Semi-Annual Report (Year 3)

The project specifically targets increasing access to quality education and equipping beneficiary students with technical, soft, and leadership skills needed to excel in the labor market. The HES program consists of two components: the University Scholarship Program (USP VIII) and Refugee Scholarship Support (RSS). USP VIII Cycle I began in Fall Term 2020 with 39 students registered as regular full-timers. Students submitted their graduation plans to their program coordinator before the end of the drop and add period. The academic monitor reviewed and verified the graduation plans as per the students' respective degree requirements and English placement upon admission to AUB. Regular follow-up meetings were conducted with students to check on their academic and extra-curricular performance throughout the term. All USP VIII Cycle I students passed the courses they registered for the Fall Term 2020 without facing academic problems. However, one female student withdrew from the program during the month of November 2020. A total of 14 USP VIII Cycle I students out of 38 were placed on the Dean's Honor List for the Fall Term 2020. Thirty-two students had a GPA greater than 3.2, indicating a good academic standing. For the Spring Term 2021, all 38 USP VIII Cycle I students registered their courses and submitted their graduation plans to their program coordinator before the end of the drop and add period. RSS Cycle I also began in Fall Term 2020 with 16 students registered as regular full-timers. Students submitted their graduation plans to their program coordinator before the end of the drop and add period. The academic monitor reviewed and verified the graduation plans as per the students' respective degree requirements and English placement upon admission to AUB. Regular follow-up meetings were conducted with students to check on their academic and extra-curricular performance throughout the term. All RSS Cycle I students passed the courses they registered for the Fall Term 2020 except for two students who attained failing grades at the end of the term. One female student withdrew a course during the term due to medical reasons. One RSS Cycle I male student was placed on the Dean's Honor List for the Fall Term 2020. Thirteen RSS Cycle I students out of 16 had a GPA greater than 3.2, indicating a good academic standing. The academic status of all RSS Cycle I students was continuously monitored during the Fall Term 2020 to ensure they passed and performed well. The HES program coordinator and academic monitor regularly followed up on the academic and non-academic progress of all students. Regular meetings were conducted with the program director to update her on the students' progress and discuss cases of students facing academic difficulties. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in the labor market and contribute to Lebanon's democratic and economic development.