Internships, Scholarships, & Fellowships

Students interested in earning academic credits for Internship work may want to consider the current Internship in Human Rights course I offer through the University of Iowa.

To assist students enrolled in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, students of Arab descent, Muslim students, and students who identify with historically marginalized social groups identify financial support opportunities, I maintain this list of scholarships and awards.

If you have a scholarship, internship or fellowship opportunity for students described above, please email us.


Abdelkader Global Leadership Prize

Who can participate? Students enrolled at U.S. high schools and colleges, including home school students and exchange students.

Why participate? This global education initiative features important history with lessons for today. Learn about the Middle East and Islamic culture through the legacy of humanitarian Emir Abdelkader (1808-1883). His powerful and non-threatening example of Islamic leadership in compassion and highest moral values counters stereotypes and inspires learning about cultural literacy, civility, tolerance, and understanding.

Arab American Studies Fellowship University of Minnesota

The fellowship varies in amount and duration with a maximum 1-semester living stipend of $8,300 and up to, but not more than, $8,300 toward tuition, mandatory fees and health insurance, subject to United States tax law. Both international and US citizen students are eligible. To be considered for this fellowship candidate must:

  • be admitted to, or currently enrolled in, a Masters or Ph.D. degree program in the University of Minnesota Graduate School
  • have research interests related to the history and culture of Arabs (in the United States or the Arab diaspora) that require research in the IHRC Arab collections
  • have reading proficiency in Arabic as well as English languages (international students should consult TOEFL requirements) 

Joseph J. Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic Studies

  • Provides an educational experience that included introductions to host-country government officials, businessmen, academics, and scholars.
  • Opportunity to discuss Arab world issues and Arab-US relations with American and Arab scholars, policymakers, and other specialists
  • Located in Washington DC
  • Available to qualified American professionals in academia, government, and business
  • Must be US citizen and not a student

Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) Research Fellowship Program

The Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center (SQCC) supports and encourages advanced research on Oman across a variety of academic disciplines through the SQCC Research Fellowship Program. Launched in 2010, this program funds one pre- and/or post-doctorate scholar or team of scholars to carry out research in Oman each year. The fellowship awards up to $51,000 for the fellow or team of fellows.

Ibn Khaldun Entrance-Year Scholarship

Beginning in the fall of 2020, American Islamic College (AIC) in Chicago is delighted to announce that it will be offering twelve full-tuition, entrance-year scholarships to first-year undergraduate applicants (full-time study only) who demonstrate great academic potential, a thirst for knowledge, and a deep and demonstrable commitment to the public good. AIC’s Ibn Khaldun Scholars who finish their first year in good academic standing will be eligible to apply for federal and state grant assistance to cover the cost of tuition in subsequent years. Students of all backgrounds and faith traditions are welcomed to apply.

Applicants must submit a complete AIC application for undergraduate study, plus a 1000 word essay on the transformative power of education for making a difference in the world and two letters of recommendation: one from someone who can speak to the student’s academic promise (such as a teacher) and one from a mentor, supervisor, or community member who can speak to the student’s commitment to the public good. Applicants should inform those writing letters of recommendation that such letters should be signed, scanned, and sent directly to Dr. Timothy J Gianotti, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs (timothy.gianotti@aicuisa.edu) with the subject heading, IBN KHALDUN. All other materials can be submitted by the applicant online according to the standard application protocols (see Application Procedures). Please note that the current deadline has passed, but perhaps another cycle will open up again soon.

For more details, please contact the AIC Registrar at registrar@aicusa.edu.

Jack G. Shaheen Mass Communications Scholarships

Purpose: To honor Arab American students who excel in media studies

Amount: $2,500 

Eligibility: College students majoring in journalism, radio, television, and/or film, and who are juniors, seniors, or in graduate school.

AEF Scholarship

Ascend Educational Fund awards scholarships to immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a New York City high school to attend public or private colleges and universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status. Applicants must be born outside the United States or have two parents born outside the United States, must be a graduating senior at a high school in the boroughs of New York City and must enroll full-time at an accredited public or private college/university in the upcoming academic year. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider’s website.

Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from select developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies, in order to develop effective scholars and leaders and to prepare them for employment, primarily within the AKDN. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July. The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master’s level courses but is willing to consider applications for Ph.D. programs, only in the case of outstanding students who are highly recommended for doctoral studies by their professors and who need a Ph.D. for the fulfillment of their career objectives (academic or research-oriented).

Amana Mutual Funds Scholarship

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) aims to foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and better understanding of Islam. They offer a wide range of scholarships for Muslim American students pursuing a college education in the United States. One of them is the Amana Mutual Funds Scholarship. Amana Mutual Funds aims to align investments with principles. They follow a value-oriented approach consistent with Islamic finance principles. Providing this scholarship through the Islamic Society of North America, allows Amana Mutual Funds to continue to build upon its principles and provide further support for the American Muslim community.

Award Amount: The winner of the Amana Mutual Funds Scholarship will receive $2,500.  The total dollars awarded for this scholarship is $2,500.

AMIDEAST—Diana Kamal Scholarship Search Fund (DKSSF)

AMIDEAST identifies students of exceptional accomplishment and promise who wish to pursue undergraduate study at an American-style college or university, but cannot afford to do so. The Fund guides students through the application process, assisting with the selection of schools, registering for tests, etc. Students must have high grades and strong test scores in order to qualify for a scholarship, as all scholarships are awarded by colleges and universities, not the Fund. Scholarships are not guaranteed, since the financial aid decisions are made exclusively by the schools and not the Fund.

AMIDEAST Hope Fund

The Hope Fund Scholarship program is designed to provide talented young people with leadership potential from disadvantaged backgrounds with an opportunity to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States. Hope Fund scholarships provide:

  • Orientation and all travel arrangements
  • Two one-way air tickets to and from the United States (if eligible)
  • Full tuition fee waiver (if eligible)
  • Annual stipend for books and other basic materials (if eligible)
  • Monthly living stipend (if eligible)

This is for the study of a four-year Bachelors Degree only.

Arab American Association of Engineers and Architects Scholarship Program

Must be a Student Member of AAAEA – Capital Area or a child of a current member of the association

Must be an undergraduate or graduate student currently studying in the field of engineering, architecture or information technology at an accredited four year College or University

Have a minimum cumulative grade point average, GPA, of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Applicants must complete the AAAEA Scholarship Award Application andsubmit all required documents. All Applications will be acknowledged within fifteen (15) days after the deadline

The number of awards varies.

Arab American Cultural and Community Center Houston Scholarship

Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident, and of Arabic origins

Must pledge to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours at the cultural center during the semester the scholarship is awarded

Applicants may be new college students, current Community College or University students

Students should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher

Preference will be given to students who attend a college or university that is located in the Greater Houston area, although this is not a requirement, and plan to complete their associate’s or bachelor’s degree within a timely manner

The number of awards vary.

Contact:

  • The Arab American Cultural & Community Center 10555 Stancliff Road Houston, TX 770 99 Attn: Scholarship Program

Arab American Women’s Business Council Scholarships

Must have at least one parent of Middle Eastern descent

Must be a graduate, undergraduate or high school senior who plans to attend an accredited Michigan college or university in the 2015/2016 academic school year

Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident and reside in the State of Michigan

Minimum 3.0 GPA for high school seniors and undergraduate students, minimum 3.5 GPA for graduate students

Must commit to 6 hours of community service for AAWBC annual events

Must provide a 1-page essay describing career goals and interest in Arab American Culture

6 awards will be given with an amount of $1000

Arab Student Aid International

Provides interest-free loans and other financial aid opportunities to Arab students looking to study in the US, Europe, and Canada

Aziz Jamaluddin Scholarship

Given his strong belief to have a generation of educated Muslims to speak out and communicate the true meaning of Islam in all types of media, the Jamaluddin family arranged for a scholarship fund to be established to support five students each year throughout their education in the fields of Journalism and Political Science.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Diversity Scholarship

Bradley’s commitment to diversity is not just a passive ideal, but an active goal that allows us to build a team with broad backgrounds and experiences. Every year, we offer two Diversity Scholarships to promote the education of well-qualified law students from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession.

