educational programs and scholarships
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP)
Deadline for applications is January 16, 2009
The United States Embassy in Iraq is pleased to offer a rewarding exchange program for young Iraqi students to travel to the United States for Summer 2009. The program is part of a 2006 Presidential Initiative. It was announced by President Bush in agreement with Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki during a visit of the Prime Minister to the White House. It is a one-month scholarship program for high-school students and university students, to participate in leadership development and civic education. The program covers all participants’ expenses including travel, accommodation, living allowance, funding for academic material and health insurance.
This year’s program is being administered by three non-profit organizations: World Learning, AED and Meridian. All interested students are encouraged to apply through any of the organizations’ web sites. Students will have the unique opportunity of visiting the U.S., improving their English skills and participating in leadership programs and training.
For more than half a century, the people of the United States have supported international educational and cultural exchange programs as an investment in global understanding and peace. Such programs have a long track record of bringing future leaders from around the world to the United States to experience the U.S. educational system, enhance their knowledge, and explore U.S. culture and values. These programs also give Americans invaluable experiences and insights from abroad.
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Programs for Undergraduate and High School Students extend this opportunity to talented young leaders from Iraq. In 2009 these programs are sponsored by the
U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
6-week undergraduate programs: Two will be implemented by World Learning and two implemented by the Academy for Educational Development. Each student will participate in a fully funded six-week institute that includes classroom instruction and active educational opportunities. The Academy for Educational Development programs relate to two themes: science and technology or public policy. Students desiring these areas of study should apply to AED. The World Learning programs focus on the development of leadership skills, focusing on either: communication & civic participation or Contemporary Issues in Environment and Society. Students with an interest in these areas should apply to the World Learning program through World Learning’s partner, America’s Development Foundation (ADF.) Applicants must be currently enrolled in university in their first three years of undergraduate study to be eligible. Students should only apply to one program.
There will be three 4-week high school programs: two implemented by World Learning and one implemented by Meridian International Center. The high school programs focus on developing participants as future leaders. Students interested in participating in these programs should apply through America’s Development Foundation, which serves as a partner to both organizations.
Further information and applications may be found at one of the following websites:
http://www.adfusa.org (World Learning and Meridian programs)
http://iylep.aed.org/ (Academy for Educational Development program)