REPORTING PERIOD: April 1St, 2017 – September 30Th, 2017

American University of Beirut University Studentship Program VI

SEMI - ANNUAL REPORT (Year 3)

REPORTING PERIOD: April 1st, 2017 – September 30th, 2017

Date Report Submitted: October 2017

Table of Contents

1. Program Summary…………………………..……………………………..……………………….……...3 2. Executive Summary……………………………………………………………….……….………...……3 3. USP Cumulative Reporting Table…………………………………………………………………………3 4.USP Control Group Reporting Tables……………………………………………………………………...5 5. Academics & Enrollment………………………………………………………………………………….8 5.1 Students' Enrollment and Academics for Spring 2017 ……………………………………………….8 5.2 Dean's Honor List for Spring 2017 ……………………………………………………...... 8 5.3 Students Who Successfully Completed the PSPA Course in Spring 2017…………………………...8 5.4 Students' Enrollment and Academics for Summer 2017 ……………………………………………..9 5.5 Students' Enrollment for Fall 2017……………………………………………………………………9 6. Administrative Follow-Up………………………………………………………………………………..10 7. Non-Academic Internships……………………………………………………………………………….11 8. OIRA Results……………………………………………………………………………………………..11 9. LAU Hometown Meeting………………………………………………………………………………...15 10. USP VI Alumni Induction Session……………………………………………………………………..16. 11. CSP NGO Fair…………………………………………………………………………………………..17 12. AUB-USAID June Event……………………………………………………………………………….18 13. Civic Engagement Component………………………………………………………………………….19 13.1 Clubs and Societies ………………………………………………………………………………..19 13.2 Volunteering Activities ……………………………………………………………………………19 13.3 Community Service Projects………………………………………………………………………28 14. Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………...... 31 15. Up-Coming Events……………………………………………………………………………………...32

Program Summary

The USAID University Scholarship Program (USP VI) offers full coverage to assist male and female public school students in pursuing their undergraduate studies at the American University of Beirut (AUB). The main objective of the scholarship is to give young students coming from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds in the 26 districts of Lebanon, access to high-quality college education. The scholarship covers all fees including tuition, housing, books, a laptop, and stipends for up to five years. During their stay at AUB, the students will have to maintain a good academic status while being involved in community service projects and internship work outside AUB in fields related to their majors.

Executive Summary

This report summarizes all the activities and significant events that took place during the period extending from April 1st, 2017 till September 30th, 2017. In general, the report tackles the academic status and enrollment of the USP VI students during the Spring Semester 2017, Summer Semester 2017, and Fall Semester 2017. It sheds light on significant academic matters and ongoing administrative tasks. The report also presents the non-academic progress of the USP VI students as part of the USAID obligatory extra-curricular requirements. It sheds light as well on significant events that took place during this quarter such as the CSP NGO Fair and the AUB-USAID June Event.

USP Cumulative Reporting Table

The table below presents the updated cumulative reporting table that is intended for use every quarter.

Table 1 USP Cumulative Reporting Table

Total Total Total cumulative cumulative Total number of number of number of number of scholarships scholars who scholars who scholars who disbursed to-date graduated Total graduated to- dropped (T = E+G+D) this number of date under throughout reporting scholars i.e. number of the program the entire who initially enrolled Total period program End of (=G) Total dropped scholars as per award number of Summer 2017 Cumulative duration during this target + replacement scholars (report on the (=D) students who (report only on Number of reporting enrolled the number of total cumulative period substituted drop-outs number of Graduate during this students who This number after the first scholars who Scholars who reporting successfully includes any This number academic semester + graduated from are Employed period (=E) completed the drop-out related includes any new additional the program (till September program this to any reason = drop-out scholars through cost- successfully 2017) quarter; this is drop-outs related to any savings. Typically, including NOT a during this reason = drop- this is indicator during this cumulative quarter + outs during number 1 in your period and all number of all cumulative total this quarter PMP, except that the previous students who number of drop- only number is not the reporting outs during past revised target post successfully graduated) period) reporting drop-outs. periods

USP(1) USP(2) 52 0 0 50 19 2 0 USP(3) USP(4) 53 8 22 43 18 2 0 USP(5) 65 52 5 5 3 8 0 USP(6) 59 58 0 0 0 1 0 USP(7) – 53 53 0 0 0 0 0 cycle I USP(7) – 0 0 0 0 71 0 0 cycle II USP(7) – 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 cycle III Total USPs at your 282 242 27 98 40 13 0 university

USP Control Group Reporting Tables

With the USP (7) phase, control group reporting was included to attribute success to the program and to monitor the impact that the concerned USP phase has over its beneficiaries when compared to a control group of candidates coming from the same districts, same public schools, and of same gender distribution. This will form the basis to report results under the four hypotheses:

1. Likelihood of improved interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, time management and leadership without USP; 2. Likelihood of leadership engagement in the community without USP; 3. Likelihood of high academic achievement without USP; 4. Likelihood of improved employment prospects without USP.

Due to the difficulty of ensuring a volunteer group of candidates among the shortlisted but not selected applicants, the reporting on the control group was mitigated to compare the USP data to AUB data at large. Accordingly, this reporting will be included under all on-board USP phases.

