By Leah Chichmanian | Campus Reporter
It’s indisputable that the Middle East confronts substantial hurdles in agricultural development and achieving food self-sufficiency. Established in 1952, the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) at the American University of Beirut has become a notable catalyst in tackling these challenges. FAFS has fostered numerous professionals through its esteemed program, who have proactively addressed the shortcomings within agriculture. This internationally esteemed program not only equips its students with comprehensive education but also provides invaluable hands-on training. However, the pressing need for licensed professionals in the field, coupled with the financial strains associated with pursuing such a degree, has necessitated the establishment of scholarship programs tailored specifically for FAFS majors. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden of education but also offer guidance and support to aspiring students looking to make a difference in the agricultural sector.
As there is a growing need for those in the agriculture field, the LIFE scholarship now focuses on Agriculture, Agribusiness and Food Science and Management students to ensure a smooth education though partial financing of a complete undergraduate program. The students must be equipped with good academic standing, extracellular activities and more. Alongside the financial aid, the scholarship organizes several workshops in order to build soft skills and important relations. Inspirational talks are also held with notable figures such as Maxime Chaya, whose talk about his many adventures captivated many with a newfound view to life struggles.
The Raji and Fawzieh Sinno Scholarship offers up to full scholarships to Agriculture students who’ve met the academic and community requirements. As a Sinno graduate, you will be granted several opportunities to carry on research projects abroad in highly advanced labs and equipment. The program accounts for memberships attributed by previous scholars who offer guidance and knowledge amongst the newly accepted, as per Sinno scholar Ferial Tamim, “Beyond the financial assistance, the Sinno Scholarship has opened doors to numerous opportunities and mentorships that I know will be instrumental in my academic and personal growth. Moreover, it fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. All of us Sinno Scholars have formed a close-knit support group.”
The Carmen and Ray Debbane Scholarship is open to FAFS majors and provides eligible students a life-changing educational experience at AUB. The Abdulrahim Abuissa Memorial Scholarship and The Bassam Hamdi Al Aker Scholarship are two established programs which have accommodated several agriculture students throughout the last few years, however; it is currently put on hold. On a brighter note, the establishment of new scholarships earmarked for FAFS students is underway.
The FAFS faculty as a whole serves as a fortifying unit for its students. It has time and time again proved a recourse to which scholars can entrust their faith in without fail, as it advocates for equity and fairness amid the grueling university struggles one might face. Every financially inept student who has proven themselves befitting the educational standards can garner aid at the faculty, as well as the university level, paving way for their academic journey to blossom. In that sense, each student is taken care of case by case, as ensured by Ms. Alhan Shamseddine, Assistant to the Dean for Operations at FAFS as well as an esteemed member of this endeavor and the person responsible for manages the faculty scholarships. The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences beholds a family like essence which thrives with an efficient and attentive student services team and faculty at large that upraises its students to their utmost potential.