Since 2020, the USAID-funded Community Support Program (CSP) has been collaborating with USAID’s University Scholarship Program (USP) and the Higher Education Capacity Development (HECD) program to provide paid internships to students and recent graduates. So far, 244 Lebanese youth have benefitted from the program, 58% of whom are women. The interns are students/graduates from 11 Lebanese universities, and they have been placed in 3-6 month work assignments across 12 USAID implementing partners where they gained valuable professional experience, enabling them to kickstart their careers while generating temporary income amidst the ongoing economic crisis. In fact, around 55% of the interns have secured full-time jobs following their internship.

On April 17, 2024, USAID’s CSP celebrated the 87 university students and recent graduates who had completed their internships in the past year, not only in support of USAID-funded projects, but also at municipalities, civil society organizations, and implementing partner grantees across Lebanon. The completion ceremony was attended by the USAID Lebanon Mission Director Julie Southfield, 27 representatives from USAID implementers and municipalities, as well as representatives from the 11 partner universities. During the ceremony, students received certificates of appreciation for successfully completing their internship while significantly contributing to the development of Lebanese communities. The students shared the impact of CSP’s internship program through testimonials featured in a video, speeches, and a panel discussion.

“Seeing my designs featured throughout the completion ceremony was a gratifying culmination of my internship experience. It provided tangible evidence of the growth and confidence I’ve gained in design, teamwork, and time management, far beyond what’s typically taught in a university classroom,” said Aya Jawad, a graphic design undergraduate intern at CSP, studying at the American University of Science and Technology.

The 11 Lebanese partner universities: The American University of Beirut, American University for Science and Technology, Antonine University, Beirut Arab University, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Haigazian University, Islamic University, Lebanese American University, La Sagesse University, Notre Dame University, and Saint Joseph University.