1. Acceptance rate of applicants, graduation rate, and retention rate - AUB at large and USP: Acceptance Graduation Graduation Retention Retention Rate Rate Rate within Rate within Rate After After 2Y 4Y 5Y 1Y Admit_TERM AUB USP AUB USP AUB USP AUB USP AUB USP 201310 56% 86% 66% 92% 79% 96% 90% 96% 86% 96% 201410 57% 89% 65% 86% 91% 97% 88% 97% 201510 53% 95% 92% 95% 88% 89% 201610 52% 97% 92% 98% 89% 98% 201710 52% 80% 92% 100% N/A N/A 201810 52% 86%

2. Percentage of students placed on academic lists - AUB at large and USP:

Academic Lists (Honor List) Admit_TERM AUB USP 201310-Fall 18% 6% 201320-Spring 22% 24% 201410-Fall 20% 17% 201420-Spring 20% 31% 201510-Fall 20% 33% 201520-Spring 22% 40% 201610-Fall 23% 39% 201620-Spring 24% 35% 201710-Fall 24% 26% 201720-Spring 25% 26%

3. Percentage of graduates who pursue graduate studies and employment rate of graduates - AUB at large and USP:

Graduate Employment Studies Rate Rate Admit_TERM AUB USP AUB USP 201310 31% 24% 201410 30% 23% 201510 29% 21% 201610 30% 20% 201710 31% 40% 20% 41% 201810

To date – up to Spring 2017 - 98 USP students graduated; out of which 39 graduates are continuing into graduate education (40%) and 40 graduates are employed (41%).

4. Means who completed CAAP - AUB at large and USP:

Means 2013 Means 2014 Means 2015 Means 2016 USAID AUB USAID AUB USAID AUB USAID AUB Writing Skills 57.8 62.4 57.5 61.3 57.7 62.5 57.6 62.6 Mathematics 64.7 65.8 63.3 65.0 61.8 64.1 61.7 66.5 Reading 54.1 61.9 55.3 59.6 55 57.7 54.9 59.9 Critical Thinking 58.5 63.0 59.3 62.3 58.5 61.5 58.2 62.4 Science 59.3 65.0 59.3 61.9 59.2 63.8 56.5 61.4

5. Percentage of students who completed internships, CSPs and enrolled in clubs for AUB at large is not yet available to compare it to USP data. It will be reported upon in the next upcoming narrative.

Academics and Enrollment

Students’ Enrollment and Academics for Spring Semester 2017 (Academic Year 2016-2017)

Spring Semester 2017 began on January 24, 2017. A total of 58 USP VI students registered their courses as full timers and submitted their schedules to their program coordinator and academic monitor for confirmation. Some of the students waited till the drop and add period to finalize their schedules. After filling and updating the graduation plans, students had them reviewed and signed by their respective academic advisors before the last day of drop and add period (January 30, 2017). All USP VI students then submitted their graduation plans to their program coordinator who reviewed and verified them against updated projected program duration according to the students’ majors and English placement upon admission to AUB. The students also shared with their program coordinator their respective contact numbers, dorms placement, and name of their roommate in order to update their records. During that term, the program coordinator met regularly with all USP VI students in order to follow-up on their academic and non-academic progress. Students were asked to fill in, on a regular basis, an academic progress sheet showing their grades on quizzes, assignments, and lab reports. Individual meetings were conducted on a monthly basis between the students and their program coordinator. During these meetings, students submitted their academic progress sheets and shared with their program coordinator their academic updates and extra-curricular activities.

Dean’s Honor List for Spring Semester 2017

A total of 19 USP VI students out of 58 were placed on Dean’s Honor List in the Spring Semester 2017. Also, a total of 38 students (66% of the USP VI students who were enrolled in the Spring Semester 2017) had a GPA greater than 80/100 indicating a good academic standing.

Students who Completed PSPA Course in the Spring Semester 2017

A total of 5 USP VI students completed one of the USAID required PSPA courses (PSPA 222/233/272) during the Spring Semester 2017.

Students’ Enrollment and Academics for Summer Semester 2017

Summer Semester 2017 began on June 5, 2017. A total of 23 USP VI students registered their courses and submitted their schedules to their program coordinator and academic monitor for confirmation. Some of the students waited till the drop and add period to finalize their schedules. After filling and updating the graduation plans, students had them reviewed and signed by their academic advisors before the last day of drop and add period (June 6, 2017). All USP VI students who were enrolled in the Summer Semester 2017 then submitted their graduation plans to their program coordinator who reviewed and verified them against updated projected program duration according to the students’ majors and English placement upon admission to AUB. During the Summer Semester 2017, the program coordinator met regularly with the USP VI students in order to follow-up on their academic progress. USP VI students who were enrolled in the Summer Semester 2017 were asked to submit an academic progress sheet (prior to each meeting) in order to fill in their grades on quizzes, assignments, and lab reports.

Students’ Enrollment for Fall Semester 2017

Fall Semester 2017 began on August 30, 2017. A total of 58 USP VI students registered their courses as full timers and submitted their schedules to the program coordinator for confirmation. Some of the students waited till the drop and add period to finalize their schedules. After updating the ir graduation plans, USP VI students had them reviewed and signed by their advisors before the last day of drop and add period (September 8, 2017). All students then submitted their graduation plans to the program coordinator who reviewed these graduation plans and verified them against updated projected program duration according to the students’ majors and English placement upon admission to AUB. USP VI students also confirmed their contact numbers, dorms placement, and name of roommate. The program coordinator will meet regularly with all USP VI students and will follow-up on their academic and extra-curricular progress during the semester.

Administrative Follow-Up

Dorms

A total of 41 USP VI students resided in AUB dorms on campus during the Spring Semester 2017. A total of 8 students resided in the dorms during the Summer Semester 2017. All students adapted to life in the dorms and were comfortable with their desired roommates. As for the Fall Semester 2017, a total of 41 USP VI students are currently residing in AUB dorms. The remaining 17 students benefit from the transportation allowance. The students who benefit from the transportation allowance are residents of Beirut and Mount Lebanon.

