AUB launches Leadership Scholarship Program for Arab students

This program aims "to nurture future leaders in the Arab World through a liberal arts education so they will become agents of change and reform in their society."

The leadership program, which is funded by the US State Departments' Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), was established by AUB in August 2007.

Under the program, students will follow a four-year degree program of their choice as well as attend leadership building seminars and activities, in addition to participating in internships, community service, and doing a semester in the United States.

The program fully covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, a laptop, insurance, and gives each student a $500 monthly stipend.

AUB Lecturer Randa Antoun, the program coordinator, said:

"We are really excited to be able to offer these scholarships to a diverse group of students each year."

Antoun added, "AUB has more than a century's experience in fostering Arab leaders through our programs. We encourage the principles and values that are sought by MEPI and we educate our students by helping them develop well-rounded personalities."

Under this leadership program, AUB will be sponsoring a total of 18 Arab students over the next three years.

Eleanor Johnson, consultant for Special Projects at the Office of the Provost, said:

"What's important about this program is that it offers an academic curriculum that focuses on developing civic and social leadership skills in participating students."

"AUB's role is to provide opportunities for these students to learn about democratic values and to give them the expertise, motivation, and skills to contribute to political, social, and economic developments in their countries," Johnson added.

AUB President Peter Dorman will announce the names of the students at a reception held on October 7 to mark the beginning of the new academic year.