Alexandria – On Sunday, 200 scholarship recipients from the U.S.-Egypt Higher Education Initiative hosted a workshop to promote diversity and inspire development in communities across Egypt.  Supported by the U.S. Embassy through U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the program provides assistance for talented Egyptian students to earn degrees from Egyptian private universities in fields important for economic growth.

“Diversity strengthens discourse, builds tolerance, and fosters creativity and innovation,” said Dr. Arturo Acosta, Education and Training Deputy Director for USAID in Egypt.  “Through high academic achievement and commitment to service, Higher Education Initiative program participants can make a difference in their own lives and  also for the future of Egypt.”  

The student-led workshop took place at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport in Alexandria.  The workshop promoted domestic and international travel among young Egyptians as a way to learn about diversity.  Nearly 300 students, as well as representatives from NGOs, partner universities, and Egyptian and U.S. government officials attended the event. By planning the workshop, students gained valuable experience in event preparation, time management, problem solving, and teamwork.

Through the $250 million U.S.-Egypt Higher Education Initiative, the U.S. Government will grant scholarships to nearly two thousand talented Egyptians to attend Egyptian and American universities to study in science, engineering, and business administration, helping  achieve their aspirations and contribute to Egypt’s economic prosperity.   In addition, HEI will support higher education partnerships to strengthen research and exchanges between Egyptian and U.S. universities.  This is part of the $30 billion that the American people have invested in Egypt through USAID since 1978.