Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth
Camp Discovery
Program Summary
Camp Discovery provides an enriching, happy summer camp experience for mainly at-risk youth from refugee camps in Gaza and the West Bank. Piloted in 2007, it has been expanded in size and duration in the following summers, reaching more than 1,650 children ages 8-14 within its first four years. Camp activities focus on English language training in a fun-filled, learner-centered environment, which is carried over and applied in complementary modules focused on artistic expression and scientific discovery, along with community service and team-building activities, as well as leadership development opportunities. The summer camps are funded by the U.S.
English Access Microscholarship Program
Program Summary
The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access Program) is an exciting initiative of the U.S. Department of State. This highly effective training program is designed to provide a significant English-language learning experience to bright non-elite 14- to 18- year-old students. Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, it also has the goal of improving students’ appreciation of U.S. culture and values, encouraging critical thinking and open-mindedness, and improving performance in regular school classes. Launched in 2004, the Access Program is worldwide. AMIDEAST is currently serving over 6,000 youth in nine MENA countries: Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, the West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen.
