Abu Dhabi: Thirty four high-achieving secondary school students have been selected to participate in the New York University-Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Summer Academy, a rigorous 18-month enrichment programme, as recipients of the 2015 Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students.
Now in its fifth year, the programme offers an immersive educational experience that prepares Abu Dhabi-based Emirati students for entry into top-tier English-language universities throughout the world, including NYUAD.
The students were selected based on consideration of their academic achievement, English-language comprehension, motivation to attend college, leadership and interpersonal skills, and potential for growth and improvement.
The programme curriculum focuses on the development of critical thinking, writing, and discussion in English, quantitative reasoning, standardised test preparation, public speaking and leadership.
Taking place during the two summers following the 10th and 11th grades and including three semesters of online and in-person instruction throughout the academic year, the Summer Academy introduces students to the academic standards, norms, and values appropriate to the culture of leading international higher education institutions, in addition to providing college admission counselling. This comprehensive educational experience is supported both in the classroom and through extra-curricular activities at NYUAD, NYU New York, and NYU Florence.
During the first summer period, students study for approximately three weeks at NYUAD, and have the opportunity to travel to NYU’s academic centre in Florence, Italy, for nine additional days of study. The second summer session is similarly divided between Abu Dhabi and NYU New York. In addition to continuing their academic programme in Florence and New York, the students engage in cultural activities such as visits to museums, historical sites, cultural events, and private meetings with local leaders. To provide continued support throughout the academic year, students also participate in online instruction and assignments, SAT test preparation, and two face-to-face weekend programmes during the 11th grade.
“This year’s competition was very intense, with a record number of exceptionally strong finalists nominated by their high schools who were presented for our consideration. The selection days judges and I welcome the newest awardees of the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Scholarships for High School Students, who will make up the Class of 2016 of the NYUAD Summer Academy,” Diane C. Yu, Executive Director of the Summer Academy and Deputy President of NYU, said. “We have great hopes that they will find the Summer Academy a rigorous and rewarding programme to help them develop their academic and leadership potential.”
