English Access Microscholarship Program (Access)

An Introduction to Access

Access scholarships support the educational and personal development of young Jordanians who would not normally have access to such opportunities. Access aims to empower these students by: increasing their English language skills through afterschool classes, strengthening their commitment to community service through sponsored activities, and fostering a global perspective through Jordanian and American cultural events. The recipients of Access scholarships are 13 – 16 year old Jordanians who come from underprivileged backgrounds, are attending MOE schools, and have shown academic promise.

 

 

The Importance of Access

Fluency in English opens up both educational and occupational doors. With the new mandate from the Ministry of Higher Education, students must have a high-level of English fluency as a prerequisite to pursuing a graduate degree. In addition, many industries require English fluency for hiring. By targeting students from under-served areas, Access provides students with the skills in English needed to succeed in the knowledge economy. Access also widens student horizons through a variety of enhancement activities which promote team-work, problem-solving and knowledge of other cultures both within and outside of Jordan.

What Access does

AMIDEAST, with funds from the US Embassy and the support of the Ministry of Education, provides students with scholarships to attend English language classes after school, over the weekend, and during the summer break. These scholarships are awarded for a period of two years during which students receive approximately 400 hours of English language teaching as well as cultural enhancement activities such as the AVEA summer camp which teaches students about environmental sustainability. Other activities include regular student volunteerism in the community, celebration of U.S. holidays, and field trips to cultural sites within Jordan.

Accomplishments and Impact

Approximately 44,000 students in more than 55 countries have participated in the Access Program since 2004. Currently, AMIDEAST administers the program in Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and the West Bank. In Jordan, AMIDEAST has awarded Access scholarships to 1500 Jordanian students with funds from the US State Department and the US Embassy in Amman. As of 2007, seven Jordanian Access students have received scholarships to study in the United States.

Access Stories

Access held an Environmental English Language Camp at the Jordan Ministry of Education’s Debbein Scout Camp in Jerash on June 21, 2012, succeeded by another day camp in Rashid School for boys in Ma’an on June 28, 2012. The camps were student-centered, consisting of activities which highlighted the language skills the students learned through the Access program. The camps were operated with assistance from Peace Corps Volunteers, working together with the Access instructors. Environment Gallery

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