Amman (April 9) – The USAID Jordan Competitiveness Program (JCP) and Intel Corporation launched a three year public-private partnership today to support education and entrepreneurship in Jordan’s science and technology sector. The project aims to accelerate economic growth, create jobs, and maximize Jordan’s competitiveness in the global marketplace by training the next generation of information and communications technology (ICT) graduates. 

“The Ministry of ICT is implementing this initiative to develop the means by which ICT graduates can develop their skills while encouraging start-ups to develop competitive products,” said H.E. Majd Shweikeh, Minister of Information and Communications Technology. “We aim to create a pool of new talent in the field of electronics, enabling Jordan’s knowledge economy by creating jobs.”

U.S. Ambassador Alice G. Wells highlighted the importance of the partnership for Jordan. “In order to achieve sustainable economic growth, companies like Intel must lead the way for other private-sector firms,” said Ambassador Wells. “When world-class corporations like Intel join with the leading technical universities Jordan has developed, great things can be achieved for the economy.” 

Intel will support the program by providing 1,500 hardware development kits to Jordanian universities and technical training to students in preparation for careers in technology. A support network put in place by USAID JCP will enable students to find jobs that will apply their new skills after graduating.

“We are committed to supporting economic growth in the region by developing local innovation and a knowledge-based economy,” said John Davies, Intel Vice President of International Sales and Marketing. “Intel is helping transform education, foster research and development, and empower youth with employability and entrepreneurial skills.”