Today, Monday, December 2, 2024, Professor Sherif Youssef Khater, President of Mansoura University, welcomed Mr. Ihab Abdullah, Director of the University Scholarships Program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by The American University in Cairo, along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting aimed to discuss enhancing mutual cooperation. Present at the meeting were Professor Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Professor Mohamed Abdel-Azim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; and Dr. Bishoy El-Qess Sidhom, Coordinator of the University Scholarships Program at Mansoura University.

Professor Sherif Khater emphasized that the university's strategy prioritizes fostering international partnerships with global educational institutions. This aligns with the directives of the political leadership to enhance academic collaboration and support the objectives of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt. He highlighted that such partnerships contribute to developing students' skills through innovative academic programs and preparing graduates capable of competing in local and international job markets. Additionally, he underscored the importance of the University Scholarships Program in academically and professionally qualifying students, thereby enhancing their role in achieving Egypt’s sustainable development goals.

Mr. Ihab Abdullah expressed his appreciation for Mansoura University's administration, praising its active role in implementing the program and its distinguished academic reputation. He explained that the University Scholarships Program offers exceptional educational opportunities, including academic studies, English language skills development, entrepreneurship programs, and leadership training. The program also allows students to spend a semester at American universities, participate in practical training, and engage in innovative projects in collaboration with the private sector.

During the meeting, Professor Mohamed Attia El-Bayoumi noted that 113 students from Mansoura University have benefited from the scholarships across five faculties: Engineering, Computer Science, Agriculture, Science, and Nursing. He stressed the university's commitment to leveraging the experiences of returning scholarship students to enhance their peers’ capabilities and disseminate the knowledge they acquired.

The visit concluded with a meeting with the scholarship students, attended by Professor Sherif Massoud El-Badawy, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Dr. Bishoy El-Qess, to discuss the students' achievements, international competition wins, and contributions to community services. The visit will continue over two days, including extended meetings with the students to review their progress and support their participation in various academic and community activities.

It is worth noting that the University Scholarships Program offers academic scholarships lasting four to five years, which may be preceded by a preparatory year (in the case of enrollment at The American University in Cairo or Zewail City of Science, Technology, and Innovation). The program aims to provide exceptional higher education based on knowledge, innovation, and research. It also emphasizes hands-on learning, entrepreneurship, and comprehensive preparation for the job market while fostering impactful scientific research. This initiative aims to create a significant positive impact for students—including males, females, and individuals with disabilities—participating educational institutions, and the broader Egyptian community.