MEPI Education & Exchange Programs
MEPI currently has six education and exchange programs active in the Palestinian Territories. These programs are one of three programming mechanisms utilized by MEPI in support of greater freedom and opportunities for people across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region. Further details on each program are listed below. Please read each program description carefully as the deadline for this year’s applications may have passed. Graduates of MEPI’s Education and Exchange programs should visit the MEPI Alumni website, http://mepialumni.state.gov.
Abraham Lincoln Incentive Grants Program (Lincoln Grants) gives grants to promising, academically qualified but economically challenged high school students from the West Bank and Gaza. The grants assist students in competing successfully for scholarships to pursue undergraduate studies in the United States. Selected students receive assistance in becoming competitive applicants for U.S. college and university admissions and scholarships. This program is the first of its kind in the Palestinian Territories, providing direct assistance to students who would not otherwise consider U.S. study due to the significant preparatory expenses – i.e. testing, preparation courses and applications, visa fees, etc.
American Palestinian Local University Scholarships (A-PLUS) supports higher education opportunities for financially challenged Palestinian students. This program will provide four-year scholarships for Palestinian youth to attend an eligible college or university in the West Bank or Gaza. The project will target Palestinian students in the 12th grade who are academically talented but who are unable to afford tuition and expenses at local universities and colleges. A-PLUS will provide students with scholarships that cover local tuition and fees, books, and transportation costs for the full length of a four year undergraduate program.
Leadership for Democracy Fellowship (LDF) provides emerging civic leaders and democracy activists from the Middle East and North Africa with the opportunity to spend several months in the U.S. to gain academic skills and practical experiences as well as networking opportunities with like-minded professionals. The LDF project is hosted by Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs in Syracuse, New York. Academic coursework is followed by professional fellowships with Washington, D.C. based institutions and organizations. The program covers international and domestic travel, health insurance, housing, and a moderate living stipend.
Middle East Entrepreneur Training Program (MEET) offers professional training, networking, and alumni support systems to increase the managerial and entrepreneurial skills of Middle Eastern and North African business people and civil society leaders. The program includes presentations by prominent educators and entrepreneurs, professional coaching, and invaluable opportunities to make new contacts. The program goal is to help promising leaders realize their aspirations to build successful, growing enterprises that will contribute to economic development and community well-being in the MENA region. Participation of women is highly encouraged. Graduates of the program earn certificates at leading universities in the U.S.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship Program (Tomorrow’s Leaders), aims to build a cadre of university-aged, civic-minded, professionally skilled leaders who will become the community and business leaders of the future. The program provides four-year university scholarships and internships at select institutions of higher learning in the Middle East to students who demonstrate potential for leadership. Eligible students represent a broad array of cultural and religious backgrounds and would otherwise gain admission to but cannot afford a four year college. Recipients may pursue an undergraduate degree in a field of their choice, though special consideration may be given to those with an expressed interest in legal studies, economics, education, journalism, history, and/or political science. Participation in the program includes: travel, academic fees for four years of university, accident and sickness insurance, housing, and a monthly allowance.
Youth Summer Leadership Institute (Student Leaders), focuses upon how leadership is conceived and practiced in different capacities (governmental, community, civil society, private sector, etc.) and in different regions of the United States. The program has two key components: a four week academic residency conducted at a host institution, followed by a one week educational study tour designed to directly complement and reinforce the concepts explored in the academic residency program. Nominees may be students in any field of study, however it is critical that they exhibit a strong interest in pursuing leadership opportunities in their home countries. Participants must also demonstrate a desire to learn first-hand about civic engagement, the U.S. and its societal institutions.