We award scholarships of up to $5,000 to first-year students and up to $10,000 to second-year students who are committed to broadening the diversity of voices in the legal profession.

Scholarship recipients are required to clerk in one of Bradley’s offices for at least six weeks during the summer after the scholarships are awarded. (We will do our best to honor the scholarship recipient’s first choice for office placement, but maintain the right to make the final decision.)

Dr. Adawia Alousi Scholarship Fund

Dr. Adawia Alousi was a true renaissance woman: a scientist and educator with a multitude of passions. Originally from Iraq, the discoveries and scientific contributions of this pioneering researcher continue to improve and extend lives and her work has been the benchmark for pharmacological experimentation around the world. Dr. Alousi was truly a leader in an era when very few women were recognized for their accomplishments, let alone a foreign-born Arab woman. In a time when self-appointed experts attempt to define the face of the modern Muslim woman, Dr. Alousi’s life reminds us it is only Muslim women who can speak about their lives, careers and choices with true authority. It is anticipated that the Dr. Adawia Alousi STEM Scholarship for Muslim Women will be between $2,500 and $10,000 per student for undergraduates, and up to $10,000 for graduate students. The scholarship may be renewable for students maintaining satisfactory academic performance. The Fund will make all grant distributions directly to the student’s affiliated college or university. All colleges and universities must be accredited and be located within the United States.

Dr. Philip M. Kayal Fund for Arab American Research

Qualified candidates include graduate students or non-tenured faculty members at accredited institutions. Priority will be given to graduate level and post-graduate students conducting research for publication.

Research applications will be ranked according to the following priorities:

  • Arab Americans conducting research on the Arab American community;
  • Non-Arab Americans conducting research on the Arab American community; and
  • Arab Americans conducting research in any related field.
  • Findings of the research should lend themselves to the construction of theories and information with useful social or institutional applications.
  • Preference will be given to research on Arab American communities within the social sciences, particularly sociology, anthropology, psychology, political science, social work, economics, and history. However, biological research, and research on health/illnesses, genetics, and mental health may also be considered.

Grants will not exceed $2,500

Firdaws Academy International Scholarship Program

Firdaws Academy believes in providing scholarship opportunities for deserving students. In recognition of their achievement and as an incentive for all those studying the Arabic language and Islamic studies to excel. This investment also serves to advance the field of Islamic studies while enriching the online education atmosphere with diversity, talent, and academic excellence. Seeks to recognize and reward young students who are seeking knowledge of the Quran and the Arabic language. *Students from all over the world are welcome to apply. To be eligible, candidates must be between 15 and 30 years of age. *For any other information, please contact the Firdaws Academy Scholarship Committee.

AAMA Houston Chapter Scholarship

The Houston Chapter established a scholarship award and is inviting applications at this time. The purpose of the award is to provide guidance and financial assistance to eligible medical, nursing, dental, pharmacy, osteopathy, optometry, chiropractor and post-doctoral students of Arab Heritage in obtaining elective training at one of Houston ‘s medical institutions. Awards are granted on a competitive and limited basis depending on funding availability.  The maximum award to any individual is $2500.00 

Hani Qaddumi Scholarship

In 2000, the Qaddumi family came together to create a foundation in honor of the late Hani Qaddumi, a man with a vision for Palestine, who believed in the transformative power of education as a key driver for social and economic prosperity.

The Hani Qaddumi Scholarship Foundation has come a long way in fulfilling its initial mandate of providing access to education through scholarships. Over 1600 scholarships have been granted to bright young students studying in fields that are critically needed in Palestine. Our community of alumni has grown, creating valuable synergies and opportunities for networking.

 

Jordanian American Association Scholarship Program

Open to students of Jordanian descent. Please contact for additional eligibility requirements.

