US Middle East Partnership Initiative Program (MEPI)

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2016 Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Program (SLP) is now open. MEPI is a U.S. Department of State initiative that supports organizations and individuals in their efforts to promote political, economic, and social reform in the Middle East and North Africa. MEPI SLP supports the goals of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement by providing opportunities for Iraqi undergraduate students to develop leadership skills and promote democratic principles during a six-week summer program in the United States.

The MEPI SLP will take place from June 26 – August 5, 2016. Students are placed in one of six hosting U.S. colleges or universities where they participate in a five-week academic residency and a one-week educational study tour within their university’s region. The study tour is designed to complement and reinforce the concepts explored in the academic residency. The program will address common themes, including a comparative analysis of leadership styles, conflict resolution and group dynamics, and the role of civil society in the democratic process.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must be 20-24 years old, citizens and residents of Iraq, have a good command of the English language, and have a sustained high level of academic achievement. Applicants must also be able to participate fully in intensive academic activities, have a serious interest in pursuing leadership opportunities in Iraq and deepening their civic engagement, and be willing to take advantage of opportunities to inform and educate Americans about Iraqi society and culture.

How to apply:

Interested applicants must fill out and submit the “MEPI Student Leaders Program Application Form” available here (DOC 179 KB), or here (PDF 468 KB), and send the completed form with a copy of the photo page of their passports to IRAQMEPI@state.gov. The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday, December 21, 2015