20 scholars get unique learning opportunity

Abu Dhabi: New York University Abu Dhabi has announced the final selection of the 2010-11 class of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Scholars, comprising 20 exceptional students from higher education institutions in the UAE.

The third annual Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Scholars Programme, was established by NYU Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) to provide high-achieving university students with a unique learning and leadership development opportunity.

The 2010-11 scholars are bachelor's students enrolled in their third or fourth year of study in one of the three national universities in the UAE: United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Zayed University (ZU), or Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT).

"I am delighted that after yet another rigorous selection process we can celebrate the nomination of this year's Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Scholars," said Shaikha Mariam Bint Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, co-chair of the programme's steering committee.

Selected scholars will participate in one of two academic courses: a course on the relationship between religion and government, as seen through the lens of the US Supreme Court, taught by NYU President John Sexton; or a class on US presidential politics and foreign policy which is co-taught by Robert Shrum, a political strategist and senior fellow at NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and James Traub, a noted journalist who contributes to the New York Times Magazine and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.