In a bid to provide Burmese youth with access to quality higher education, the United States government, via the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), has initiated the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program. This five-year, $45-million endeavor aims to offer opportunities for Burmese students to pursue higher education in various Asian countries, including the Philippines.
Partnering with the Philippines' Commission on Higher Education (Ched), USAid plans to grant full scholarships for Burmese students to enroll in public and private universities in the Philippines, as well as in online programs offered by the University of Arizona. The collaboration with Ched aims to streamline the admissions process and provide support services to facilitate the transition of Burmese scholars into Philippine universities.
The program will cater to several reputable institutions in the Philippines, including Batangas State University, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, St. Louis University in Baguio, the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. Burmese scholars are anticipated to arrive in the Philippines by July 2024, allowing them to commence their studies in the upcoming academic year.
Ched Chairman Prospero De Vera 3rd, DPA, expressed his gratitude for the partnership with USAid, emphasizing Ched's commitment to promoting equitable, quality, and inclusive higher education. He stated that the collaboration aims to empower students from diverse backgrounds, thereby breaking barriers and fostering transformative change through education.
The Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program targets young community leaders in Burma, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable groups. Additionally, the initiative extends grants to higher education institutions in Asia to enhance their capacity in supporting international students. This involves bolstering institutional partnerships, expanding regional networks, and facilitating community service-oriented activities.
USAid Assistant Administrator for Asia, Michael Schiffer, highlighted the strategic significance of the scholarship program as an investment in the region's higher education institutions. He emphasized the shared commitment to education as a catalyst for positive change, both in Burma and globally.
The launch of the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program signifies a significant step towards advancing educational opportunities for Burmese youth, fostering inclusivity, and promoting regional collaboration in higher education.
