Education Pillar

U.S.-Middle East University Partnership Program [Education] – in cooperation with the Association Liaison Office for University Cooperation in Development (ALO) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), this program supports institutional linkages between U.S. and regional colleges and universities.  The aim of this initiative is to strengthen programs in such disciplines as business and economics, information and communication technology; government and legal studies, teacher education, and gender studies.

Project Citizen [Education, Democracy] – in partnership with the Center for Civic Education, the Arab Civitas Network has introduced civic education in elementary and secondary schools throughout the region.  Arab Civitas utilizes the Center’s “Project Citizen” curriculum and materials, as well as its Foundations of Democracy, which are adapted and translated for use in each country.  More than 15,000 students have benefited from this program, which has enhanced the quality of education and strengthened democratic processes by fostering public awareness and acceptance of civic rights and responsibilities.

MEPI Student Leaders Study of the U.S. Institutes [Education] – In cooperation with the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), this intensive five-week programs introduces highly motivated students from the Middle East and North Africa to American culture and values, and provides instruction in leadership, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills.  In January 2005, the alumni of the Summer 2004 MEPI Student Leaders Institutes attended an alumni conference in Tunis, where students presented the projects they designed and implemented in their local communities.

Partnership Schools - Due Diligence and Education Summit [Ecucation] – a due diligence review was completed for the Partnership Schools Program, including a regional analysis of current educational systems and technological capacity, the identification of the lowest cost, most effective technologies, a review of the innovations in education currently under development in the region, and a review of key implementation hurdles and challenges in this sector to promote access to quality education for young people, especially girls.   The review’s success became clear in a recommendation for the most efficient and cost effective opportunities for MEPI funding to support.

English ACCESS Microscholarships for English Language Students [Education] – In partnership with the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), this program provides the opportunity for underserved youth to improve their English language skills and to gain a better future through access to expanded education environments.  English language instruction is given in the context of American history and democratic principles, thereby improving mutual understanding between countries in the Middle East and North Africa region and the United States.