press releases

U.S. Ambassador Presents $280,000 Check to International College (IC) for Student Scholarships and Library Books

April 13, 2006

U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Feltman and United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon Mission Director Raouf Youssef presented a check for $280,000 to International College (IC) President Arthur Charles for student scholarships, April 13, 2006. At International College, Ambassador Feltman met with students to learn more about their school program and hear their views on Lebanon and the future.

The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), provided $300,000 in scholarship support to IC for the 2005-06 academic year. Through this U.S. Government support, 97 Lebanese students from diverse regions of Lebanon are able to attend IC and benefit from an American-style education. The funds also permit IC to furnish their library with reference materials and American literature. IC also receives funding from the U.S. Government-funded American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) office. These funds enabled IC to purchase equipment for the school including classroom furniture, software and computers.

The U.S. Government’s support for IC underscores the importance the United States accords to education, and its role in promoting a democratic and economically prosperous Lebanon. As President Bush said in the 2006 State of the Union, “For people everywhere, the United States is a partner for a better life.” USAID assistance also promotes the value of American education and teaching methods through its support to four educational institutions in Lebanon: American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanese American University (LAU), International College (IC) and the American Community School (ACS).

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 $40 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 website www.usaidlebanon.org.lb.