Access Microscholarship Program
The English Access Microscholarship Program is a U.S. Department of State initiative for non-elite youth in predominantly Muslim communities around the world. Over 10,000 students in 44 countries participate in the program which is coordinated by U.S. Embassies with English language instruction providers. The Access program in Bahrain is administered by the American Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC).
The ACCESS program was initiated in Bahrain in 2004 with the approval of the Ministry of Education who selected 70 non-elite Bahraini high school students to participate in the program. To date over 500 Bahraini high school students have participated in the Access Microscholarship program, administered by the American Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC). The two-year program is for students between the ages of 14-18. Through this program students take part in American style English classes where they are encouraged to debate, discuss, express points of view and think critically about subjects relating to American values, society and culture.