Amount of scholarships vary

Contact: The JAA Center 305 Linden Avenue South San Francisco, CA 94080 650.583.0132

Email: contact@jaasf.org

Kamal Marchi/Arab American Community Scholarship

Must be a full time undergraduate or graduate student at University of Central Florida majoring in engineering or computer science. Applicant may be a first time enrolled or currently enrolled student. Minimum 3.0 GPA. Must be of Palestinian, Lebanese, Arab-American, or other Arab descent or origin. Must submit a 500 word essay explaining his/her future goals.

Lebanese American Heritage Club (LAHC) Scholarship

LAHC is proud and privileged to be recognized as a leading advocate of higher education and to have the distinction of being the largest Scholarship assistance program in the area. Throughout the past twenty-eight years, the LAHC has awarded over 1,200 students of high academic distinction more than $1.3 million dollars in scholarships.

Who May Apply?

  • Senior High School Students
  • Undergraduate Students
  • Graduate Students
  • You do not have to be of Arab descent to qualify

Scholarship Amount: The monetary value of the scholarship varies from one academic institution to another, pending the matching agreement we have in place with these universities. The LAHC portion of the scholarship is deposited directly into the students’ accounts and matched by that particular university accordingly. Recipients who choose to switch universities after applying for the scholarship, risk altering the final value of the scholarship received.

The LE•O Scholarships

Established as a new non-profit organization in August 2015, we serve bright young Palestinians, women, and men, from the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon and Jordan by securing and managing scholarships to American colleges and universities. We enhance personal development through guidance and academic mentoring.

The LE•O Mission

Our mission is to secure and administer valuable undergraduate scholarships and educational opportunities for qualified Palestinian students from the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon and Jordan. We believe that education and intercultural exchange is the essential path to peace, stability, and development.

As a registered charitable foundation working in partnership with U.S. colleges, businesses, host families and relief organizations, we seek to make our mission a reality.

Midwest Federation of American Syrian-Lebanese Clubs

As our history buffs know, the Midwest Federation was initially formed in 1936.  As a social, charitable and educational organization, our founders very much wanted to preserve our shared heritage and culture here in America.  At the same time, they wanted to encourage our young people to continue their studies at the college level.  Thus, the Midwest Federation Scholarship Program was launched in 1940.

Since that time, Federation Scholarship Awards have been presented to hundreds of our cousins (including me).  Our founders envisioned that this would be a worthy investment in our youth.  They had hoped that in addition to furthering their education, these recipients might also return to the Federation and foster growth in our organization.

MIRA Foundation Scholarships

Who is eligible for the Academic Scholarships? A high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior who is: A student employed by an MIRA member company for at least six months as of January 1 OR A student whose parent is a full or part-time employee of an MIRA members company for at least one year as of January 1 OR An MIRA member customer and their children Who is eligible for the Minority Scholarships? A high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior Applicants must belong to one of the following ethnic groups to qualify for minority status: African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, or Arab/Chaldean American Special rules: Only one scholarship will be awarded per MIRA member company. Multiple Merit, Minority Merit, Financial Need Merit and Trade Merit scholarships will be awarded (of these, a minimum of 3 will be awarded to MIRA member customers). Applicants are eligible to win and receive a scholarship a maximum of two times. All applications MUST be completed and submitted with transcripts by March 31 to be considered for an academic scholarship.

MSA Ilyas Ba-Yunus Award

Among the founders of the modern Islamic movement in the United States, Ilyas Ba-Yunus, Ph.D., was one of the original students from 13 SA chapters that formed the MSA of US & Canada in 1963. He served MSA in various capacities, including as Vice President and then President from 1969-1970. His academic study of Sociology, with a focus on Muslim society, framed him as the father of Islamic Sociology. Committed to the development and strengthening of the Muslim Community in the US and Canada, Dr. Ba-Yunus first proposed the concept of a community-based organization, which directly led to the formation of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and he was elected as ISNA’s first President.

