On March 23, 2023, the Community Support Program (CSP), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), recognized the efforts of a third cohort of 76 university students and recent graduates from 11 universities who completed internships in support of USAID-funded projects in Lebanon. U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Richard Michaels, USAID Lebanon Acting Mission Director Nicholas Vivio, and representatives from municipalities, local communities, and 11 USAID-assisted universities attended the ceremony.
Launched in 2020, the USAID-funded internship program under the CSP activity provides graduates and undergraduates the opportunity to gain professional and practical experience to start their careers and generate a temporary income to support their families during the current economic crisis. The interns, who are enrolled in the American University of Beirut, American University for Science and Technology, Antonine University, Beirut Arab University, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Haigazian University, Islamic University, Lebanese American University, Sagesse University, Notre Dame University, and Saint Joseph University, provide support and technical expertise to municipalities, civil society organizations, agricultural cooperatives, and water establishments that are benefitting from USAID assistance in a range of sectors including water and sanitation, agriculture and rural development, education, and women’s empowerment.
During the ceremony, students received certificates of appreciation for contributing their time and effort to help local communities.
US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Richard Michaels stated, “For many years, the U.S. Government, through USAID, has worked to increase access to education, training, and economic opportunities to nurture the potential of Lebanon’s youth…I am heartened to see such a passionate group of interns who are defying challenges, investing in their growth, and building a brighter future for Lebanon.”
Dr. Wael Zarakert, HECD Project Manager added “HECD in collaboration with CSP, paved the way for the university students for a better job opportunity and securing brighter future for Lebanese students.”
CSP Chief of Party, Rhett Gurian concluded “The CSP internship program has contributed to many recent graduates being able secure full-time and dignified jobs in Lebanon. It’s for this reason that I often say that among all the things we do on CSP, the internship program is one of my favorites. The transformational change and impact on these students is real and tangible.”
This five-year internship program, worth around $800K in USAID funding, aims to place up to 300 youth from challenged socio-economic backgrounds in internships to support local communities through USAID’s projects in Lebanon. Through this unique internship program, which will continue until the summer of 2024, the U.S. Government is demonstrating its continued commitment to support local development and higher education in Lebanon.
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