A unique scholarship opportunity is back for university graduates interested in furthering Egypt’s development. Earn a master’s degree, travel the world, and prepare to succeed in a career addressing some of our country’s most important needs. Apply for the Yousryia Loza Sawiris Scholarship (YLSS).
Areeg Hegazi, Education and Scholarships Director of the scholarship’s sponsor, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development comments proudly: “[YLSS] is a testament to the foundation’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders in the development sector.” She continues: “By empowering exceptional Egyptian talents with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle pressing global challenges like poverty, health, and sustainability, this scholarship invests in shaping a brighter and more equitable future for Egypt and the world.”
What You Need to Apply
YLSS is open to graduates from any field of study. A strong liberal arts education background and sound quantitative and analytical skills are recommended as best preparation for success in the program.
You do need work experience, a minimum of two years in development-related areas. Applications will be evaluated individually but generally full-time work is expected with organizations or campaigns working to build a better world through alleviating poverty, overcoming social and economic exclusion, and/or providing equitable educational opportunities for marginalized communities in Egypt.
You will need TOEFL or IELTS scores showing strong English abilities as study will be in the United States at the University of Minnesota
Humphrey School of Public Affairs, a world-leading institution for development studies.
What the Program Involves
You will earn a two-year
Master of Development Practice (MDP). All basic expenses are funded for the first year of study. In the second year you supplement continued scholarship funding with paid campus work that builds your experience.
The MDP program is largely hands-on with many team projects focused on real world action. The MDP will equip you with the skills needed to address problems in such areas as poverty, social justice, and sustainable development. MDP students take courses in public policy, education, public health, natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary research techniques. The program draws on seven different academic units at the University of Minnesota, administered collaboratively by its Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the university’s Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change. An international field experience takes place during the summer following the first year of MDP study. Students participate in a second practical group project known as a capstone during their final semester of study. The capstone is structured as a professional consultancy and is designed and implemented by the group in response to a request by an outside organization.
Alumna
Amany Abdelnour recalls her growth during the program: “As a YLSS Scholar at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, I gained a deeper understanding of how to acquire and critically evaluate knowledge through rigorous research methodologies introduced through the MDP program,” she says. “This experience was enriched by the opportunity to build relationships with classmates and faculty from diverse backgrounds, whose varied expertise continually inspired and challenged me both personally and professionally.”
The past eight groups of YLSS scholars have not only gained from the university community but have made a lasting impression on it. “I continue to be amazed by the quality and breadth of interests of the [fellows], and by the diverse and creative ways that they engage in the development practice program and the broader University community,” says
David Wilsey, Director of the MDP Program.
What You Walk Away With
Past YLSS cohorts are achieving great things. Alumnus
Mohamed Fouad is one example of the life-changing nature of the program.
“The YLSS scholarship played a pivotal role in transforming my career trajectory from finance and banking to the nonprofit sector and holistic management,” Fouad says. “Through this program, I was able to pursue my passion for helping those in need in my country. The YLSS scholarship provided me with the opportunity to directly step into a high-level management role as the Deputy Managing Director, where I became responsible for managing a large team and overseeing projects that served over a thousand beneficiaries.”
“This experience also allowed me to work as an independent contractor for renowned international donors such as USAID, Drosos, UNDP, and Oxfam. Furthermore, I am now collaborating with the board of the Egyptian Network for Integrated Development to establish offices in New York and Dubai. These offices aim to attract attention from donors in the United States and the United Arab Emirates, further supporting our projects in Egypt. By doing so, we can secure more donations and extend our efforts to help more people in need, particularly women in Southern Egypt.”
“The YLSS scholarship was instrumental in my career shift and growth, enabling me to make a meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector and contribute to the betterment of my community.”
In the words of Dr. Ragui Assaad, Co-director of Graduate Studies and Program Committee Co-chair of the Master of Development Practice program at the University of Minnesota, “We look forward to many more cohorts of YLSS scholars in the future. The Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship brings to the Master’s of Development Practice program at the University of Minnesota superb students who greatly enrich our program and who will certainly contribute greatly to Egypt’s development.”
See where YLSS can take you. .Learn more and start applying today: https://newton-prep.com/the-yousriya-loza-sawiris-scholarship/
