About Us:

Arab Student Aid International (ASAI), was established since 1976.  The idea was formed, and the program started, by a group of Arab and American academicians and businessmen who believed in the vision, mission and objectives of the human resources' development in the Arab States and the Palestinian Territories in particular. 

In August 2006 ASAI is celebrating  its 30th Anniversary, Through out ASAI has achieved an outstanding record in in the field of human resources development enabling young Arab intellectuals to pursue undergraduate, graduate and post graduate university studies by providing  interest free  scholarship loans as well as grants . These loans and grants are are allocated according to set policies and procedures. Priority criteria include: the country of study, type of academic system, degree level, and field of specialization. ASAI  requests from applicants to enroll in renowned and accredited universities in USA, Europe, then other countries. For approving financial aid, preference is given to those fields of specialization in: applied and pure sciences, humanities and social sciences that will impact progressive, economic, social and cultural development and transfer of technology from industrial countries to Arab States.

For the past 5 years, ASAI supported "training the trainers program" aiming at enhancing NGOs capacity building in strategic financial and organizational management planning  and effective utilization of available human and material resources.  In doing so, ASAI has been instrumental in responding to prevailing local communities' development priority needs .  

We welcome you to ASAI Website.  It provides highlights of which we are, our dreams, objectives, achievements, and how to apply for financial assistance and benefit from the services provided.  We trust that your understanding and belief in this noble non-profit, educational and human resources development pursuits will invite you to join us and become an active supporter.  You may wish to consult the section on “How to be an active supporter”.

Sources of Finance:

ASAI depends on the following sources for financing its programs and projects :

• Returns from endowment/investment fund

• Loan repayments by graduates

• Unconditional gifts and grants, funds in trust, deeds, stocks and bonds certificates, life time inheritance gifts to education

• Contributions from individuals, institutions, banks and waqf

Contributions are tax-exempt, and are accepted in view of the policy stated above.  More information is provided in the section “Call for Contributions”

Organizational Structure:

The organizational structure consists of the following levels:

• The Board of  Trustees: 

  The Board consists of individuals selected on the basis of merits and interest in supporting and promoting ASAI objectives and pursuits.  There are two types of membership:

1. Active:

Consists of 9-11 members, they are expected to attend the Board meetings, approve the Auditor’s Report, appoint the President of ASAI, and elect Officers from among them, such as: Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary and members.

Responsibilities and liabilities are stated in the bylaws of ASAI.   

2. Honorary:

Consists of 15-20 members selected at large from different parts of the world  who are reputed for their support of charitable educational foundations and can impact the enhancement of ASAI objectives and programs. They are welcome to attend the Active Board meetings and are kept well informed about progress and achievements. Their views and suggestions are discussed in Board and Executive Committee meetings.  

• Executive Committee:

  Consists of 5 members selected from among the Board and Honorary members to provide guidance and approval of annual projects, plans and programs.  The duties, responsibilities and terms of reference will be stated by the bylaws.
  

•  Regional Committees: 

  Consists of selected members between 5-7 persons who are nationals of respective State and who accept to support the promotion of ASAI interests in that country.  They are well known for their integrity, holding high offices, and preferably graduates who received assistance from ASAI.  Their task and responsibilities are also stated in the bylaws. They communicate directly to the office of the President of ASAI.

•  Executive Staff:

  Consists of the President, Executive Secretary, Program Officers (as needed) and Volunteers. They are located at the Head Office in Dublin, Ohio, USA.  The duties, responsibilities are stated in the bylaws.

Future Outlook:

ASAI plans to maintain its identity as an educational non-profit, non political, on-religious foundation. Also ASAI plans to continue its programs and projects such as supporting human resources development for Arab States, and  Palestinian institutions, providing grants, aid in kind, enhancing management performance and investing in the development of quality manpower.

All of this will be accomplished without discrimination to sex, creed or ethnic background.  

Our future policy is to improve the quality of highly specialized young scientists and invest in quality education and training that will effectively contribute to the enhancement of social and economic development and strengthening civil society institutions.

ASAI will explore grant and contribution opportunities in USA, Europe, the Arab States and other countries in line with its policies.