USAID Teacher Education Master s Scholarship Program in the United States

Transcription

1 USAID Training for Pakistan Project USAID Teacher Education Master s Scholarship Program in the United States Academic Years The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is pleased to announce a meritbased scholarship competition for Pakistani nationals to pursue Master s degrees in the field of Education at universities in the United States. It is primarily intended for teacher educators and will provide long-term sustainability to the USAID support for improving education quality in Pakistan. The Master s Scholarship Program is part of USAID s Improving Education Quality Initiative. World Learning under the USAID Training for Pakistan Project activity will coordinate this scholarship program. All questions related to this scholarship may be directed to [email protected]/mesp Scholarship Benefits: The scholarship is offered for the minimum period necessary for individuals to complete the academic program specified by the host institution, including any preparatory training. The scholarship program offers the following benefits: GRE/TOEFL: preparatory classes for the selected candidates and payment of exam fees Orientation Programs: prior to departure from Pakistan and upon arrival in the U.S. to receive information on life and study in U.S. and other topics.; compulsory before commencing formal academic studies English Language: intensive pre-academic study in the U.S. International Travel: one round-trip ticket for candidate to travel between Pakistan and the U.S. Mandatory Tuition and Fees: instruction related fees paid directly to universities Monthly Maintenance Allowance: contribution towards accommodation expenses Settling-in Allowance: one-time support for accommodation related costs incurred at the inception of academic program Book Allowance: distributed for each academic term Computer Allowance: one-time allowance Health and Accident Insurance: provided to cover the basic medical costs Who is eligible: 1. Citizens of Pakistan who are currently associated with teacher training institutions. The scholarship program is open to following groups: Priority group: Faculty members from the Faculties of Education of public sector and/or USAID Partner private universities all across Pakistan 1

2 Educators and education managers working in teacher training institutions under the provincial and federal education departments (Provincial Institute of Teacher Education- PITE, Regional Institutes for Teacher Training-RITE, Government College for Elementary Teachers-GCET, and Bureau of Curriculum- BOC) as permanent employees. Other groups eligible for scholarships: Recent Bachelor s degree graduates (2013, 2014) of the Faculties of Education who have received written commitment from any public sector university that they will be employed on a full-time basis upon return from the U.S. The written letter is required to be produced before the award of the scholarship. Faculty members from other departments/faculties of the universities who are linked with the two year Associate Degree in Education and/or four-year Bachelor of Education degree program. Alumni of the Teach for Pakistan Program who have received written commitment from public sector universities that they will be employed on a full-time basis upon return from the U.S. All candidates must have a minimum of sixteen (16) years of formal education and have completed a Bachelor degree from HEC recognized university with at least second division. Be able to come back and serve for at least five years in the local institution. Preferred Field(s) of study: Master s degree program related to the field of Education. Educational Administration and Policy Educational Leadership and Management Education Measurement and Assessment Educational Financing Teacher Education Early Childhood Education Literacy Education Developing Reading Culture Curriculum Development Special and Inclusive Education Behavior and Applied Analysis Application Procedure: 1. All eligible applicants must complete the preliminary application form, which must be received by June 4, The application can be obtained from website. Currently employed applicants must send proof of employment by providing a letter in a sealed envelope from their supervisor written on official stationary confirming their position and dates of employment. Applicants employed as faculty members must submit verification of position from dean of department written on official letterhead in a sealed envelope bearing an official stamp. Letters should be submitted along with the preliminary application. 2

3 Recent graduates (2013, 2014) must submit a copy of their final transcript with the preliminary application form. 2. Based on the preliminary application, USAID will invite eligible candidates to complete a full application, available on the USAID Teacher Education Master s Scholarship Program website at ( in June 2014, and submit, with all required documents to PO Box 1496 by July 8, The Scholarship Selection Committee will review the full applications and invite short-listed applicants for interviews. 3. After the interviews, the Committee will select semifinalists based on their portfolios (scholarship applications, and results of the interviews). The Training for Pakistan project will work with the selected candidates to prepare for mandatory GRE and TOEFL tests and to complete applications for admission to a U.S. university. 4. All short listed candidates need to take GRE/TOEFL preparatory classes. Classes will be arranged in major cities around the country; however, it is not possible to conduct these trainings in each and every city. Limited seating may available and will be offered on a first-come-first served basis. USAID will pay for the class fees and no other cost; candidates will pay for all other related costs. After the preparatory classes, candidates will take the GRE and TOEFL tests; USAID will pay the registration fees for the tests; candidates will pay for all other related costs. Testing needs to be completed by 10 October 2014 and scores received by 7 November Finalists selected for scholarships to U.S. universities must be available for full-time studies in the U.S. from June 2015 through May Placements to US universities will be arranged by World Learning and are not subject to change. 7. Candidates selected to apply for the Teacher Education Master s Scholarship Program must submit the following documentation to verify their institutional affiliation: Recent graduates (2013, 2014) of the Faculties of Education. An employment offer letter from universities or HEC will be required. Members of faculties of education and other faculties at public sector universities Letter from the competent authority confirming that if selected for the scholarship the candidate will serve in the faculty of education of that university for a minimum of five (5) years. Educators and education managers working in teacher training institutions under the authority of provincial education departments (PITE, RITE, GCET,GCE and BOC) as permanent employees: Letter from the competent authority confirming that, if selected for the USAID Teacher Education Master s Scholarship Program, the candidate will serve in the same agency/department/ institution for a minimum of five (5) years. Please Note: once a candidate has been identified as a finalist and received a written offer letter from USAID, written commitment of a job offer in a relevant field of study must be presented before the scholarship will be awarded. Who is not Eligible: 1. Candidates under bond with any institution/authority/governmental department under another scholarship program will not be considered. 3

