Using resources provided by international education organizations such as the Academy for Educational Development, Banaa representatives will interview students in Sudan and require them to submit an application essay.
According to the project proposal these steps will ensure that applicants have some English language experience and are "motivated, open-minded students."
Once an applicant pool is formed, potential Banaa scholars will undergo a year and a half of English language training in Sudan before applying for the one available SJT scholarship.
The Banaa admission process will reflect GW's undergraduate admission process, which requires SAT's, transcripts, recommendation letters and a TOEFL score for international students, according to the proposal.
"Other Universities hopefully will do this as well," said Justin Zorn, another leader of Banaa. "Our hope is that we can continue this on through the years, taking on additional students each year."
Zorn added that he hopes GW's efforts will serve as a model for other universities.
"Eventually, we will need to put together a really professional how-to kit about how to lobby a university's administration," said Zorn, who explained that they have already had informal meetings with several local STAND chapters.
According to Zorn, Trachtenberg has also offered to use his influence as University president to help generate interest at other Universities.
"President Trachtenberg believes that if a number of U.S. institutions join in this effort, Sudan will benefit from an educated cohort of leaders," said Kauvar.
Erin Mazursky, the executive director of STAND National, said that this project is the first of its kind in Darfur.
"It is definitely unique in that they are trying to bring Darfuri students to American education," said Mazursky, who has also offered to help spread interest. "I see it as a long-term project that will help Darfur heal its wounds."
According to the project proposal these steps will ensure that applicants have some English language experience and are "motivated, open-minded students."
Once an applicant pool is formed, potential Banaa scholars will undergo a year and a half of English language training in Sudan before applying for the one available SJT scholarship.
The Banaa admission process will reflect GW's undergraduate admission process, which requires SAT's, transcripts, recommendation letters and a TOEFL score for international students, according to the proposal.
"Other Universities hopefully will do this as well," said Justin Zorn, another leader of Banaa. "Our hope is that we can continue this on through the years, taking on additional students each year."
Zorn added that he hopes GW's efforts will serve as a model for other universities.
"Eventually, we will need to put together a really professional how-to kit about how to lobby a university's administration," said Zorn, who explained that they have already had informal meetings with several local STAND chapters.
According to Zorn, Trachtenberg has also offered to use his influence as University president to help generate interest at other Universities.
"President Trachtenberg believes that if a number of U.S. institutions join in this effort, Sudan will benefit from an educated cohort of leaders," said Kauvar.
Erin Mazursky, the executive director of STAND National, said that this project is the first of its kind in Darfur.
"It is definitely unique in that they are trying to bring Darfuri students to American education," said Mazursky, who has also offered to help spread interest. "I see it as a long-term project that will help Darfur heal its wounds."
