The U.S. Consulate General in Karachi recently celebrated the launch of the 2024 English Access Scholarship Program, which aims to provide English language training to 200 academically talented yet economically disadvantaged students. This initiative, part of the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to education in Pakistan, seeks to empower young people with essential skills to thrive in an interconnected world.
Gateway to Opportunity
Speaking at the launch event, Consul General Scott Urbom highlighted the program’s significance as a life-changing opportunity for participating students. “By enhancing their English proficiency, these students are opening doors to new academic and career prospects,” stated Urbom. He emphasized that the program not only focuses on teaching language skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of American culture and values, which will help students broaden their global perspective.
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Program Details and Academic Partnerships
Sponsored by the Regional English Language Office at the U.S. Mission in Pakistan, the two-year English Access Scholarship Program offers afterschool and intensive English classes to students aged 13 to 20. These students, selected based on their academic potential, come from underprivileged backgrounds and may otherwise lack access to quality language education.
The program’s implementing partner, Evolution, is joined by notable academic institutions, including Sindh Madressatul Islam University, the University of Sufism and Modern Sciences Bhitshah, and Sindh Agriculture University in Umerkot. Consul General Urbom expressed gratitude to the teachers and coordinators who have dedicated themselves to ensuring the students’ success, acknowledging their crucial role in shaping the students’ academic journeys.
Fostering Cultural Understanding
Beyond language instruction, the Access program is designed to immerse students in American culture and democratic values. Through this exposure, the U.S. Consulate hopes to promote a broader understanding of the U.S. and foster future leaders who can contribute positively to Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
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Since its inception in 2004, the English Access Scholarship Program has benefited approximately 8,000 students across Sindh and Balochistan. The program has equipped participants with not only the language skills necessary for success in a globalized world but also the confidence and cultural understanding to take advantage of future U.S. exchange and academic opportunities.