Middle East Partnership Initiative "Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarships"

The Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (NEA/PI) announces an open competition for proposals to enhance and expand educational opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa. Successful applicants will provide an American-accredited education which will create a strong foundation for a cadre of civic-minded, intellectually able, and professionally skilled university students, well-prepared to become future community and business leaders.

Amount: $1,000,000

Date due: January 5, 2010

The Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarships II (TLII) program will partner with host universities to provide four- to- five year academic matriculation and community service opportunities for secondary school graduates from the Middle East and North Africa who are from diverse and socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds and whose academic merit and other credentials would qualify them for admission to a university program of study but whose limited financial resources preclude attendance. The TLII project emphasizes the identification of highly motivated male and female students with demonstrated English language ability and leadership potential. Proposals under this priority area support full four- to- five year scholarships for at least 12 students per class cohort. Strategies to leverage program resources through more students and cost-sharing are strongly encouraged. In addition to proposing cost-sharing (see budget criteria), applicants should indicate how they will continue the project with non-USG funding upon completion of this project.

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Barbara Jordan Health Policy Student Scholars Program

An initiative of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., where they are placed in congressional offices and learn about health policy issues, particularly those affecting racial and ethnic minority and underserved communities.

Through the ten-week program (May 17-July 24, 2010), scholars gain knowledge about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a congressional office, scholars participate in seminars and site visits as a way of augmenting their knowledge of healthcare issues and write and present a health policy research memo that addresses a problem of concern to disadvantaged populations.

Scholars receive approximately $7,500 in support, which includes a stipend of $2,000 upon successful completion of the program, a daily expense allowance for meals and local transportation, transportation/airfare to and from Washington, D.C., and lodging at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

For more information, click here.