2006 Press Releases
USAP students ready to study in the United States, earn U.S.$7 million in scholarships
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| Ambassador Dell with some of the USAP students |
Twenty-seven highly talented, economically disadvantaged Zimbabwean students have earned over U.S. $7 million (U.S.$7,162,408) in scholarships to study for four years at America’s finest colleges and universities. The students graduated today after completing a year’s training under the United States Students Achievers Program (USAP). The USAP students will begin studies this month on full academic scholarships at America’s most selective colleges and universities including Amherst College, Brown University, Columbia University, Mount Holyoke College, Princeton University, Williams College and the University of Pennsylvania.
The recognition ceremony was attended by the students, their parents, school Headmasters, U.S. Embassy officials, and members of the Zimbabwean business community. United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Christopher Dell officiated, congratulating the students and calling upon them to use the knowledge and experience acquired from abroad to help make a positive difference in the future of Zimbabwe.
The USAP program, offered by the Educational Advising Center at the U.S. Embassy, prepares students for education in the U.S. by assisting them with every step of the college selection, application, and orientation process. Thus far, over 120 Zimbabwean students have gone to the United States by way of the USAP program. While the colleges and universities provide the scholarships, the U.S. Embassy pays for all application, standardized test and postage fees. This year, individuals and private companies including Air Zimbabwe, Standard Chartered Bank and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe donated plane tickets and money to cover other expenses.
Each year in May, USAP selects 32 students from high schools throughout Zimbabwe to participate in the program. Annually, more than 400 top “A” level students complete the extensive application process. The selection criteria include academic excellence, demonstrated leadership potential, economic disadvantage and an ethos of giving back to the community.
“The USAP students have the potential to be the future generation of Zimbabwean leaders in their various academic and professional sectors.” says Rebecca Zeigler Mano, U.S. Embassy Educational Advisor.
“Over the last six and a half years, USAP students have excelled academically and many have worked as teaching assistants or in academic research, especially in mathematical, economic and scientific fields. Socially they have been engaged in and have spearheaded a wide variety of initiatives– clubs, sports, music and dance troupes, community service and leadership activities on campus, in their surrounding communities, and most crucially back home in Zimbabwe.
The USAP program was established in Zimbabwe by Zeigler Mano in 1999 and has been highly recognized for its innovation with several international education awards. The program has been replicated by educational advising centers around the world, with Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Latvia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mongolia, Nigeria, Romania, South Africa, Uganda, and United Kingdom being the first 12 countries to clone the program.
Through its Educational Advising Center, the U.S. Embassy provides support and advice for all Zimbabwean students interested in higher education opportunities in the U.S. The center, located on the 7th floor, Goldbridge of Eastgate Building, offers free seminars on study in the United States on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 3pm…
Issued: August 9, 2006
Ref: 0706/02