In an ongoing effort to revolutionize Egypt’s educational landscape, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has partnered with USAID, AMIDEAST, and the American University in Cairo (AUC) to roll out extraordinary scholarship programs dedicated to supporting exceptional Egyptian students. This groundbreaking initiative spans across multiple prestigious universities, including Cairo University, Mansoura University, Ain Shams University, and Alexandria University, offering students unparalleled academic and professional development opportunities.
The recent USAID Scholarships Graduation Ceremony, held at the iconic Cairo University Dome Hall, was a momentous occasion celebrating the achievements of 200 graduates and welcoming 600 new scholarship recipients. The three-hour event was filled with passionate speeches, inspiring success stories from students, impactful videos, and live addresses from prominent figures such as Dr. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Herro Mustafa Garg, United States Ambassador to Egypt. The ceremony also witnessed the presence of former Minister of Education and Technical Education, Dr. Tarek Shawky.
Sean Jones, USAID Mission Director for Egypt, underscored the importance of investing in individuals and institutions through this scholarship program. “Our scholarship programs, established primarily by USAID and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, work closely with AUC and AMIDEAST to manage scholarships, guiding students through their academic journey,” Jones explained.
USAID’s collaboration with various universities in Egypt and the United States opens doors for exceptional Egyptian students to study abroad, thereby enriching their educational and professional experiences. “We support students in a wide array of fields, including water systems, agriculture, food security, engineering, and many more,” Jones added.
IhabAbdalla, Chief of Party for the USAID Scholars, highlighted the essential role of AUC in steering the scholarship programs. “The primary goal of the program is to nurture future leaders who advocate for change, whether in Egypt or globally, and this goal is attainable only through education,” Abdalla emphasized. The program aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development, engaging multiple governmental and private universities.
This initiative also partners with leading private companies such as Oriental Weavers, and ExxonMobil, offering students valuable internships and work experience. Aya Mohamed Samir, a computer science student at Mansoura University and a proud scholarship recipient, at USAID Egyptian Pioneers, shared, “The scholarship program offers numerous benefits, including fully funded fees, a semester abroad, a monthly allowance, and leadership courses. These opportunities are a fantastic chance for me to learn and grow.”
As Egypt confronts the challenges of a dynamic job market, initiatives like these are crucial in developing a skilled and adaptable workforce. The partnership between USAID, AUC, and other Egyptian universities exemplifies how education and industry can collaborate to drive national development, ultimately empowering students to succeed.