Stipends

A total of 58 USP VI students received stipends amounting to 1,000 USD (500 USD per month) during the months of April and May 2017 as part of the 2,000 USD total amount of stipends that the students usually receive for the Spring Semester 2017. A total of 14 students (students who were registered in major-related mandatory summer courses) received 1,000 USD during the months of June and July 2017. Oracle was updated by the IT Department at AUB during the month of July 2017 which resulted in a mild delay in issuing the stipends. Stipends were issued on July 6 and July 7, and the students received their payments by then. Also, a total of 26 USP VI students received an additional one-month stipend during Summer 2017 (amounting to 500 USD) as a result of their completion of the non-academic internship and after fulfilling all the requirements that are stated in the USP VI award on page 30: “ this additional stipend is only allowable when the student is actually enrolled in an internship, the internship takes place prior to graduation, the internship is approved by the USP project management, and the internship takes place at a time when no other regular stipends are otherwise provided, such as during an unscheduled summer semester.”

Book Allowances

A total of 58 USP VI students received their book allowances amounting to 250 USD at the beginning of the Spring Semester 2017. Similarly at the beginning of the Fall Semester 2017, a total of 58 USP VI students received their 250 USD book allowances.

Non-Academic Internships

A total of 31 USP VI students (14 males and 17 females) are required to complete a non- academic mandatory internship (community service internship) as they pursue their undergraduate studies at AUB. During the summer break of Academic Year 2016-2017, a total of 26 USP VI students completed this requirement. The remaining 5 students will complete their non-academic internship in the summer break of Academic Year 2017-2018. All USP VI students who completed their non-academic internship during Summer 2017 gave a brief presentation where they described the overall experience, challenges that they faced, and benefits that they gained on the personal and/or professional level. Attendees of these presentations included USP VI students, USP team representatives, CCECS team representatives, and representatives from the internship host organizations. USP VI students also submitted a written report that further described in details their internship experience.

USP Assessments: COS, USP Student Survey, and SRLS

All USP VI students sat for the College Outcome Survey (COS), USP Student Survey, and Socially Responsible Leadership Scale Survey (SRLS) during the months of April, May, and June 2017. Three dates were set (April 21, May 26, and June 5) making sure that all USP students sat for these assessments. Results of the three surveys for the Academic Year 2016-2017 were reported by the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment (OIRA). The section below presents these results in further details. Also, an explicit documentation of COS, USP Student Survey, and SRLS results of the Spring Semester 2017 is attached in the project material folder.

COS Results

Whole Sample Means on 110 items ranged from 3.2-4.3 (3.4-4.4 last year), with 68 items (93 last year) i.e. 62% (82%) ≥ 4.0 and only 1 item ≤ 3.5, which reveals good progress and satisfaction with what was achieved in past year though slightly lower than the previous year.

1. Progress towards Outcomes . Means ranged from 3.7-4.2 (3.7-4.3).

. Most progress (≥4.2) made in learning how to think and reason, thinking objectively and improving my writing skills followed by openness to new ideas and practices. These were also among top last year. . Least progress (≤ 3.7) was in appreciating arts and understanding, developing effective job-seeking skills (e.g., interviewing, resume construction), and applying math concepts. 2. Personal Growth . High performance on personal growth with means ranging from 3.8-4.3 (3.9-4.3). . Main growth areas (≥4.2): responsibility, willingness to change, interacting with people from other cultures, becoming effective team member, adaptability and coping, developing self-confidence and persevering on objects. 3. College Experience . Good satisfaction with AUB experience with means ranging from 3.5-4.3 (3.7-4.4). . Highest areas of satisfaction (≥4.2): college in general, campus and social activities, college response to special needs students, and financial aid services. . Least satisfied (≤3.8) with residence hall services and programs, and informal contact with faculty in non-academic settings, academic advising, and faculty respect for students and concern for student. . High agreement with statements about college all ≥ 4.0, highest being I would recommend this college to others and if choosing, I would choose this college again and overall evaluation of college, all 4.3 (4.4). 4. Overall Growth Areas . Highest growth in social growth and personal growth (4.25) followed by intellectual growth (4.16), then by preparation for further study (4.1), and for a career 3.8 (4.0). 5. Additional Items . Means ranged from 3.2-4.3 (3.4-4.4). . Highest means reflected students’ development as a self-learner, working cooperatively with students on projects, making class presentations (4.3), syllabus contained learning outcomes, and material covered relevant course objectives. . Lowest items reflected low scores on feedback received from faculty on academic performance, on conducting discussions with them on progress (3.6), and on career plans (3.5), and working with faculty on research projects (3.2).

Comparison of 2015, 2016, and 2017 COS Results Over the period 2015-2017, 45% of the items went up, 37% remained the same and 22% went down. Breakdown by section is as follows:

 0.00 

PROGRESS OUTCOMES 5 13 PERSONAL GROWTH 1 10 12 COLLEGE EXPERIENCE 7 13 13 COLLEGE EXPERIENCE 4 2 1

OVERALL GROWTH 1 4 ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS 11 7 6 24 41 45

As shown in the above table, most of the items that went down were in additional items section and in evaluating college experience. In college experience, there was a drop of 0.2 on personal safety on campus, while in additional items some important outcomes went down. With respect to improved items, significant improvement was noted on ‘This college welcomes and uses feedback from students to improve the college’, ‘personal counseling services’,’ job placement services’, ‘practical experiences’, etc..

USP Student Survey

USP Student Survey is usually given towards the end of the year to all cohorts and its purpose is to identify the activities that the students were engaged in, extent of satisfaction with these experiences, student level of academic motivation, and their openness to diversity and challenge. Accordingly, the survey is made up of the following sections: 1. Background Information (age, gender, faculty) 2. Participation in activities 3. Academic motivation 4. Openness to diversity and challenge

Results Means for whole sample ranged from 3.6-4.3. Highest items ≥4.1 belonged to diversity and openness to challenge (N=7), activities conducted (N=7), and then motivation (N=4). Lowest items ≤3.6 belonged to motivation (N=3). 94% of the students’ activities were in clubs and societies, and in 81% of these activities they served as members, though in 7% of them they served as President, Treasurer, or Secretary (10% last year).

