Assessing Long-term Impact: USAID/Egypt Hei Mba And Stem Scholarships For Women

Through the USAID/Egypt Higher Education Initiative (HEI) MBA and STEM Scholarships for Women, USAID provided scholarships to 157 Egyptian women from 2015 through 2020. Scholarship recipients pursued Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees and Bachelor’s degrees in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields at U.S. universities. Scholars also received training in English language proficiency, participated in internships in both the U.S. and Egypt, and received post-graduation support in career readiness and job placement. In these ways, the HEI MBA and STEM Scholarships for Women created a cadre of Egyptian women equipped with the academic credentials, professional experience and networks, and cultural competence to be effective leaders in their professional fields and communities in Egypt.

IIE undertook an independent study to assess the long-term impact of USAID-funded scholarship programs on scholars professional and personal lives upon their return to their home country. As part of this effort, IIE reached out to Alumnae who participated in the USAID/Egypt Higher Education Initiative (HEI) MBA and STEM Scholarships for Women.