1st Place: $2,000

2nd Place: $1,000

MSA Naziruddin Ali Award

A pioneer of Islamic activism in the United States, Naziruddin Ali’s exemplary dedication to the Muslim American community is illustrated by his lifelong association with MSA National, Islamic Society of North America, and North American Islamic Trust. Beginning as local MSA chapter president at the Illinois Institute of Technology and having chaired numerous MSA annual conferences, he subsequently served as president of MSA National for two terms. During his time as president, he was integral in facilitating the establishment of the Islamic Society of North America. Thereafter, he served as General Manager of NAIT for twenty years. His tireless service, sincerity, and unwavering commitment proved to be crucial in the birth and development of each of these organizations.

1st Place: $2,000

2nd Place: $1,000

Dedicated to the study of the American Muslim Society, Islamic Community Activism, and core values of the Islamic family.

Muslim Women’s Association Scholarship

The Muslim Women’s Association strives to raise sufficient funds in providing scholarships to young Muslim women in the Greater Washington, DC, area allowing them to continue their education in the US. Such scholarships have been provided since 1985. Typically, the recipients represent many countries throughout the Muslim world and are encouraged to serve as ambassadors to their respective communities. To date, we have successfully supported nearly 100 Muslim girls in their higher educational pursuits in addition to positively exposing our cultures and Islamic religion to the American community at large.

Applicants must be full-time UNDERGRADUATE students at an accredited institution and shall be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Prior academic achievements, including GPA
  • Financial need
  • US citizens or permanent residents in the US
  • Community involvement

Muslim Youth Leadership Awards

High school graduates who are full- time, degree-seeking students attending an accredited higher education institution in the state of Minnesota during the entire current academic school year may benefit from this scholarship program.

To be eligible for a general scholarship, an applicant must demonstrate financial need.

National American Arab Nurses Association Scholarships for Nursing Study

The National American Arab Nurses Association (NAANA) is pleased to announce its annual scholarships, awarded to the most meritorious applicants who are engaged in studying nursing at the Associate Degree, Bachelor degree, RN-BSN, or BSN-MSN (Master of Science in Nursing) levels. Annually $500 to $1000 scholarships are awarded, depending on the funds available in a given year. The scholarships should be applied toward tuition and/or books in the academic year they are awarded.

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited nursing program at the time of application and should be pursuing a nursing program during the year for which the award is made. In order to be eligible, applicants must be of Arab heritage, citizens or permanent residents of the United States, and must reside within the US or its territories; further, applicants must be members of NAANA.

NAAP Arab American Scholarship

NAAP Arab American scholarship applicants should have demonstrated excellent academic achievement and an appreciation, understanding and promotion of his or her Arab-American identity to the student community at large.

Award is $1,000 for one student

National Arab American Medical Association Scholarships

Open to Middle Eastern students who are enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian medical, dental or osteopathic school

Deadline: July 1st, 2017

Applicants are chosen every year in September

The Scholarship provides 2 awards at the amount of $1000

The application can be found here

Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund

The Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund’s (PSSF) scholarships are meant to assist underprivileged Palestinian students to help them obtain a(n) university degree. These scholarships are available to select undergraduate and graduate students at Al-Quds University, Bethlehem University, and the University of Haifa. The scholarships range anywhere from $500 to $5,000 depending on the university, degree program level, and other factors such as financial need and merit of the applicants. In order to be eligible for the scholarships, students should demonstrate financial need, have a high GPA relative to their field of study, display a commitment to give back to their communities, and they must remain in good academic standing as well. Essentially, these scholarships were created to provide financial support to students in the universities so they can focus on being successful in their academic pursuits.

Plainfield Muslim Women for Better Society Scholarship

The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) aims to foster the development of the Muslim community, interfaith relations, civic engagement, and better understanding of Islam. They offer a wide range of scholarships for Muslim American students pursuing a college education in the United States. One of them is the Plainfield Muslim Women for Better Society Scholarship. There are two awards of $500 each. One goes to a Plainfield High School senior and one goes to a full-time Indianapolis Islamic High School senior that meet the criteria.