Comparison of 2015, 2016, and 2017 USP Student Survey Results When comparing scores from 2015 to 2017, we can see that major improvement in activities score last year on leadership and activity planning items overall. Motivation scores have in general stabilized based on last year. Diversity was more or less stable though slightly gone down.

Socially Responsible Leadership Scale

Results With respect to student means, they range from 3.1-4.5 with most of them 53 ≥4.0 and only 15 items below 4. Lowest items were mostly on Consciousness of Self and Change Constructs. When we examine Construct averages (Table below), we see that highest scores for the past three years have been on Commitment and Citizenship Subscales (4.2-4.3), and lowest on Change, Consciousness of Self, and Commitment (though not for 2017) but they are not really low (4.0). There has been a drop in 2017 on most scales, except on Common Purpose and Controversy with Civility which were stable.

Table 10 USP Student Survey Summary Statistics for 2016-2017 USP VI

2016 2017

3.9 3.9 Consciousness of Self Congruence 4.2 4.0 Commitment 4.4 4.3 Collaboration 4.2 4.1 Common Purpose 4.1 4.2 Controversy with Civility 4.2 4.0 Citizenship 4.3 4.2 Change 4.0 4.0

LAU Hometown Event

Under the motto of the “Power of Collaboration”, LAU’s University Scholarship Program Hometown Event drew a full house on April 13, 2017 at LAU Byblos. The event, which brought together USP students from LAU as well as AUB, faculty, staff, and members of NGOs and governmental agencies, was organized in partnership with Management Systems International (MSI), a U.S.-based development firm specialized in delivering donor-funded community programs. The event highlighted the University Scholarship Program (USP), USP students’ successes and their impressive efforts to embody collaboration for a better society. Speaking directly to the USP students in attendance, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy said, “We applaud you for what you had to do to get the scholarship to begin with. We know you have to work hard. We know also that you commit to volunteering and supporting the community. This is especially important to us in America.” During the event, exhibition booths were hosted by NGOs showcased the various volunteering and internship opportunities available to LAU and AUB USP students. From Caritas and Arsal Coalition to Basmat Amal and Spirit of Youth, there were more than a dozen

15 organizations present. NGO representatives also shared their projects with the students providing them with opportunities to intern or volunteer with them.

USP VI Alumni Induction Session

The Office of Alumni Relations with the coordination of the USP team organized an alumni induction informative session for USP VI students that took place on April 26, 2017 at West Hall Auditorium C.

USP VI students attended an informative session where they learned explicitly about their role as future AUB Ambassadors around the world. Presenters from the Office of Alumni relations at AUB explained to USP VI students the definition of an alumnus in general and the benefits of being part of the Worldwide Alumni Association of AUB (WAAUB). USP VI students learned about the different types of activities that AUB alumni engage in around the year and the goal behind these activities; WAAUB maintains the ties among AUB graduates around the world in an attempt to further support the mission and vision of AUB. Also during the alumni induction session, two USP Chapter Cabinet Members gave a brief presentation about the WAAUB University Scholarship Program Chapter that was launched earlier on April 24, 2017. USP VI students were introduced to the USP Chapter Executive Committee Members and were informed about the mission of the WAAUB-USP Chapter in developing strong links with USP alumni members as well as in advancing and supporting the service mission of USP and AUB.

Community Service Project (CSP) NGO Fair

The Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service (CCECS) at AUB organized in collaboration with Université Saint-Joseph (USJ) an AUB-USJ NGO Fair .The NGO fair brought nearly 100 local and international community-serving organizations to AUB on April 27-28, 2017 from 10 am till 4 pm each day to connect with students, faculty, and staff regarding civic engagement opportunities. A simultaneous exhibition also took place at the USJ campus.

The ceremony included AUB senior leadership, USJ senior leadership, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, World Bank Director for the MENA region, Minister of Social Affairs, current and former AUB USP students, AUB students, and AUB faculty and staff. During the NGO fair, USP IV and USP V students also presented their Community Service Projects (CSPs). Students were at hand in 10 different stations to discuss the impact of their projects and respond to questions that were posed by the public, NGOs, and Government officials. The projects that were showcased during the NGO fair included the below teams: - Team B: “Decreasing Tensions between Lebanese and Syrian Students in Zgharta” - Team C: “Social Integration for People with Special Needs” - Team D: “Art for Growth” - Team E: “My Story through My Puppets” - Team I: “Ehmej Cultural Trail” - Team L: “Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Jib Janine Public High School” - Team M: “Increasing Road Safety among Youth in Mount Lebanon” - South Team: “Alternative Energy in Baissariyeh School” - North Team: “Waste Management in Aidamoun” - Bekaa Team: “Peace Education for Syrian Refugees”

AUB-USAID June Event

A high-level delegation from the US Embassy joined an enthusiastic crowd of USP students, alumni, and staff to celebrate the many success of this transformative scholarship program. The ceremony was held to salute the 44 USAID-USP students who graduated from AUB during the Academic Year 2016-2017. It included inspirational advice from the US ambassador and AUB president, a heartfelt student testimonial, and a rousing musical performance.

The ceremony included the US Ambassador, USAID Acting Mission Director, AUB senior leadership, USP partners from LAU, current and former USP students, and AUB faculty and staff. The director of USAID-USP at AUB, first welcomed the assemblage and noted that the USP graduates recently established their own alumni chapter within AUB’s Worldwide Alumni Association. He also introduced a short video about the rigorous, transparent, and competitive process of selecting around 70 new students that will join the AUB USP community as of the Fall Semester of the Academic Year 2017-2018.

