Gifted Emirati pupils win scholarship to prepare for university life

New York University Abu Dhabi has selected 32 pupils for the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students

The class of 2020 taking part in the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students. Courtesy NYUAD

High-achieving Emirati pupils are being helped to embrace the university challenge after winning scholarships supported by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

New York University Abu Dhabi chose 32 high-school pupils to take part in an intensive 18-month programme designed to prepare them for higher education.

The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students – which is in its ninth year – equips gifted learners with the knowledge and skills to secure places at English-language universities across the globe.

Pupils were selected based on academic success, their desire to take part, their English-language comprehension and leadership skills.

The university said the programme provided an "immersive educational experience" for Abu Dhabi-based Emirati pupils eager to pursue studies at top universities around the world, including NYUAD itself.

The scholarship focuses on the development of critical thinking, writing and discussion in English, as well as public speaking, leadership and test preparation.

The programme runs an academy throughout the two summer holidays after grades 10 and 11 and includes three semesters of online and in-person instruction.

Participants will study at the NYUAD campus on Saadiyat Island for three weeks during the first summer session and divide their time between Abu Dhabi and NYU New York during the second session.

The pupils will have the opportunity to travel to NYU’s academic centre in Florence, Italy, for nine days of further study.

Culture will play a part in their stays in New York and Florence, with visits planned to museums and historical sites and meetings with local leaders on the agenda.

Sheikha Mariambint Mohamed is a key adviser to the scholarship scheme.

"We are committed to investing in our youth and providing them with the tools to develop into capable future leaders across all sectors," Sheikha Mariam said.

“This programme provides not only academic and intellectual development opportunities to help them succeed, but also builds their confidence and inspires them to reach their potential.”

Diane Yu, executive director of the summer academy, said it was a successful way to harness the abilities of pupils.

"The Summer Academy requires rigorous competition for entry and has proved a successful college-preparatory programme that develops the academic and leadership potential of its students," she said.

“We look forward to welcoming the newest batch of highly qualified participants in the class of 2020.”

The scholarship is only one of several initiatives in the country to encourage the next generation of Emiratis.

Last week, a UAE minister attended a ceremony for more than 100 Emiratis who graduated from a course aimed at unlocking their potential.

Pupils aged between 10 and 17 sharpened their skills in a range of fields – from astronomy and engineering to cryptology and biomedical science – during a summer initiative held at Khalifa University in partnership with Johns Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth.

The Sandooq Al Watan initiative was held over two weeks, with a ceremony at the university on Thursday for the 120 graduates.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance, was among those on hand to celebrate the high achievers.

"Through their ability to look forward to a better future and their creativity in working on innovative solutions, we ensure new horizons of development and prosperity for our society," Sheikh Nahyan said.