MEPI Student Leaders Program

A group of MEPI Student Leaders hold their certificates for a photo.
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Middle East Partnership Initiative 

Student Leaders Program

The U.S.-based MEPI Student Leaders Program is operated under the auspices of the University's Institute for Global Studies in a consortium with Georgetown University and other university partners. Exceptional college students from the Middle East and North Africa are nominated to participate by U.S. embassies and are selected by the U.S. Department of State. UD has welcomed 200+ participants from many cultures, religions and academic disciplines as a part of the program. 

The MEPI Student Leaders Program provides a unique opportunity for participants to develop their leadership and civic engagement skills, with a specific emphasis on applying those skills in their home communities to affect change. The program also enables participants to learn about values, issues and institutions that have played important roles throughout the history of the United States.

In addition to the on-campus academic component, study tours include excursions to Philadelphia, New York City and Washington, DC.

The University of Delaware has long been recognized as a leader in international education. It was an early pioneer in study abroad and now regularly hosts groups of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from abroad, providing them with creative programs blending academics and cultural enrichment. 

Learn more about IGS Public Diplomacy programs

Funding for the Student Leaders Program is provided by the U.S. Department of State.

Program Staff

Tracey Holden

Academic Director

tqholden@udel.edu

Dan Bottomley

Civics Director & Principal Investigator

dbott@udel.edu

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Our Location

The University of Delaware is an East Coast classic. Our location, midway between New York City and Washington, DC, allows participants access to meaningful connections, resources and opportunities. Delaware’s picture-perfect and ideal-sized campus is a walkable, historic space with grand architecture and a central green lawn (called “The Green”) for informal gathering and special events. Our home is the iconic college town of Newark, Delaware whose Main Street is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Together, these attributes create a secure and welcoming environment for all members of the University community. 

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