AUB President then thanked the American people for their continued commitment to USAID, saying that it is “one of the most important things America does in the world”. US Ambassador to Lebanon continued in this vein, saying that “Lebanon’s development depends on human capital and the talent of its young people.” She also addressed a question people often ask her about why the US invests so much time and money into educating other people’s children. “We believe that the stability, prosperity, tolerance, open-mindedness, and enlightened thinking that you are learning and that you are practicing in this country is going to be good for all of us”. Following the speeches, AUB USAID-USP Director reviewed some of the many academic awards and achievements of the USP graduates from 2016-2017, underscoring how these students excel in a variety of disciplines. Finally, a talented alumni from the USP II cohort took the stage to perform two additional Lebanese songs with her band captivating the audience and prompting everyone to clap along.

After the ceremony, proud USP students shared their Community Service Projects with a display of posters in the reception area of the AUB Hostler Auditorium. US Ambassador, AUB President, and other audience members talked with the students and learned how they tackled

18 various important issues in Lebanon such as refugees and environmental concerns with a creative hands-on approach.

Civic Engagement Component

Clubs and Societies During the Spring Semester 2017, all USP VI students (58 in total) participated in the clubs and societies that they registered in since the beginning of the Academic Year 2016-2017. The USP program coordinator and the CCECS team followed-up on these students’ activities. At the beginning of the Academic Year 2017-2018, a total of 47 USP VI students registered in AUB clubs and societies, out of which 7 students are holding leadership positions in their respective clubs/societies.

Volunteering Activities Among all USP VI students, 47 students engaged in voluntary activities and/or significant events during the period between April and September 2017.

Significant Events/Orientation Sessions

i. Networking between MSI partner organizations supported by OTI-LAU Hometown Event: On April 13, 5 USP VI students attended the networking event held in LAU, Jbeil. The event aimed to facilitate introductions and connections between MSI partner organizations supported by OTI from different regions in Lebanon.

ii. AUB-USJ NGO 2017 Fair Opening Ceremony: A total of 6 USP VI students attended the opening ceremony of the AUB-USJ 2017 NGO Fair that was organized by the AUB Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service on April 27, 2017 under the patronage of HE Minister of Social Affairs. The opening ceremony featured AUB President, USJ Secretary General, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, World Bank Acting Country Manager, and HE Minister of Social Affairs.

iii. Youth Talks–AUB-USJ 2017 NGO Fair: During the AUB-USJ 2017 NGO Fair organized by the AUB Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service on 19

April 27-28, 2017 under the patronage of HE Minister of Social Affairs, USJ organized “Youth Talks” panel on April 28, 2017 at the USJ Faculty of Medicine Campus. Youth Talks brought together students from both USJ and AUB to describe how they perceive civic engagement and to share with the audience their different volunteering experiences. A USP VI student participated in the USJ Youth Talks.

iv. Positive Intelligence Session organized by the AUB USP Club: 10 USP VI students attended the “Positive Intelligence” session that was organized by the AUB USP Club on April 11, 2017. The aim of the session was to introduce students to the concept of positive intelligence and how to apply it in their lives.

v. Electoral Law-Students Debating a Minister: 5 USP VI students attended the event entitled "Electoral Law: Students Debating a Minister" that was organized by the AUB Debate Club on April 6, 2017. The session brought together representatives from different AUB student clubs as well as the former Minister of Interior to discuss the different electoral laws, specifically the proportional law that was proposed in 2013.

vi. Innovative Digital Skills Training: 1 USP VI student participated in the Innovative Digital Training organized by the AUB Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service in partnership with the World Food Program and Sama Source throughout June and July 2017 to provide Information Technology (IT) training to low-income Syrian refugees and Lebanese young adults.

vii. BBC World Questions Debate in Beirut organized by the British Council: 7 USP VI students attended the BBC World Questions Debate on September 5, 2017 to debate questions from a public audience on Lebanon's social, political, and international future. The debate, led entirely by questions from the audience, allowed the public to question politicians and opinion formers directly face to face. viii. Youth Role in Peace and Sustainable Development in Lebanon–UNESCO and AUB CCECS: 3 USP VI students attended the consultation meeting “Youth Role in Peace and Sustainable Development“ that was held in the framework of the 20

UNESCO’s NETMED Youth Project in partnership with the AUB Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service. The event featured two sessions: (1) Showcasing experiences and good practices on youth-led initiatives in promoting social cohesion in Lebanon and the Arab Region; and (2) Identifying key youth priorities and innovative approaches to emerging issues.

B) Volunteering Activities Announced by CCECS

i. Young Arab Voices Debate Program: A team of 23 AUB students, including one USP VI student is participating in the 2017 Young Arab Voices Debate program in partnership with British Council, Anna Lindh Foundation and Masar Association. The program aims to develop skills and opportunities for youth to lead and manage effective debates to enrich democratic dialogue across the Arab region. USP students actively engaged in several closed and open debates throughout the semester, all in preparation for the national debate competition. During April, a USP VI student participated in one open debate, in addition to being selected to take part in the AUB Arabic team during the national competition on April 28-29, 2017. After several debates during the weekend, the USP VI student and his teammates reached the final debate, competing against 3 organizations coming from across Lebanon.

ii. Community Service Project-Team E (My Story through my Puppets): 1 USP VI student volunteered on April 1, 2017 to provide support to a group of USP IV and USP V students during the closing event of their Community Service Project in the AUB-Kayany Foundation Ghata School in Majdel Anjar. The project aims to offer psychosocial support in the form of “play therapy” to children living in refugee camps in the Bekaa region.

