US Ambassador Lisa Johnson attended the graduation ceremony for 76 students who received scholarships at the American University of Beirut funded by the U.S. government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These academically talented students represent a new generation of public and private sector leaders in Lebanon, many of whom otherwise would not have been able to attend university due to the economic crisis in Lebanon. This marks another milestone in the long-term partnership between the U.S. government and the American University of Beirut in higher education and the shared commitment to empower the youth of Lebanon through USAID's higher education scholarship program.
Ambassador Johnson was joined by USAID Mission Director Julie Southfield, President of the American University of Beirut Fadlo Khuri, faculty and staff members at the American University of Beirut, as well as the students. The ambassador delivered a speech on the occasion, stating, "Education is one of the most powerful tools for achieving individual progress and the growth and prosperity of a country. For this reason, the United States, through USAID, launched the higher education scholarship program – to increase access to education despite the ongoing challenges facing Lebanon."
During the ceremony, students also presented testimonials about the program's impact on their lives and received certificates of excellence for their academic achievements and community service involvement. President Khuri addressed the attendees, saying, "USAID's higher education scholarship program at the American University of Beirut has been a blessing for the community of young researchers and for the American University of Beirut. This program enables us to accept the most talented students without succumbing to economic elitism that can overshadow and stifle intellectual excellence."
Since 2010, the United States has invested over $100 million to provide full university scholarships at the American University of Beirut for students from all 26 districts of Lebanon, including refugees. These scholarships have enabled 760 students to pursue high-quality education. In addition to the full scholarship program, USAID also provided an additional $19.5 million in 2022 to support the financial aid program at the American University of Beirut, which targeted 1,950 students enrolled at the American University of Beirut who were adversely affected by the economic crisis. Students receiving USAID assistance are required to engage in volunteer work, training workshops, internships at institutions, and community service in their local communities to better address the challenges posed by the multiple crises in Lebanon.
