28400: maflobell: (announce) Scholarship for Haitians to the USA (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: maflobell@aol.com


 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.



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