iii. English Teaching Program: 1 USP VI student took part in the English Teaching Program initiated by CCECS in collaboration with Jusoor organization. Throughout the Spring Semester 2017, the USP VI student delivered English language sessions on a weekly basis to Syrian refugees working with Jusoor. The English Teaching Program ended with a closing ceremony on April 28, 2017 where Jusoor

participants and AUB volunteers shared their experiences in this program and were given certificates of completion.

iv. Football for Peaceful Co-Existence and Conflict Resolution in Greater Beirut with “Right To Play”: 1 USP VI student is volunteering with Right to Play “Football for Peaceful Co-Existence and Conflict Resolution” project which aims to build a movement of coaches and youth leaders who harness the power of football to support peaceful co-existence and conflict resolution between individuals and communities in Greater Beirut. The project will use football as an accessible entry point into communities to promote social cohesion and conflict resolution using tested methods facilitated by specially trained community members (Coaches).

v. Talent beyond Boundaries: Since March 2017, one USP VI student has been volunteering with “Talent beyond Boundaries” which is an online platform that is used as a pathway to help skilled refugees find work and self-reliance through international employment opportunities.

vi. Step-up Program with the Lebanese Down Syndrome Association: Two USP VI students participated throughout Spring Semester 2017 in the “Step-up Program” that was organized by the Lebanese Down Syndrome Association in collaboration with the Continuing Education Center/REP at AUB. The program aims to provide life skills and career education in preparation to productive employment, community life participation, and independent living achievement.

vii. Innovative Digital Skills Training: Two USP VI students participated in the Innovative Digital Training organized by the AUB Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service in partnership with the World Food Program and Sama Source in April 2017 to provide Information Technology (IT) training to low- income Syrian refugees and Lebanese young adults. viii. Supporting Education in Public Schools with MMKN: 8 USP VI students joined MMKN during April 2017 to provide remedial classes on various subjects for students in public schools in preparation for their official exams. After volunteering 22

with MMKN during the Academic Year 2016–2017, the students were given certificates of participation in recognition of their efforts throughout the year. The ceremony took place on May 18, 2017 at AUB. ix. USP VII–Cycle 2 Open Days: 24 USP VI students provided logistical and organizational support to the AUB USP Management team during the Open Days for USP VII-Cycle 2 that took place at AUB from May 29 till June 2, 2017. Volunteers guided the applicants and their parents to the interview/exam settings.

x. Girls Got IT–Lebanese League for Women in Business: 2 USP VI students provided logistical support and guidance to girls during the “Girls Got IT” event that was held in Beirut Arab University (BAU) Tripoli on Saturday May 13, 2017. The event brought together 450 Lebanese and Syrian Refugee girls aged 15-16 who came from public and private schools located in the North governorate and from marginalized communities. The aim of the event was to encourage these girls to experience the capabilities of IT (Information Technology) and STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematic) in order to select them as career choices; to promote essential technology skills for today's global economy; to improve girls self-esteem through learning by using hands-on activities; to bridge the gender gap in technology-related fields by bringing awareness to girl students on the importance of ICT and the opportunities it can offer. xi. Children’s Health Fair: 1 USP VI student helped conduct recreational activities during the Children’s Health Fair that was organized by the Lebanese Medical Students’ International Committee (LeMISC) and the Standing Committee on Public Health (SCOPH) on May 18, 2017 at Al Sanayeh Garden. The fair aimed to raise awareness about the importance of a child's health in different aspects: health topics; hygiene, nutrition, dental health, road-safety, cyber-safety, mental health, and Champs Fund's cardiac arrest in athletes. xii. Girls Day–Lebanese League for Women in Business: 1 USP VI student provided logistical support during the Girls Day event that was organized by the Lebanese League for Women in Business on May 19, 2017. “Girls Day” is a pilot project

whereby young girls have to perform tasks within the technical department of the company for 3 hours. It aims to introduce girls to industries and fields they would not consider for a profession. xiii. Collective Mapping Campaign-Bus Map Project: 2 USP VI students are volunteering since June 2017 in the ongoing collective mapping campaign organized by the Bus Map Project in partnership with Green Line Association. This initiative aims to make Lebanon’s existing public transport system visible and legible through GPS tracing and map design. xiv. Recreational Activities with the Autism Awareness Association (AAA): 2 USP VI students volunteered with the AAA on June 24, 2017 to assist in conducting recreational activities for children with autism.

xv. Camp Rafiqi–Empowerment through Integration (ETI): 1 USP VI student participated in the summer Camp Rafiqi that was organized by ETI Beirut and Tripoli throughout July and August 2017. ETI focuses on addressing the social stigma and lack of inclusion by bringing together individuals with visual impairment and partners with the general public in order to drive each community towards being more inclusive. All classes during the camp were designed to empower children to believe in their own self-worth so the focus on identity and inclusion pervaded every class throughout the program. Children engaged in different kinds of classes including science, creativity, and “playing together”. xvi. Recreational Activities with Autistic Children–Autism Awareness Association (AAA): 3 USP VI students volunteered with AAA to provide logistical support and conduct recreational activities for autistic children during a recreational day that was organized by AAA on August 26, 2017. xvii. Saida Health Day–Amalouna: 12 USP VI students participated in the Saida Health Day that was organized by Amalouna on September 24, 2017 in partnership with Hariri Foundation, AUBMC Naef Bassil Cancer Institute, AUB Global Health Institute, Champs Fund NGO, AUBMCares, and AUB Wellness Center. The

objective of Saida Health Day is to increase the public’s knowledge about cancer prevention and promote healthy living and wellbeing.

xviii. Shape MENA 2017-Global Shapers: 1 USP VI student provided logistical support to Global Shapers which organized the SHAPE MENA 2017, a regional conference that brought together 80 Global Shapers from across the world to discuss solutions and cross-border collaborations on September 22 and 24, 2017.

xix. Launching of “Pedal for Peace” Event by Beirutiyat: 1 USP VI student provided logistical support during the launch of "Pedal for Peace" Event that was organized by Beirutiyat in collaboration with "Follow the Women" and “Beirut by Bike” on Saturday September 30, 2017. The event gathered 120 women bikers in a tour of peace around Lebanon.

