NYU Abu Dhabi has announced the final selection of the 2010-11 class of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed scholars, comprising 20 exceptional students from higher education institutions in the UAE.

The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program, which is currently in its third year, was established by NYU Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) to provide high-achieving university students with a unique learning and leadership development opportunity.

The 2010-11 scholars are all bachelors students currently enrolled in their third or fourth year of study in one of the three national universities in the UAE: UAE University (UAEU), Zayed University (ZU), or Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).

Top students are nominated by these institutions and are selected by an accomplished panel of judges after undergoing an intensive and demanding application and interview process.

“The 20 students were exceptional in what was an extremely competitive and remarkable pool of applicants,” said Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, co-chair of the program’s steering committee.

“This challenging program offers students an opportunity to improve their knowledge, strengthen their leadership skills, and develop truly cross-cultural perspectives. As such, it is indicative of the UAE’s ever evolving drive for high quality, globally relevant, higher education.”

In addition to their academic course, scholars will participate in special English language training, enrichment programs, and a leadership development course.

They will also have the unique opportunity to travel to the US to visit the Supreme Court, meet distinguished leaders, and tour NYU’s New York campus. Scholars are an important part of the NYU Abu Dhabi community and regularly attend lectures and programs sponsored by the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute. – TradeArabia News Service