The Scholarships and Partnerships component of the Transformational Leadership Program aims to develop the capacity of Kosovars to bring about transformational change in Kosovo through opportunities for advanced education, leadership development, and technical assistance. This is 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. Future leaders will be developed in critical areas that support diplomatic and assistance priorities identified by the Kosovo and U.S. governments.

The program awarded 185 full scholarships for U.S.-based Master’s degree programs, as well as 102 professional certificates over the course of the program’s five-year duration.  Supported areas of study include: Rule of Law, Engineering, Public Administration, Agriculture, Business Management, Finance, Economics, Information Systems, Education, Gender, and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Key Objectives:

• Coordinated, collaborative oversight of the Transformational Leadership initiative through an advisory committee
• Kosovo citizens receive U.S. post-graduate degrees and professional certification
• Improved university management and pedagogy in selected faculties of the University of Prishtina and/or other universities through partnerships and exchanges with American universities

Results to date:

• 185 Master Degree scholarships.
• 102 Professional Certificate scholarships awarded.
• 4 University Partnerships established between University of Prishtina, and Arizona State University, Indiana University, the University of Minnesota, and Dartmouth College in the United States.

The program is implemented in partnership with the Government of Kosovo’s Ministry of Education Science and Technology.

Partner:World Learning

Geographic Target: Kosovo

Project Duration: February 2014 – February 2019

USAID Contact: Merita Teliqi