Lebanon is gripped by a profound and ongoing crisis: Since 2019 inflation is at staggering rates, and the local currency has lost much of its value, driving down household incomes and making basic necessities unaffordable for many families.

The economy has contracted dramatically, with Lebanon’s GDP nearly halving in just a few years, marking one of the world’s most severe crises since the mid-nineteenth century.

The education sector is suffering greatly: universities have largely “dollarized” tuition fees, making higher education inaccessible for many. Consequently, around 80% of university students now struggle to pay their tuition fees.

Goals

This project goes beyond education; it is an investment in employability for outstanding Lebanese students (or those of Lebanese descent) in demonstrable financial need. By providing access to top-tier education in Lebanon, the program aims to equip scholars with the skills and networks necessary to achieve their career aspirations and become future leaders of Lebanon.

This approach is built on four pillars:

• Educational Scholarships: University-level scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies, with a focus on students in Lebanon.
• Job Readiness: Scholars benefit from mentoring, training with the LIFE Academy, and internship opportunities, preparing them for the workforce.
• Career Opportunities: Through access to successful Lebanese professionals within LIFE’s network, scholars receive priority on an exclusive platform for job opportunities and introductions to leading companies.
• Community Engagement: Scholars are encouraged to build a "giving back" mindset, engaging in volunteer activities with charities and NGOs and supporting future scholars and the broader LIFE network.

The scholarship program specifically supports Lebanese students pursuing degrees in fields such as STEM, business, finance, economics, and law.

In Lebanon:

The scholarships are for four top institutions: Université St-Joseph, the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University and Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK). Each scholar studying in Lebanon receives a yearly scholarship of $4,000 to cover part of their tuition fees, a donation of $12,000 USD is enough to fund a full LIFE Scholarship in Lebanon for 3 years.

Overseas:

Students attending a top tier academic institution in Europe or America receive a yearly scholarship of $12,000 to cover part of their tuition fees.

Activities

As part of the scholarship program, the scholars will take part in and have access to the following:

• LIFE Academy providing Training and Development courses: soft skills and industry skills including mental health support;
• Mentoring program with LIFE professionals;
• Career advice to prepare them for the job market;
• Networking opportunities to meet experts in their fields;
• LIFE Membership and a Commitment to the ‘Next Generation’ by giving back to the scholarship fund.

Key Performance Indicators to be reached (KPIs)

Students graduate with good career prospects, strong professional local and global networks and a commitment to the LIFE Scholarship cycle of giving.

Myriad Canada is working with LIFE on this project, a non-political and non-religious worldwide non-profit membership organization for Lebanese professionals in the diaspora. LIFE began a scholarship program in 2009, and has provided over 1,100 scholarships to Lebanese students studying in Lebanon and abroad.