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Breaking Barriers: EAA’s Qatar Scholarship Program Transforms Lives at AUB

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As graduation season approaches at the American University of Beirut (AUB), eager and talented students are preparing to embark on their professional journeys. Among them are beneficiaries of the life-changing Qatar Scholarship program, an initiative by Education Above All Foundation and the Qatar Fund for Development. One such remarkable student is Mohammed Assad, whose inspiring story showcases the transformative power of education and opens doors to a brighter future.

Mohammed Assad on campus at AUB.

Mohammed believes that the Qatar Scholarship and his education at AUB have unlocked new opportunities, paving the way for a stronger financial future. Beyond his personal journey, Mohammed commends the program for its dedication to empowering the Palestinian population in Lebanon. “The Palestinian people have faced multiple setbacks for decades, making it an often-underprivileged nationality. Being provided with scholarships and opportunities allows us to breathe a little bit, escape, pursue learning to pursue something other than staying in the camps and doing nothing, just being desperate.”

Mohammed will soon hold a dual degree in finance and computer communication, with a minor in math. “My older sister is a computer engineer. She told me that computer engineering involved math and physics, and there are many work opportunities in that sector, so I enrolled at AUB as a computer engineer. However, while pursuing my degree, I became interested in personal finance, especially when inflation and interest rates were rising. I believe that understanding finance is a must, or at least personal finance. I didn’t want to choose between majors, so I thought, why not pursue a dual degree, as well as minor in math, and follow all my passions?”

Even as he was trying to balance studying for two degrees, Mohammed found time to participate in various clubs and community outreach. “I'm a sociable person. I like to talk to people. I'm involved in multiple clubs and societies, and in those clubs we've taken part in lots of volunteering activities, such as visiting an orphanage and elderly homes. However, my most important community service project was one at a local school, where my colleague and I taught students public speaking through Model United Nations. Interacting with students at an underprivileged school makes me remember where I come from, and keeps me grounded.”

Mohammed's exceptional work ethic and determination caught the attention of prestigious American consulting firm Bain and Company, where he secured an internship opportunity. “Interning there greatly increased my skill set. Bain is an amazing company with a great culture and a steep learning curve; being there, I was able to network with very intellectual and connected people, allowing me to advance my consulting career.”

"Receiving the Qatar Scholarship from Education Above All was the beginning of everything."

“Receiving the Qatar Scholarship from Education Above All was the beginning of everything. It helped me to enter AUB, which helped me to get into the internship, and now, after I graduate, I have a signed an offer with the consulting firm Strategy and Middle East!”

With his educational odyssey ending, Mohammad is preparing for his journey down a new path. He reflects, “I will miss this place; I love AUB. I'm thrilled with what I have accomplished. I'm proud of myself, and my family is proud of me. Everyone is excited to see where the future takes

Through initiatives like the Qatar Scholarship program, Education Above All continues to empower and uplift the next generation of change-makers, nurturing their potential and opening doors to endless possibilities.

Impact

"Humanity will not overcome the immense challenges we face unless we ensure that children get the quality education that equips them to play their part in the modern world." -- HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser

Surpassing

19 million

beneficiaries across all programmes of Education Above All Foundation

10,687

Scholarships

90%

retention rate

2.6 million+

Skills training provided to teachers, school staff, and community members

1 million+

Youth Empowered