and 16 scholars (29.6%) were on the Honors list, with no scholars on probation. The program has devised a plan for monitoring scholars to ensure they maintain good academic standing and graduate on time. This plan involves multiple stakeholders, including the Outreach and Civic Engagement (OCE) team, student mentors, academic coordinators, student support centers, and counselors. Academic coordinators are responsible for advising students on course loads, monitoring academic progress, and helping students cope with academic challenges. In December 2017, fall semester progress reports were studied, and advisory action was taken when necessary. The reports demonstrated that all USP VII – Cycle I scholars were performing well academically. The scholars have been in regular contact with their academic coordinators and have been receiving proper advice and direction. The program has also implemented various activities to support scholars, including advising and registration, monitoring of scholars, student support and tutoring, and academic progress. The scholars have been assigned student mentors who help them with academic and personal issues. The program has also established partnerships with LAU student support centers to provide additional support and resources to scholars. As of March 2018, the program has achieved significant milestones, including the graduation of 0 scholars, the enrollment of 241 scholars, and the employment of 20 graduate scholars. The program has also reported a 95.9% retention rate, a 4.1% drop-out rate, and a 66.21% honor/dean's list rate. The program continues to work towards its objectives, providing support and resources to scholars to ensure their academic success and graduation. The program's impact summary as of March 2018 highlights the following key indicators: * Total number of scholarships disbursed to-date: 475 * Total number of scholars enrolled during this reporting period: 241 * Total number of scholars who graduated this reporting period: 0 * Total cumulative number of scholars who graduated to-date: 30 * Total cumulative number of graduate scholars who are employed: 20 * Total cumulative number of scholars who dropped throughout the entire program duration: 148 The program's progress and achievements demonstrate its commitment to providing support and resources to financially needy and academically qualified Lebanese public high school students, enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals.