Citi Foundation grants $100,000 scholarship

Abu Dhabi: The Citi Foundation recently renewed its support for the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) through a third year $100,000 (Dh367,000) grant to the Citi-sponsored Bachelor Scholarships Programme.

Launched in 2007, the programme has so far supported 31 HCT students who opted to upgrade their qualifications to a bachelor degree from the current three-year higher diploma credentials.

The added academic qualifications concentrate on areas of business and financial services such as accounting, human resources, marketing, travel and tourism, and e-business management, hence enhancing employment opportunities for the students.

Dr Tayeb Kamali, vice chancellor of HCT, said, "The Citi-sponsored Bachelor Scholarships Programme brings many UAE nationals closer to realising their post-academic work plans and adds value to our objective of linking academia to the business world for the benefit of our students. They appreciate this unique proposition which is designed to fulfil labour market needs for the right talent."

Alberto Verme, CEO of Europe, Middle East & Africa for Citi, said, "The programme's objectives are in line with Citi's efforts to support financial and entrepreneurial education across the world. Our strategic alliance with HCT ensures that deserving students will have the chance to excel. The success of this programme also sets a benchmark for a working alliance between academic and business institutions in the UAE."