Program Summary

Launched in 2000, the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program(OSSP) has made it possible for over 62 extraordinary Egyptian men and women to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at prestigious colleges and universities in the United States in fields that will enhance the economic prosperity of Egypt. The scholarships are merit based and include tuition expenses, a living allowance, health insurance, and other benefits. The program is funded by Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) through the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development to invest in the Egyptian youth to advance the Egyptian economy and improve the quality of life in the Egyptian society.

"The diversity of the program at Harvard Business School, in terms of people as well as subjects, has made me a more well-rounded and broad–minded person." — Yasmin Assem, Class of 2005

Main Goals

• Help outstanding Egyptian youth pursue educational opportunities at top universities in the United States in various fields of study.
• Insure that the Egyptian economy maintains its competitiveness by supplementing its workforce with a continuous stream of driven and talented professionals who are results-oriented.

Program Activities and Results

• As of 2012, 62 talented Egyptian men and women pursued academic degrees at top universities in the United States. Fifty nine graduates returned to Egypt, and they are currently contributing to Egypt’s development.
• One in five of the OSSP has been a female, reflecting the commitment of OSSP in enabling women to contribute to Egypt’s development. They have pursued master’s degrees in various fields of study.