The Transformational Leadership Program (TLP) provides educational opportunities for Kosovo’s most promising students in order to develop a cadre of leaders to drive significant economic, political, and social development. This will be accomplished through university scholarships, partnerships, and student and faculty exchanges.

The primary purpose of the program is to increase the number of educated professionals to strengthen Kosovo’s dynamic transition to a democratic, free market economy. Participatory democracy values—such as personal responsibility, accountability, entrepreneurship, and public action—have yet to be fully absorbed and practiced by Kosovar society. Until these values are embedded in the culture, Kosovo’s development as a vibrant society may be jeopardized.

Immersion: The American University of Kosovo (AUK) offers classes in critical thinking/problem-solving, research, English, and other college preparatory skills to assist students who may not have had access to strong undergraduate programs. These immersion training courses are intended to improve the skills of these students so they can continue on to participate fully in higher educational opportunities. A.U.K. is implementing the immersion program in all seven regions of Kosovo with the goal of serving nearly 1,200 students over the course of its five-year duration.

Public Courses: For Kosovo public servants who are not offered scholarships through the Scholarships and Partnerships component of TLP, in-country public service courses are available to provide certification upon successful completion. These public service courses allow participants to upgrade their skills and contribute to an environment open to reform. The public employees are selected from the same offices where the returning TLP scholarship recipients are expected to be placed, thereby creating a critical mass for change. These government offices are, in turn, the same offices that other USAID projects are currently working with to achieve United States government development goals.

Results to date

• Over 976 students registered and attended Immersion Courses.
• 575 public servants registered and attended Public Policy Development and Leadership Courses.

Project Duration:   April 2014 – April 2019

Partner:                    RIT Kosovo [Former American University of Kosovo (AUK)

Geographic Target:Kosovo

Contact:                  Antigona Mustafa