PYM USA Ghassan Kanafani Scholarship

Eligibility: Only open to Palestinian-American youth (at least one parent must be from historic Palestine, though they might not necessarily have been born there), and must be between the ages of 18-25 years old.

Your writing submission should describe your experience around identity, the shataat, or anything regarding your relationship to Palestine and be Palestinian. We accept any form of writing–poetry, short story, fiction/non-fiction. Word limit of 3,000 words; no minimum word limit. Feel free to include photos, art, or other multimedia to supplement your writing piece. Get creative! There are no borders to this

In order to ensure objectivity in our review process, DO NOT include your name on your submission piece

One entry per person

To apply: Please fill out this google form with your application

Send submissions to gkscholarshippym@gmail.com with the subject line: Ghassan Kanafani Writing Scholarship.

Any questions can be sent to gkscholarshippym@gmail.com

Qasid Annual Scholarship

Qasid believes in providing scholarship opportunities for deserving students in recognition of their achievement and as an incentive for all those studying the Arabic language to excel. This investment in language education also serves to advance the field of Arabic language studies while enriching the campus atmosphere with diversity, talent, and academic excellence.

Applicants will be interested to know that scholarship recipients are also eligible to apply for U.S. university credit for their studies at Qasid at an extra cost per credit awarded.

For any other information on the scholarship itself or the application process, please contact the Qasid Scholarship Committee at scholarships@qasid.com.

SAMS Syrian American Medical Society Scholarships

Applicant must be a Syrian medical graduate

Must possess an ECFMG certificate

Must have U.S. Visa

Must have scored higher than 90% in both UAMLE step 1 and 2

Must have a good command of the English language as judged by a personal interview with a member of the committee or a SAMS member who is delegated by the committee for such purpose

Must have financial need

Scholarships award up to $5000

Contact: Syrian American Medical Society P. O. Box 1015 Canfield, OH 44406

Phone: (866) 809-9039

Email: SAMS@sams-usa.net

Summer Arabic Language Program for High School Students

This is an introductory course in Modern Standard Arabic for high school students with limited or no prior knowledge of the Arabic language.

Hosted by The Summer Institute for the Languages of the Muslim World (SILMW) at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

Students will earn 2 college credits

Scholarships ranging from $250-$1000 are available on need-base.

WPNJ Arab American Scholarships

Multiple scholarships funded by private donations are to be awarded to incoming freshmen and transfer students and continuing WPUNJ students, with preference given to students of Arab descent, promoting higher education as a catalyst for positive social and economic change. The scholarships will provide support for undergraduate students with financial need and encourage these students to become leaders in their disciplines and contribute to their communities. Incoming applicants for Fall are required to submit the online application indicating their commitment to the enhancement of their community and to their development as leaders in their disciplines and contribute to the social and intellectual development of their community. The Arab American Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, given the student maintains full-time status (minimum of 12 credit hours), a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher and file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.Academic performance is reviewed at the conclusion of each semester and students who do not satisfy the criteria for the renewal of their scholarship award are notified in writing.

Yemeni American Benevolent Association

The Yemen American Benevolent Association (YABA) proudly announces its 47th annual scholarship Gala event for Yemeni American high school seniors. The event will take place at Bint Jebail Cultural Center on October, 22nd 2016. YABA will start accepting applications for this year’s event starting May 20th, 2016.

Offers scholarships to senior high school students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States and from an Arabic heritage

Must be accepted into a four-year university program or a community college, have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and answer the scholarship question in a 1-2 page essay

Criteria

  • High school senior.
  • High school students must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Only high school seniors can apply.
  • Applicant must have proof of enrollment in college before receiving the award.
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and reside in the state of Michigan.
  • Prior community service will be considered.
  • All applicants must answer the scholarship questions below in minimum of one page to a maximum of two pages.

Contact: call 313-433-2856 or 313-841-3333, email wqsaeed@yahoo.com