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AAIF Launches Scholarship for Arab American Journalism Students

Posted on Wednesday September 28, 2005

The Arab American Institute Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of the
Al Muammar Scholarships for Journalism, the most generous scholarship program
of its kind offered to Arab American students. Beginning in 2006, up to four scholarship
grants, valued at $5,000 each, will be awarded to eligible Arab American college
students who are majoring in journalism, as well as college seniors who have been
accepted to a graduate journalism school. Awardees will be selected by a panel
of judges drawn from the print and broadcast media in the United States. The initial
scholarships will be for the 2006-2007 academic year with funds paid directly
to the schools designated by the awardees. The Al Muammar Scholarships were established
this year by AAIF supporter Mashael Moamar in honor of her parents, Zakia and
late Abdulaziz Al Muammar, who have always been strong advocates of educating
women. Also noteworthy, is that Ms. Moamar’s late grandfather, Ibrahim Al Muammar,
was a journalist in Egypt. The scholarships are consistent with the goals of the
AAI Foundation which include aiding Arab American youth with leadership and service
programs, including awards for public and community service and Washington, D.C.
internships. Therefore, the Foundation is proud to administer the Al Muammar Scholarships
and thanks Mashael Moamar for her generosity. “We are honored to have this opportunity
to help channel financial aid to deserving Arab American journalism students,”
AAIF Executive Director Helen Samhan said. “Our young generation has so much talent,
energy and cultural perspective to offer,” Samhan continued, “that the country
at large will benefit from more Arab Americans entering careers in journalism
and public affairs. Mashael Moamar’s generosity could not have come at a better
time.” To be eligible, applicants of Arab descent must be U.S. citizens or permanent
residents enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university in the United
States. They must have a current grade point average of 3.3 or higher, and a demonstrated
commitment to the field of print or broadcast journalism. An applicant’s sensitivity
to Arab American issues and record of social advocacy and community involvement
will also be important considerations. Applications must be postmarked by Monday,
March 3, 2008. Awardees will be announced in May 2006. Visit our student’s
page for additional information
and applications
or contact AAI Program Coordinator Sabeen Altaf
at (202) 429-9210. To learn more about the programs of the AAI Foundation, visit
AAIF’s homepage.