Collaborating to Empower Future Leaders: Up to Three Fully-Funded Scholarships to be Awarded Annually Starting Fall 2025
We are thrilled to announce the Daughters for Life Foundation’s (DFL) latest partnership with the University of Southern Maine (USM), which now joins our expanding global network of academic partners. This collaboration was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in July 2024.
The foundation’s connection with USM began during an on-campus visit by DFL Founder and President, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, in February of this year. During his visit, Dr. Abuelaish met with USM President Jacqueline Edmondson, and their discussions laid the groundwork for this exciting partnership.
Reflecting on this ambitious project, Dr. Abuelaish shared his vision for the future of the collaboration and its potential for high impact:
“Our partnership with the University of Southern Maine embodies the spirit of solidarity and mutual support that is crucial for human progress in today’s world. By joining forces, we reinforce our dedication to humanity while uplifting Middle Eastern women and providing them with the opportunities they deserve to shine and lead,”
President Jacqueline Edmondson of USM echoed these sentiments, highlighting the synergy between both parties:
“The Foundation’s work is vital for women from the Middle East. Empowerment through education serves not only the women themselves but also their families, communities, and the world at large. It is our privilege to help students who might otherwise find higher education out of reach, and USM is thrilled to partner with Daughters for Life to provide women from the Middle East with the opportunity to obtain a full four-year degree.”
The signing of the MoU was a coordinated effort led by Jacklin Ibrahim, Executive Director of the Daughters for Life Foundation, in close collaboration with the University of Southern Maine team. This partnership culminated in the agreement being finalized and signed by Dr. Abuelaish and President Edmondson. Since then, ongoing collaboration between both teams has fostered a strong and productive partnership, ensuring alignment in their shared goal of empowering young women from the Middle East through education. This partnership represents a significant step forward for DFL’s mission and establishes a solid foundation for future initiatives.
This partnership arrives ahead of the highly anticipated 2025-2026 Scholarship Program season, which is expected to launch in late autumn 2024 with the first batch of scholars expected to enroll in Fall 2025.
USM’s partnership with DFL will offer up to three new fully-funded scholarships each year to candidates who meet the selection criteria set by both organizations. Successful recipients will have the freedom to choose from any of the 4-year undergraduate degree programs offered by USM, in keeping with DFL’s mission to support women in realizing their ambitions and aspirations.
The University of Southern Maine is a public research university based in Portland, Maine, founded in 1878. It ranked among the top 100 public institutions in the 2024 US News & World Report’s Top Public Universities in the North. Beyond academics, the university is located in a city that has been named one of the Top 5 Safest Places to Live and one of the Top 20 Best Small Cities for College Students.
USM’s proximity to major urban hubs like New York City and Boston allows students to enjoy the advantages of small-town life without losing access to major metropolitan areas.
DFL remains committed to offering scholars meaningful and enriching study-abroad experiences. USM’s international student body includes students from over 30 countries. With small class sizes, students benefit from closer connections with their peers and more direct engagement with faculty, ensuring a transformative experience for all pursuing their undergraduate studies.
Join us as we welcome USM and look ahead to the 2025-2026 Scholarship Program cycle, which is just around the corner.
Stay tuned for further details and exciting announcements as we approach the application launch this fall.