 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
USAID Information:
External Links:
|
|
|
|
|
USAID Announces a Scholar Initiative Program for Students from Haiti
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2006
0502-06-030
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov
WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to strengthen educational programs in Haiti, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the addition of a Florida-Haiti Scholarship Program under the Cooperative Association of States for Scholarships (CASS) of Georgetown University. Through this program, students from Haiti will have the opportunity to study and attend college in Florida.
Through the CASS program, scholars foster long-lasting personal and professional links of friendship with those from among the countries of the Americas and the Caribbean. Scholars learn about life in the United States through their experiences with U.S. culture and in turn, share their culture with their new host community. They also observe governmental decision-making processes and become actively involved with community projects and volunteer organizations. Upon completion of the program, the scholars will return to Haiti to apply their newly learned skills and knowledge in their workplace and in their communities.
This year, ten scholars were selected in a highly competitive process that considers financial need, leadership potential, community involvement, and academic achievement. The first three Haitian Scholars are from Port-au-Prince and have commenced their studies in Small and Medium Enterprise Management and Marketing at Florida Community College in Jacksonville, Florida. The additional seven scholars will study Industrial Management/Electronics Technology at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. Candidates for these scholarships come from rural areas such as Jean Rabel, Jeremie, Ounaminthe, and Jacmel. Each scholarship includes tuition costs, room & board, travel expenses, and English-language training.
To implement this Florida-Haiti Scholarship Program, USAID worked closely with the Governor's Office in the State of Florida, which has recently been coordinating a comprehensive Florida-Haiti Initiative to render assistance for development efforts within the Caribbean country. Florida is a mere 650 miles from Haiti, and according to the 2000 U.S. Census, the state has the largest Haitian population of any U.S. state.
Funded by USAID, the CASS Program offers technical education, job training, and leadership skills development to young adults and leaders from throughout Central America, the Caribbean and Mexico. Since 1989, the CASS program has provided over 500 scholarships to a new generation of young Haitians making important contributions as a result of newly acquired technical, democratic leadership and community development skills.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
Back to Top ^
|
RSS Feed for Recent USAID Press Releases