C) Volunteering Activities Proposed by USP Students i. Tutoring Sessions for AUB Students: During April, one USP VI student delivered Math 251 tutoring sessions to his colleague.

ii. Integration of People with Disabilities with Al Amal Organization for Social Development: A USP VI student delivered a lecture to “Al Iman School” students on integration of people with disabilities. The student highlighted the importance of integrating people with special needs into the society and the process of facilitating their involvement in the community.

iii. Activities with the AUB Red Cross Club: 1 USP VI student participated in various activities with the AUB Red Cross Club including a day spent with elderly people, and a reforestation day in collaboration with the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI).

iv. Youth Speak Forum with AIESEC: 1 USP VI student participated in the Youth Speak forum with AIESEC on April 22, 2017 where she worked with the sustainable cities and communities group on solving a problem related to agriculture in Lebanon.

v. “Do Human Rights Really Matter in Times of Crisis?” at the AUB Issam Fares Institute: A USP VI student attended a lecture entitled “Do Human Rights Really Matter in Times of Crisis?” that was organized by the Issam Fares Institute on April 12, 2017. The session was delivered by the 8th Secretary General of the Amnesty International.

vi. Saida International Marathon: 1 USP VI student volunteered with the Municipality of Saida and the Marathon Association during Saida International Marathon on April 23, 2017 by providing logistical and organizational support.

vii. Lebanese Red Cross–Emergency Medical Technician (Antelias): 1 USP VI student volunteered with the Lebanese Red Cross–Emergency Medical Technician in Antelias Branch. The tasks that she did included: First aid and urgent transport of the victims of accidents on road, mountain and home; first aid for heart attack victims (CPR); first aid for children and sick people at home, etc. viii. Lebanese Red Cross-Emergency Medical Services 1 USP VI student volunteered with the Lebanese Red Cross during April 2017 to provide emergency medical services and transporting people with unstable health conditions to the hospital.

ix. Women’s Race–Beirut Marathon Association: 1 USP VI student volunteered with the Lebanese Red Cross during Saradar Bank Women’s Race on May 21, 2017. Under the slogan “Let’s Run Forward”, women’s race aims to empower women through running.

x. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Means of Integration: 3 USP VI students attended a seminar entitled “The Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Means of Integration” that was organized by the AUB Office of Regional External Programs in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on April 28, 2017.

xi. Lebanese Food Bank–2017 AUB USJ NGO Fair: 1 USP VI student provided support for the Lebanese Food Bank organization during the 2017 AUB USJ NGO Fair on April 27, 2017.

xii. Psychosocial Support–AUBMC Hemodialysis Unit: 1 USP VI student volunteered with the Hemodialysis unit at AUBMC from February till May, 2017 to provide psychosocial support to patients with end stage renal disease.

xiii. Camp for Children–Youth of Caritas in Deir Al Ahmar: 1 USP VI student volunteered with the Youth of Caritas in Deir Al Ahmar to help organize a camp for children with special needs on May 25- 26, 2017.

xiv. 17 Sustainable Development Goals–Toastmasters: 1 USP VI student attended a lecture on the 17 sustainable development goals organized by Toastmaster Lebanon on May 2, 2017.

xv. Food Drive with Azm and Saada Association: 1 USP VI student participated in a food drive organized by Azm and Saada Association in May 2017 during the month of Ramadan.

xvi. Arab Women in Computing–ARABWIC and AUB Computer Science Department: 4 USP VI students provided organizational and logistical support for the 2017 ARABWIC 5th Annual International Conference on Arab Women in Computing organized by ARABWIC and the AUB Computer Science Department at AUB on August 10-12, 2017.

xvii. Elderly Visit: In August, 1 student spent a day with elderly living in Saint Cecile Sanctuary (located in Bhannes) helping nurses in daily tasks, such as preparing lunch, serving food, and spending time with elderly. xviii. Summer Camp with the Development for People and Nature Association (DPNA): 1 USP VI student volunteered with DPNA during its summer camp that brought together youth between the age of 16 and 18 years old and actively participated in capacity building workshops.

xix. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Annual Summer Volunteering Camp: 2 USP VI students joined the ASCE summer volunteering camp during August 2017 to assist in the construction and rehabilitation of a basketball court and soccer field in Jran village located in Batroun district. 27

xx. Vietnam Youth Icon Summer Camp 2017–AIESEC: 1 USP VI student attended AIESEC’s 2017 Youth Icon Summer Camp in Vietnam between July and August, 2017 and engaged in different volunteering activities and leadership workshops throughout this period.

xxi. Supporting Victims of Violence: 1 USP VI student volunteered with Maryam and Martha Association during August to provide psychosocial support to survivors of violence against women.

USP VI 1 : جمعيةشعاع البيئة xxii. Recreational Day–BEA Environment Association student volunteered with BEA to conduct recreational activities for children as part of a recreational day in celebration of Adha on September 1 and 2, 2017.

Community Service Projects (CSPs)

By the end of September 2017, the USP VI cohort had split up into 15 different teams and started meetings with CCECS in order to start elaborating themes and problematics and to commence with proposal writing.

