Academically gifted students from disadvantaged families in Zimbabwe doing Advanced Level studies have been urged to apply for scholarships to study in the United States under Education-USA's the United States Student Achievers Program (USAP.)
Applications are available from Education USA centers in Harare, and some public libraries in Gweru, Bulawayo and Mutare. The deadline for applications is end of February but interested students need to complete their applications by the February 26th.
Last year, 27 students from economically disadvantaged families from all over Zimbabwe were awarded scholarships worth $6 million to study in the United States under this programme.
EducationUSA country coordinator, Rebbeca Zeigler Mano, told VOA Studio 7 this is an opportunity for high achievers in their ‘A’ Level final year to study at top universities in the United States.
"This is an opportunity for high achievers to attend some of the United States Ivy League universities who are always looking for exceptional African talent," said Zeigler Mano.
The USAP program was launched in 2000 by the United States government which has spent more than $50 million on the programme since its inception.
More than 300 Zimbabwean students have studied under the program with most of them returning home after completing their studies.
" We consider students from low income households that are in their last year of "A" Level and are high achievers interested in furthering their studies to complete our free application forms by February 26th, so they can beat the deadline at the end of that month," she said.
Zeigler Mano said those who feel they can qualify should have their current school report, "O" Level results and should be great at essay writing and answering questions which will be on the application form. They should also have a recommendation letter.
"We are looking for the best and brightest future leaders of Zimbabwe who don't have opportunities to study overseas and t expose themselves to new ideas," said Zeigler Mano, adding that some of their students have the opportunity to attend Yale, Harvard, MIT and other Ivy League universities in the United States.
Those interested in applying for the USPA programme please click on this link:http://usapglobal.org/usap-application-forms.htm
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Interview WIth Mrs Rebecca Zeigler Mano