Arba Minch University (AMU) launched its 2026–2028 English Access Scholarship Programme cohort on November 7 and celebrated the graduation of 36 students from the 2024–2026 cohort on November 8, 2026. Both ceremonies took place at the University's Main Campus, attended by Adrienne Nutzman, Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa; Dr. Ing. Bogale Gebremariam, Vice President for Academic Affairs; programme coordinators, teachers, school directors, education representatives, parents, students and other guests. Click here to see more photos.
Opening the November 7 ceremony, Dr. Ing. Bogale Gebremariam reaffirmed the University's commitment to quality education, English-language proficiency and youth development. He highlighted how English enables students to build confidence, communicate effectively, establish international connections and broaden their perspectives. He urged the incoming scholars to remain committed to their studies and use their acquired skills to bring positive change to their communities.
Dr. Abate Anjulo, Director of the Access Programme at AMU, explained that the scholarship extends beyond English instruction to develop students' academic, personal and professional capacities. He outlined its four pillars: English-language skills; American culture; 21st-century skills and digital literacy; and entrepreneurship, sports and wellbeing. Together, these components develop communication, intercultural understanding, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, technological competence and personal resilience.
Dr. Abate encouraged the incoming scholars to participate actively, remain committed to learning and support one another. He also thanked the U.S. Embassy for sponsoring the programme for a second time in collaboration with the University.
Dr. Adanech Zemede, Access Programme Coordinator, outlined the programme's background, objectives, implementation arrangements, student selection procedures, learning activities and expectations of parents and students. She explained that it combines intensive English instruction with extracurricular activities, community engagement, voluntary service and experiential learning to improve students' educational and employment prospects.
In her remarks, Adrienne Nutzman, Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, described the programme as an investment in young people's potential and the future of Ethiopia–U.S. relations. "When we invest in Access, we're not giving charity. We're investing in our future partners," she said, noting that skilled young Ethiopians who establish businesses and assume leadership roles contribute to a stronger, more self-reliant country. She also highlighted the importance of English in international business, technology, science, aviation and higher education, noting its value in accessing educational, professional and exchange opportunities.
Drawing on alumni experiences, Ms. Nutzman encouraged scholars to ask questions, practise English without fear of mistakes, support one another and make the most of the two-year programme. She also acknowledged the contributions of the University, teachers, coordinators and parents, emphasizing the importance of family support in students' success.
The opening ceremony also featured experience-sharing sessions with former Access participants Finihas Daniel and Merhawi Dereje from Arba Minch and Abeba Yonas, an alumna from Hawassa. They shared how the programme had strengthened their English communication, interpersonal skills, confidence and personal development. They also highlighted its role in fostering relationships, opening new opportunities and encouraging community engagement, offering valuable insights to the incoming scholars.
Established by the U.S. Department of State in 2004, the English Access Scholarship Programme targets Grade 9 students selected from different schools and provides a two-year scholarship experience. Beyond English proficiency, it promotes leadership, intercultural understanding, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, teamwork and other essential life skills through classroom instruction and extracurricular activities.
The programme forms part of broader educational cooperation between Ethiopia and the United States. Through its Regional English Language Office (RELO), the U.S. Embassy supports English-language education, institutional partnerships and cultural and educational exchanges. Additionally, the U.S. government sponsors five students to sit an entrance examination for undergraduate studies in the United States. Those who successfully pass are awarded full scholarships to pursue their first degrees at U.S. universities.
Now entering its second round at AMU, the programme reflects the shared commitment of the University and the U.S. Embassy to expanding educational opportunities and empowering young people.
The graduation of 36 students and launch of the 2026–2028 cohort mark important milestones in this cooperation. The new cohort is expected to develop into a generation of confident, skilled and responsible young people who translate educational opportunities into meaningful contributions to their communities and society.
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