Team 1: Comprised of 7 USP VI students. The team decided to work with the elderly in partnership with “Al Mabarrat Association” to provide psychosocial support through laughter therapy. The team is still working on a concept note. Location: Sour Theme: Psychosocial support Problematic: Lack of initiatives focusing on psychosocial wellbeing of seniors Team 2: Comprised of 4 students. The team is addressing feedback on the second draft of the concept note provided by CCECS. Location: Barja – Chouf Theme: Sustainable waste management Problematic: Absence of effective waste management techniques Team 3: Comprised of 4 students. The team is currently conducting research, stakeholder mapping, and fieldwork for a Cultural Trial in Rachaya and is filling in different sections of the proposal based on CCECS feedback.

Location: West Bekaa Theme: Cultural Heritage Problematic: Limited initiatives highlighting Rachaya’s cultural heritage Team 4: Comprised of 2 students. The team decided on a theme and problematic for their intervention and is currently conducting research and fieldwork to determine the main activities. Location: Hasbaya Theme: Road Safety Problematic: High incidence of road accidents in the city of Hasbaya Team 5: Comprised of 1 student who is still researching potential themes for the intervention. Location: Bekaa Theme: N/A Problematic: N/A

Team 6: Comprised of 1 USP V student and 3 USP VI students. The team is still conducting desk research to define theme and problematic. Location: Bekaa Theme: N/A Problematic: N/A Team 7: Comprised of 6 students. The team has confirmed their theme and problematic and is still working on the concept note. Location: Bekaa Theme: Cultural Heritage Problematic: Fading of artisanal rug weaving Team 8: Comprised of 6 students. The team is researching potential problematics under the theme of Mental Health while conducting stakeholder mapping. Location: Keserwan/ Matn Theme: Mental Health Problematic: N/A

Team 9. Comprised of 4 students. The team is conducting desk research for their new concept after deciding to work on a different scope. Location: Matn/Aley Theme: N/A Problematic: N/A Team 10: The team is comprised of 7 students. The team is researching potential problematics under the theme of Youth Entrepreneurship while conducting stakeholder mapping. Location: Tripoli Theme: Youth entrepreneurship Problematic: N/A Team 11: Comprised of 4 students. The team is addressing CCECS comments on the first version of their concept note submitted to CCECS and is currently conducting stakeholder mapping and researching main activities. Location: Tripoli/ Zgharta Theme: Women economic empowerment Problematic: Lack of opportunities for changing traditional perceptions around women’s role in rural communities Team 12: Comprised of 5 students. The team is researching potential problematics under the theme of Mental Health while conducting stakeholder mapping. Location: Beirut Theme: Mental health Problematic: N/A Team 13: Comprised of one student. The student has decided on a theme and problematic for her intervention, and she is currently conducting research to develop the main activities. Location: Rass El Matn Theme: Public Health Problematic: Smoking among Salima's youth

Team 14: Comprised of 2 students. The team is researching potential Environmental interventions. Location: Bekaa Theme: N/A Problematic: N/A Team 15: Comprised of 2 students. The team has decided on a theme of intervention and problematic and is currently conducting desk research. Location: North Theme: Public Health Problematic: Limited knowledge of childbirth and parenting education among underserved communities in the North

Conclusion

The semi-annual report presented major events and activities that took place between April 1st, 2017 and September 30th, 2017. The report tackled the academic and non-academic progress of the USP VI students during the Spring Semester 2017, Summer Semester 2017, and the current Fall Semester 2017. The report also shed light on significant events and activities that took place in the aforementioned period such as the CSP NGO Fair and USAID-USP June Event.

Academically, there were no major challenges during this reporting period. However, if we may say, it was somehow challenging to determine applicable tutors for students who had academic difficulties in certain courses such as MATH 201 and STAT 230. The program coordinator and academic monitor will make sure to follow-up as usual on the students’ academic and non-academic progress by scheduling regular one-on-one meetings. Concerning extra- curricular commitments, some students find it challenging to volunteer in activities during their exam period and thus may fall behind in meeting their volunteering requirements. Also, some USP VI students are reluctant to volunteer with community partners outside Beirut when transportation is not provided because of the added costs. It has been noticed as well that there has been a continuous challenge in submitting reflections upon the completion of a volunteering activity in a timely manner. Some submitted reports are not up to our expectations. Students attempt to write reports that are descriptive with no evidence of critical thinking or any acquired learning 31 experience from their involvement in the activity. Submitted reports are also not explicit enough in regards to thoughtfulness, content, and visual material. For this reason, USP VI students will attend a reflective writing workshop during Academic Year 2017-2018 that aims to enhance their reflective writing skills. In regards to the CSP, student availability for meetings and follow-up on implementation is somehow challenging as many team members have conflicting schedules. In order to overcome any academic and non-academic challenges, USP team and CCECS team will continue to follow-up on students’ academic and non-academic progress making sure that all students meet their USP scholarship requirements prior to graduation.

Upcoming Events

In the upcoming quarter, USP VI students will be encouraged to work on their CSPs since they have formed their respective groups and took the proposal writing workshop in Academic Year 2016-2017. CCECS team will thus meet with the different CSP teams in order to finalize their respective themes and assist the students in writing the first draft of their concept notes. Also in the upcoming quarter, the five remaining USP VI students who have not completed their non- major related (non-academic) internship during Summer 2017 will be encouraged to complete this requirement during the Fall 2017 Inter-Semester Break (if convenient). USP VI students will be continuously encouraged to engage in volunteering activities and meet their extra-curricular requirements in a timely manner. They will be provided with volunteering opportunities from the center’s database of credible local NGOs and community partners. Students will be also encouraged to suggest new volunteering activities and build partnerships with organizations that match their skills and interests.

In the upcoming quarter as well, USP VI students will sit for the CAAP Assessment on October 20, 2017. Students will attend a Town Hall Meeting and will be invited to attend an educational field trip that will be scheduled during AY 2017-2018. USP VI students will be also asked to attend a series of workshops. They will be also invited to attend a USP-USAID Event that will hopefully take place in January, 2018.