We are pleased to announce the launch of the sixth round of the Yousriya Loza-Sawiris Scholarship Program (YLSS). Established in 2016, YLSS is a program of the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development. Newton Education Services has the honor of managing the application process for the scholarship, and we are here to answer all your questions. Below are a few of those that may come first to mind.

Who is Yousriya Loza-Sawiris?

Foundation chair, philanthropist, former member of parliament, and businesswoman, Mrs. Loza-Sawiris is active in causes ranging from bettering the situation of garbage collectors, women, and street children to prevention and treatment of liver disease, environmental protection, and much more. (In this short El Gouna TV interview, you can see her discuss her “baptism into garbage” and passion for better disposal of waste as head of the Enhancement of Integrated Services and Waste Recycling Company.) A summary of her current activities can be found on the Sawiris Foundation website. 

Mrs. Loza-Sawiris exemplifies the goals of YLSS in her application of high-level knowledge to varied challenges, investing skillfully to improve life for others in Egypt.

What is YLSS?

YLSS is a scholarship providing full funding to earn a Master in Development Practice (MDP) degree from the  University of  Minnesota. 

What kind of  study does the MDP involve?

You will find MDP study dynamic and interdisciplinary. This two-year program is largely hands-on with many team projects focused on real world situations. 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 (considered one of the top schools of its kind) 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.

What does the international field experience involve?

The international field experience takes place over 10 weeks (400 hours). It includes both professional work and academic cross-cultural training. Recently, students have worked in such locations as Peru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Kenya, Jamaica, and Senegal. They have completed work with such organizations as UNESCO in the Philippines, Save the Children International in Thailand, and the American Indian Cancer Foundation in Minnesota.

What is the University of Minnesota like?

Located in the north of the United States, in a vibrant urban area along the banks of the Mississippi River, the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities is a large public research university with an enrollment of approximately 50,000 students. This setting provides a wealth of opportunities, resources, and state-of-the-art facilities for MDP students.

The Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs on campus, where YLSS students are based, offers a more intimate setting with about 500 students enrolled. Only around 50 are in the MDP program specifically; more than half of these students are international, from a broad range of countries.

You can explore the Humphrey School site and broader university site to learn more.

To apply for YLSS, does my undergraduate degree need to be in a particular field?

No, many fields are relevant. A strong liberal arts education background and sound quantitative and analytical skills are recommended as best preparation for success in the program.

What costs does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, travel, and health insurance.

Do I need to show need?

 Yes, you must show that you can’t finance these studies from your own resources.

What level of English is required?

You will need to show a current IELTS score of at least 7 or TOEFL score of at least 100 (minimum 22 on each section). 

What about scores on other tests?

You will need to take the GRE, but no specific minimum score is required.

What else do I need to provide to apply for YLSS?

Please consult the YLSS page, which links to an application form and lists additional required documents. To be eligible for the current round, this application must be fully completed and all materials submitted by October 15, 2020.

Is this the only application that I need to complete?

No, you also need to apply independently for the University of Minnesota MDP program, after you are selected to receive the scholarship. Here is information on applying.

Does becoming a YLSS Scholar involve a commitment?

Yes, by accepting YLSS funding you are agreeing to work for at least two consecutive years in Egypt’s development sector after graduation. Within those parameters you can decide what types of challenges you most want to tackle and what type of organization within the sector best fits your interests and abilities.

How do I find out more?

Write ylss@sawirisfoundation.org or ask a question in the comment area below. Also, keep an eye out for our next blog post, coming soon, in which current and past YLSS Scholars will discuss their experiences in the program.