IREX Launches New State Department Program for Tunisian Youth

Today the United States Ambassador to Tunisia Jacob Walles announced the launch of the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program for students in Tunisia. The program, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, will help build the workforce capacity of a diverse group of youth from underserved populations across Tunisia. Through academic and leadership training and practical experience in the United States, Thomas Jefferson scholars will gain a deeper understanding of American culture and new globally-applicable skills and expertise to help them contribute to the economic growth and development of Tunisia.

At the program launch in Tunis, Ambassador Walles said, “Recognizing the important role of education in Tunisia’s democratic transition and long-term future, these scholarships have been designed to help prepare Tunisia’s future leaders for the crucial roles they will play ensuring Tunisia’s economic growth and development.”

As part of the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program, the Tunisia Undergraduate Scholarship Program (Tunisia UGRAD) and the Tunisia Community College Scholarship Program (TCCSP) will select participants through an open, merit-based competition to attend year-long academic programs in the United States and engage in community service, internship and cultural exchange activities.

“Tunisia has the 14th highest youth unemployment rate in the world and an education system that isn’t meeting market demands. The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program will support Tunisian youth in gaining the workforce skills necessary to contribute to Tunisia’s economic development,” noted project director, Kaia Benson.

To be considered for these programs in the 2013-2014 academic year, students must complete and submit an application (Tunisia UGRAD or TCCSP) by Monday May 13, 2013.