Help for Haiti’s students

March 12, 2010

Following the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti in January, the College of Engineering offered help by launching a new scholarship program for Haitians.

Starting in fall 2010, the college will offer four scholarships—each valued at about $8,000 to $9,000—to Haitian students studying civil, mechanical, electrical and agriculture and bioresource engineering.

“An education in engineering is fundamental in creating the world we live in,” said Janusz Kozinski, dean of the college. “Studying in these areas will give the students skills to build stronger roads, bridges, and buildings in order to withstand another earthquake.”

The first two scholarship winners will arrive for fall 2010, with two more following in 2011, said Kozinski. “Depending on the success of these scholarships, measured by the impact the students have on the process of rebuilding their country, we may add more in the future.”

It is the college’s hope, he continued, that the students will pass on the knowledge and training they gained at the U of S to their fellow citizens in Haiti.

“The earthquake leveled the country’s infrastructure, including some academic institutions. We feel it is our social responsibility as an academic institution to offer students in Haiti the education they need to rebuild their communities.”