USAID Scholars Activity Quarterly Progress Report FY 2021 Q4

The activity aims to provide academic and personal support to students from Egypt, with a focus on those from underserved communities. The program is designed to enhance the students' academic performance, leadership skills, and career prospects. The activity began on March 1, 2020, and is scheduled to run until February 28, 2030. The reporting period for this quarterly progress report covers the period from July 1, 2021, to September 30, 2021. The report highlights the progress made in various tasks and activities, including program start-up and management, scholars' academic and personal support, English language training, and leadership skills development. Task 0: Program start-up and management involved establishing the project's office space and equipment, recruiting staff, and coordinating meetings with USAID and stakeholders. The project's office space was set up in AUC, and the necessary equipment was procured. The recruitment process for the project staff and partner positions was completed, and coordination meetings with USAID and stakeholders were held to discuss project progress and challenges. Task 4: Scholars Academic and Personal Support focused on providing financial and material support to students to attend university. The students were also provided with academic monitoring and support services to ensure their academic success. The program aimed to enhance the students' academic performance and provide them with the necessary skills to succeed in their studies. Task 5: Cohort 1 English Language Training and Appropriate Cultural Experiences involved preparing students for their academic year at AUC. The students received English language training and were introduced to the AUC's First Year Program. The program also included a supplemental English language program to support the students' language skills. Task 6: Students Well-being focused on providing students with workshops and activities to enhance their well-being. The program included student well-being workshops, international youth day celebrations, and other activities to promote students' mental and physical health. Task 7: Leadership Skills Development Program aimed to enhance the students' leadership skills through experiential training workshops. The program involved engaging students in leadership development activities to equip them with the necessary skills to become effective leaders. Task 8: Job Placement and Networking focused on providing students with internship opportunities and career guidance. The program involved initiating discussions on career planning and exploration, identifying internship programs with employers, and supporting students in applying for internships. Task 9: Internship Opportunities involved identifying internship programs with employers and supporting students in applying for internships. The program aimed to provide students with practical work experience and enhance their career prospects. Task 10: Entrepreneurship Training initiated discussions on entrepreneurship activities and provided students with opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial skills. The program aimed to equip students with the necessary skills to start their own businesses and become entrepreneurs. Task 11: Study Abroad Program involved initiating communication with AUC's International Programs and Services Office (IPSO) to explore study abroad opportunities for students. The program aimed to provide students with international experience and enhance their academic and personal development. Task 12: Cohort 2 Outreach, Recruitment, Selection involved launching a marketing/outreach campaign for Cohort 2, updating the design of the USAID Scholars Activity application, and screening received applications. The program aimed to recruit a new cohort of students and provide them with the necessary support to succeed in their studies. The report highlights the progress made in various tasks and activities, including program start-up and management, scholars' academic and personal support, English language training, and leadership skills development. The program has made significant progress in enhancing the students' academic performance, leadership skills, and career prospects.