WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today the three winning partnerships selected under its Higher Education Partnerships to Support the U.S.-Burma Commitment to Democracy, Peace and Prosperity. These partnerships build upon President Obama’s call to “extend a hand” to Burma in its progress toward democracy.

"Universities can play an important role in Burma's transition. Working closely with America's universities and private sector, we are helping to develop Burma's leaders of tomorrow, while building the capacity in local universities necessary to sustain democratic and economic reform," said Chris Milligan, USAID/Burma Mission Director.

The three partnerships are:

• ADEPT: Indiana University and HP aim to deepen and broaden the teaching and outreach capacities of the Yangon Institute of Economics (YIE) to establish entrepreneurship center of excellence, and to improve the success of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through information and communication technology (ICT)-led programs.
• Making a Difference for Myanmar: Through this partnership, Johns Hopkins University, Exxon, Luce Foundation and Serge Pun & Associates (SPA) will bring American visiting professors to Yangon University to revitalize and expand the teaching of international relations and political science, and enable students to apply this knowledge in government, legislature and civil society.
• ADAPT-IT: The University of Washington and Microsoft will train public, private and civil society leaders on critical ICT skills.

The challenges to the country are stark, with Burma ranked 149 out of 183 countries in the 2012 UN Human Development Index. These partnerships demonstrate the commitment of the American people to Burma to harness technology and innovative partnerships to accelerate and sustain the country’s reform process, expand economic opportunity and provide more opportunity for citizen engagement.

During his historic visit to Burma on November 19, 2012, President Obama announced the U.S.-Burma Partnership for Democracy, Peace and Prosperity, a joint U.S.-Burma framework to lay the groundwork for a peaceful and prosperous future for Burma.