UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM - III

The program is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is implemented by the Lebanese American University (LAU). The program's primary objective is to increase the number of host-country individuals pursuing higher education in Lebanon. As of March 2013, the program had achieved several key milestones. The number of host-country individuals receiving USG-funded scholarships to attend higher education institutions had reached 85, exceeding the target of 85 scholars. Additionally, 85 host-country individuals had been trained as a result of USG investments involving higher education institutions, meeting the target of 85 scholars. The breakdown of scholars by gender showed that 34 were male and 51 were female, with at least 59 scholars coming from outside Beirut and Mount Lebanon. The program's retention and graduation rates were also monitored. The number of scholars willing and able to succeed in the program was 81, exceeding the target of 0. The percentage of students assuming leadership roles at LAU was 100%, meeting the target of 30%. The percentage of admitted students with positive attitude indicators was 90%, exceeding the target of 70%. The correlation between academic majors, career services, experiential learning, and internship opportunities was also monitored, with a target of 60% of admitted students employed one year after graduation from LAU. The program's promotional activities included designing and printing new and comprehensive promotional materials, such as brochures, posters, and websites. The materials were developed to promote the program and increase coverage and advertisement. The program was advertised in three leading newspapers, with a total of 12 advertisements. LAU personnel also highlighted the program during their appearances in Lebanese Radio and TV stations, generating more publicity for the program. The program's recruitment activities included distributing the USP III brochure to public high schools throughout Lebanon, with a total of 7,754 brochures distributed. The program also sent electronic copies of the brochure to LAU alumni and friends, with a total of 15,950 addresses. The program promoted USP III in LAU's magazine, alumni bulletin, president's report, and social media, with a total of 4 promotions. The program's admissions activities included scheduling meetings with public school principals and visiting them to present USP III to their students. A total of 243 public high schools were visited, with an estimated 17,341 students attending LAU school visits. The program received a total of 4,992 applications, with 382 applications submitted by male candidates and 574 applications submitted by female candidates. The screening committee carried out the first screening to identify scholars who would be invited for testing, with a total of 665 scholars selected for tests. The program's orientation activities included inviting scholars to a special multi-day orientation program given by the USP III director, coordinator, faculty, and staff. A total of 85 scholars attended the orientation program, with 2 orientation sessions held for USP-III scholars. The program also offered students transportation allowance, with a total of 9 scholars offered the allowance. Intensive English and tutoring services were also provided, with a total of 22 scholars admitted to intensive English for one semester and 14 scholars admitted to intensive English for two semesters. The program's academic formation activities included assigning LAU student mentors for every scholar, with a total of 15 mentors assigned for the first academic year. The program's work plan for Year I was also implemented, with activities such as designing and printing new and comprehensive promotional materials, advertising and promoting the program, and recruiting and admitting scholars.