PURPOSE

Qatar Foundation International (QFI) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 Summer Scholar Award. This award aims to support current Arabic students in high school/secondary school who are looking for additional opportunities to strengthen their Arabic skills by attending a summer Arabic program. Strong applicants will demonstrate their passion for the Arabic language and Arab culture through their academic records, extracurricular activities, involvement in their local AHS clubs or Arabic programming at their school, as well as in their application essay responses.

FUNDING

Award Recipients will receive up to $5,000 to cover tuition costs for a summer Arabic language program. Final award amounts will depend on application strength and student’s selected program costs.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

Applicants for the Summer Scholar Award are committed to expanding their Arabic skills. Students of all levels are eligible to apply if they meet the following conditions:

• Students must be currently studying Arabic in a public/state-funded secondary school program in the countries where QFI is currently operating (Canada, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States).
• Students may apply for any Arabic summer program of their choosing, including programs that are in-person, online, domestic, or abroad. Students must make a strong case for the program that they select. There is a list of programs that receive direct support through the QFI School Break Arabic Program Grants. These programs have funding available for students to access directly through their programming, so if students select any of these programs, they should inquire directly instead of applying for the Summer Scholar Award. Please see a list of programs with direct scholarships available HERE.
• If selected, funding is contingent upon proof of acceptance to a 2024 summer program. Documentation for this along with proof of cost will be required.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Make a profile on the grant management portal: qfi.smapply.org. Student must complete the Eligibility Quiz to apply for the academic award.

2. Complete the Summer Scholar Award application form. The form will require general information about the student, essay s for the student to complete, and uploads of supplementary documentation including school transcripts. 

3. Submit application by 11:59pm ET April 15, 2024.

FAQs

1. Where can I find a summer program and which ones can I attend using this award?

Students must select a summer 2024 Arabic language program – it can be in person, online, hybrid, domestic, or abroad. QFI maintains a list of institutions that offer Arabic here, but this is not an exhaustive list. Some programs may not be included but that does not mean that you cannot apply for funding to attend that specific summer program. Programs on the list may change from year to year – in application deadlines, requirements, etc. We ask students to use this resource as a starting point for their search, but they should visit the institutions’ websites for the most accurate and up to date information. QFI also provides grants to summer programs through the QFI School Break Arabic Program Grants and so students interested in accessing financial support for those specific programs should reach out directly to those programs instead of applying for the Summer Scholar Award since those organizations may have scholarships available. See a list of those programs HERE.

2. I haven’t been accepted to my selected Arabic program yet. Can I apply for this award?

Yes, you can apply for the award even if you do not have a formal decision from the summer program that you are hoping to attend. Students must apply to attend the summer program using the institution’s application process which is independent from QFI’s award selection process. Students selected for the Summer Scholar Award will have to provide documentation that they’ve been accepted by their chosen summer program along with tuition statement/invoice and other documentation as required. Students are responsible for being aware of program deadlines – both from the summer program and from the Summer Scholar Award to ensure they are able to meet the requirements.

3. How are award recipients selected?

We select award recipients based on the information provided in the application form, essay questions, and optional supplementary documentation. It is up to the applicant to demonstrate their passion for Arabic, showcase their strengths, and demonstrate a need for funding. We take each of these things into consideration, but the awards are merit based.

4. Are there language proficiency requirements? 

Students learning Arabic as a world language or as a heritage language are welcome to apply as long as the student meets the eligibility requirements. There is no specific level of proficiency required to apply. We want to see that applicants are committed to continuing their study of the language. 

5. Is it mandatory for me to be a part of an Arabic Honor Society club? 

No, you do not have to be an official participant in an AHS club at your school. However, you must be able to demonstrate that you studied Arabic at your secondary/high school with your academic transcripts. 

6. Do I need a teacher recommendation? 

No, we do not ask for recommendations. The review process focuses on the information you provide in your application. 

7. I was awarded merit or need-based tuition support from the organization hosting the summer program (such as financial aid or a scholarship). Can I still accept the Summer Scholar Award? 

It depends! Did the organization select you for full funding? If so, then you are no longer eligible for the award since your summer program fees are already being covered. 

8. How can I make my application stand out? 

We hope to support Arabic high school students who are dedicated to strengthening their language skills. Students can demonstrate that in their essay responses by sharing how they’ve been active in their AHS clubs or Arabic programming at their schools and how their selected program will help them achieve their learning goals. 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Students can reach out with any questions by emailing arabichonorsociety@qfi.org.