Mansoura University President Receives USAID Scholarship Program Director to Discuss Joint Cooperation

Prof. Cherif Youssef Khater, President of Mansoura University, received on December 2, 2024, Prof. Ihab Abdullah, Director of USAID Scholarship Program at the American University in Cairo, and his accompanying delegation.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs, Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Azim, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Assoc. Prof. Bishoy El-Qess Sayedhom, Coordinator of the University Scholarship Program at Mansoura University.

Prof. Cherif Khater pointed out that the university's strategy to activate international partnerships and international cooperation through grants from international bodies comes within the framework of the political leadership's directives to expand cooperation and partnerships with international educational institutions, and achieve the goals of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt, and an important step towards enhancing cooperation opportunities between Mansoura University and foreign universities, as cooperation is an opportunity to exchange experiences to develop students' skills, and qualify student in interdisciplinary study programs, which contributes to enhancing their scientific and research capabilities, to prepare qualified graduates capable of competing in various fields. He stressed the importance of university scholarship programs; In preparing a qualified graduate to obtain the best opportunities in the labor market, and contributing to achieving the goals of sustainable development, explaining that the university scholarship program provided by the United States Agency for International Development aims to enable academically outstanding students to enroll in university studies, and excel by studying modern and unconventional specializations, as it provides the opportunity for outstanding students to spend a full semester at universities within the United States of America, which contributes to supporting economic and social development plans and environmental responsibility in Egypt; By providing opportunities for university education based on the foundations of knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship and scientific research, which benefits students and Egyptian society.

Prof. Mohamed Attia Al-Bayoumi pointed out that 113 students from the university received grants provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in five faculties (Faculty of Engineering - Faculty of Computers and Information - Faculty of Agriculture - Faculty of Science - Faculty of Nursing), stressing that the university is making all arrangements and procedures to ensure that returnees benefit from the grants and training opportunities provided; in enhancing the capabilities of their faculties, and disseminating the knowledge they acquired during the program, in order to maximize the benefit from their experiences and skills, and localize those experiences.

Prof. Ihab Abdullah expressed his thanks and appreciation to the administration of Mansoura University, headed by Prof. Cherif Khater, for the fruitful and effective cooperation in various fields, praising the scientific status and good reputation of Mansoura University. He also extended his appreciation to the deans and vice deans of the faculties where the scholarship program students are located for their efforts and continuous cooperation, pointing out that Mansoura University is among 10 Egyptian universities that have received the scholarships provided by the program, adding that the program aims, in addition to academic study, to develop the English language skills necessary for study, in addition to providing a number of job opportunities; through entrepreneurship programs, developing leadership skills, and paying attention to the psychological aspects of students, and providing opportunities for students to participate with private sector institutions; to benefit from practical training opportunities, or funding for innovative projects, community participation and volunteer work.

During the visit of the USAID Grants Program Project Manager at Mansoura University, a meeting was held with the grant students in the presence of Prof. Sherif Masoud Al-Badawi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Assoc. Prof. Bishoy Al-Qess, to learn about the achievements of the grant students at Mansoura University and their progress and winning in international competitions and their participation in providing community services.

The visit will continue for two days, during which Prof. Ihab Abdullah will meet with the grant students at Mansoura University.

 It is worth noting that the "University Grants Program" provided by the United States Agency for International Development and implemented by the American University in Cairo offers a number of opportunities for university scholarships for a period of four or five years, which may be preceded by a preparatory year (in the event that the student enrolls at the American University in Cairo or Zewail City of Science, Technology and Innovation). The program also aims for a university education based on the foundations of knowledge, innovation and scientific research, characterized by excellence, experiential education, entrepreneurship and good preparation for the labor market, while providing opportunities to conduct scientific research that will create a positive and effective impact for both students (normal as well as students with disabilities) and the participating educational institutions and the Egyptian society as a whole.