4 2. Individuals with dual nationality or US residency will not be considered or those who are married or engaged to be married to a person who holds, or who is eligible to hold, citizenship or permanent residence of US. 3. Those who have received any international scholarships in the last five (5) years. Important Note: 1. Decisions of the USAID s Scholars Selection Committee - HEC, USAID and Training for Pakistan Project - are final. Enquiries or disputes regarding decisions will not be entertained. 2. Candidates with no or very little foreign experience will be given preference. 3. Women, disadvantaged groups and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 4. Candidates from under served regions of FATA, KP, Balochistan, Northern Sindh and Southern Punjab are highly encouraged to apply. 5. Confirmation of the award of scholarship is contingent upon the candidate receiving admission to a U.S. university and obtaining a J-1 Exchange Visitor s visa to the U.S. 6. Candidates must be Pakistani Nationals with a five (5) year valid Pakistani passport for six months after the program (June 2017). A valid passport is required for registration for the GRE and TOEFL tests. 7. Candidates selected for admission to a Master s Program in the U.S. will be required to sign USAID agreements and conditions of sponsorship forms as well as a bond with the employing university or provincial department of education on condition of serving with the employing agency for at least five (5) years upon completion of the USAID Teacher Education Master s Scholarship Program and return to Pakistan. 8. Candidates must have a Valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card). 9. GOP Officials should have a NOC (No Objection Certificate) and an Ex Pakistan Leave approval from their concerned departments for U.S. Training. 10. Candidates need to demonstrate leadership qualities, initiative and/or be considered a potential agent of change. 11. Candidates are willing to attend training, actively engage in training, develop and implement an action plan. 12. Candidates are willing to make a commitment to remain in current position, department or within organization for a minimum of five (5) years after the completion of scholarships. 13. Candidates are willing to share training experience with others. 14. Candidates are willing to take part in post-program de-briefings, follow-on activities/events and to provide USAID with updates on action plan implementation and successes resulting from taking part in the training program. 15. Candidates are willing to provide professional background and biographical information, as necessary, for program participation. This may include application forms, resumes, references, academic and work history. 16. Candidates have the required technical background to take part in the training program and agree with the objectives of the training program Projected Target Dates: Date Activity 9 May 2014 Announcement of the Scholarship 4 June 2014 Preliminary Application Deadline 16 July Candidates selected for full application 4

5 contacted 7 August Full Application deadline September Semi-finalists contacted 11 September-11 October Test preparation; exam administration 11 October Deadline for semifinalist to take GRE & TOEFL exams October Semifinalists informed for interviews 4-14 November Interviews ( 80 Candidates) 25 November Scholarship finalists and alternates announced and contacted Frequently Asked Questions: How are scholarships awarded? See Selection Criteria. What if I'm not a top student? The final selection of candidates depends on a number of scores (past academic record, GRE/TOEFL, teaching experience). So even if you were not a top student during your academic years you can improve your score by doing well in above mentioned preliminary tests. What if I hold dual nationality or I am an existing student in U.S.? This scholarship is strictly meant for Pakistani citizens who do not hold any other nationality. Applicants for the Master s Scholarship Program must reside in Pakistan during the entire selection process and have a bond with a local Pakistan university. Can scholarships be deferred? No, the scholarship cannot be deferred. It has to be taken during the academic year(s) for which it has been offered. What if I finished school last year? The scholarship is available to recent graduates who meet all other requirements and criteria. How do I know if my application has been received? If you fill out the confirmation request page of the application and include a self-addressed stamped envelope, you will be mailed the receipt of your application. When do I find out if I've been awarded a scholarship? All finalists who have been awarded placements at U.S. universities will be contacted as soon as the admission process is complete, or by the middle of April What if a scholarship offer letter arrives while I am away from home? Semifinalists should alert program staff at Training for Pakistan if they plan to be away during the selection period. Every attempt will be made to contact candidates, as necessary, by , telephone or regular mail. It is up to each candidate to make appropriate arrangements for receiving information while they are away. 5