Lessons Learned: A Programmatic Reflection on the Al Qasimi Foundation College Preparation Program

Abstract

Since its inception, the mission of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research has been to support the capacity development of educational systems in Ras Al Khaimah and the broader United Arab Emirates (UAE). Leaders at the Foundation, and its collaborators, have accomplished this through the production of relevant research and directly engaging with policymakers, educators, and students. The Foundation began working with students in 2013 after inheriting the Sheikh Saqr Overseas Scholarship Program. It provided supplemental scholarships to Ras Al Khaimah Emirati students studying overseas and had been running for several years when it transitioned. As part of its new scholarship management responsibilities, the Foundation was tasked with increasing the number of students enrolled at well-regarded overseas universities.