Public Affairs Events
English ACCESS Microscholarship Program
September 14, 2005
Sixty-Seven students graduated from the US Embassy ACCESS Microscholarship Program in a ceremony at the American Centre for Education and Culture, Juffair. They were presented their certificates by US Ambassador William Monroe, who wished them success.
The ACCESS Microscholarship Program is a U.S. State Department-funded initiative that provides small scholarships to deserving young students to learn English in high quality English language centers in their countries.
First starting in Morocco at the end of 2003 with a class of 17 male students, the English ACCESS Microscholarship program has expanded since then to include over 3,600 students, both male and female, in 39 countries around the world, including: Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, Lebanon, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunis, the United Arab Emirates, the West Bank/ Gaza, Yemen, Afghanistan, Congo, India, Kenya and Indonesia. Studying English through ACCESS is perceived to have the potential and capability to open channels of communication with youth whom otherwise have little or no interaction with the United States of America.
The ACCESS program was initiated in Bahrain in 2004 with the blessing of the Ministry of Education who selected 70 non-elite Bahraini high school students to participate in the program. The participants had the chance to study English at the American Cultural and Educational Center for one academic year. Through this program students were enrolled in English classes which provided exposure to an American style educational experience where they were encouraged to debate, discuss, express points of view and think critically about subjects relating to American values, society and culture.
Throughout its stages the program received continuous support from parents and families which is very important to the ACCESS students' success. Due to quality instruction and the supportive environment, the majority of the ACCESS students? level of English dramatically improved which immensely facilitates these students? endeavors to purse a university degree or join the work force upon graduation from high school.
Building on this success, the program continues to expand with support from the US Embassy. Bahrain will enjoy another two successful years of expanded ACCESS Microscholaship program designed to reach out to a larger segment of deserving, less privileged, non-elite high school students to equip them with improved English language skills, thus opening the door to various opportunities for advancement and participation in Bahrain?s economy.