2005 press releases

USAID Presents $1,766,000 to the AUB Scholarship Fund

Pushes Total Contribution to Over $2.2 Million for 2005

August 12, 2005

U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Christopher Murray and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef presented a check for $1,766,000 to the American University of Beirut (AUB) for scholarships on August 12, 2005. Combined with $584,485 presented in March, the United States Government has provided over $2.2 million of scholarship support to AUB students in 2005.

These funds provide scholarships to more than 640 Lebanese students from all over Lebanon, who would not be able to attend AUB without this assistance. The United States Government is the largest contributor to AUB’s scholarship fund.

The U.S. Government also funds a number of research projects at AUB in addition to funding for scholarships. The U.S. Government provides $1.8 million to AUB every year through the American Schools & Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) and other projects in the fields of agriculture, environment, math, physics and medicine, totaling $12,016,000 over the last 3 years.

USAID’s assistance promotes the value of American education and teaching methods through its support to four educational institutions in Lebanon: AUB, Lebanese American University (LAU), International College (IC) and the American Community School (ACS). The U.S. Government’s support for AUB underscores the importance the United States accords to education.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has worked in Lebanon since 1951, funding development projects to benefit Lebanese citizens. USAID’s program promotes economic opportunities, job creation, good governance and environmental policies and practices in rural Lebanon. USAID provides $35 million assistance a year and works in partnership with U.S. and Lebanese organizations throughout the country. USAID strengthens the relationship between the people of Lebanon and the people of the United States, and promotes a shared vision of democracy and socio-economic development.

For more information about USAID’s projects in Lebanon, visit USAID’s web site www.usaidlebanon.org.lb