USAID PRESTASI-3 Scholarship Program Progress Report Eighth Progress Report covering the period July-September 2016

The program is funded by USAID/Indonesia's five Development Objective Teams (DOTs) and aims to support the implementation of the Mission's programmatic strategy to improve, strengthen, and increase Indonesian health systems, management of natural resources, access to and quality of education, democratic governance, and employment opportunities. The program's objective is to help organizations and institutions acquire the knowledge, skills, and capacity to support Indonesia's on-going development and the achievement of the Mission's development objectives. PRESTASI-3 implements and manages programs in Indonesia and in the United States, working closely with the Education Office and all Mission Technical Teams to identify sectors where expertise is required, select scholar candidates, and provide training and technical services. The major expected outcomes from the implementation of PRESTASI-3 include creating an expanded cadre of skilled leaders and managers, developing new and advanced management skills, technical capacity, and knowledge within targeted public/private institutions, and increasing coordination among GOI institutions, local institutions, USG Agencies, and other donor organizations. During the report period of July-September 2016, the PRESTASI-3 field office was closed on four days in observance of three Indonesian national holidays. The office schedule was adjusted accordingly. In August 2016, the project position of IIE Administrative Assistant was filled with Mba Natalia Ajiningtyasasih, who joined the PRESTASI-3 field staff. Tyas' experience in the private sector allowed her to immediately assist the IIE Key Personnel with their administrative and financial tasks. Tyas was involved in various activities, including assisting with PRESTASI outreach at the EducationUSA Fair at the Marriott Hotel on September 15, 2016. IIE also invited the finance managers of its 18 international projects and domestic offices to participate in a project finance training in the United States. The training aimed to enhance the financial management skills of IIE staff and improve the overall financial management of the project. The program's activities during the report period included the selection of Cohort-3 scholars, outreach and selection for long-term training, co-funding of expenses of Cohort-3 awardees, promotion of PRESTASI, training activities, placement activities, and monitoring and evaluation activities. The program also encountered challenges, including scholar issues and challenges of transferring scholars between projects. The program's performance indicators are tracked and monitored regularly to ensure that the program is meeting its objectives and expected outcomes. The next report period will cover the activities and progress of the program from October to December 2016.