New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has announced the 30 recipients of its 2012 Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students, who have been hand-selected to participate in an 18–month Summer Academy enrichment program. The scholarship provides high–achieving, Abu Dhabi–based Emirati high school students with the opportunity to participate in a rigorous development program that is designed to prepare them for entry into top–tier international universities.

The Summer Academy — an 18–month program encompassing two summers following the 10th and 11th grades and three semesters of online and in–person instruction — introduces students to the philosophy and benefits of a broad-based liberal arts education through a comprehensive educational experience at three of NYU’s international locations: Abu Dhabi, New York, and Florence, Italy. The curriculum — through both classroom and non–classroom–based activities — aims to support intellectual and skill development in the areas of critical thinking, English, writing, mathematical reasoning, and leadership, in addition to providing guidance with university admissions requirements through counseling and extensive small group classes and individualized coaching in standardized test preparation. Each course is conducted in English by NYUAD–appointed faculty, and will provide intense immersion into an English–language academic environment.

“As we prepare our youth to become leaders in an increasingly globalized world, it is essential that we provide them with the cross–cultural and academic exposure that will help them succeed in a highly competitive international environment,” Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, co-chair of NYUAD’s Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program, said.

During the first summer period, students study for approximately three weeks at NYUAD, and have the opportunity to travel to NYU’s academic center in Florence, Italy, for 10 days of study. The second summer session is similarly divided between Abu Dhabi and NYU New York. In addition to continuing their academic program in Florence and New York, the students have a cross–cultural experience by taking part in activities including guided visits to museums and sites of historical and intellectual interest, cultural events, and private meetings with local leaders. The students are chaperoned by program administrators throughout their time abroad. Additionally, to provide continued support throughout the academic year, students also participate in online instruction and assignments, SAT test preparation, and three face–to–face weekend programs during the 11th and 12th grades.

Students were selected following a rigorous nomination and interview process that took into consideration academic achievement, English–language comprehension, motivation to attend college, leadership, interpersonal skills, and potential for growth and improvement.

“The feedback that we have received from students in last year’s inaugural class of the Summer Academy has been eye–opening and encouraging,” Diane C. Yu, co–executive director of the Summer Academy and the chief of staff and deputy to NYU President John Sexton, said. “We have seen astounding progress in everything from their confidence and English–language communication skills, to their SAT practice test scores. We are confident that this year’s impressive group of students will similarly grow and develop through this program.”

The recipients of the 2012 Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholarship for Outstanding High School Students are:

• Abdul Jalil Saeed Abdul Jalil Mohamed Al Faheem (American International School);
• Abdulla Rashad Mohamed Salem Obaid Al Saadi (Emirates National School);
• Al Anoud Adel Abdulla A.T. Alshamry Al Ajmi (American International School);
• Ali Saif Khamis Khalfan S. Beljafla (Military School);
  
• Aliya Sultan Ali Sultan Alkaabi (Zayed Private Academy);
  
• Al Yazia Sameh Khalaf Mohamed Al Dhaen (Emirates National School);
  
• Ayesha Khaled Abdul Hafeez Yawar Khan Al Yousefi (British School Al Khubairat);
  
• Dana Abdulla Knaish Khalifa Al Qubaisi (Al Shohub School);
  
• Fakhera Mohamed M. Sharif Alfoulathi (American International School);
  
• Khaled Abdulrahman M. Al Dafeea Almessabi (Emirates National School);
  
• Khaled Ali Salem Mohammed Ali Al Dhaheri (Military School);
  
• Khalid Tareq Abdul Kareem Ahmed Obaid Al Hosani (Glenelg School);
  
• Mansoor Abdulaziz Ahmed Sawaleh Al Shehi (American International School);
  
• Meera Ali Khalifa bin Shaheen Alshamsi (American International School);
  
• Meera Omair Soud Mohammed Arrar Al Dhaheri (Zayed Private Academy);
  
• Meraa Shelaiweeh Saood Mohamed Arar Al Dhaheri (Zayed Private Academy);
  
• Mohamed Alaa Mohamed Atta Eraiqat (American International School);
  
• Mohammed Ahmed Hamdan M. Alnahayan (American International School);
  
• Mohammed Abdulla Mohammed A. Alshehhi (Military School);
  
• Muna Khadim Khalfan Al Arai Almehairi (Zayed Private Academy);
  
• Mudhafar Mubarak Mohamed H. Almansoori (Emirates National School);
  
• Nahyan Abdulla Ali Musleh Al Ahbabi (British School Al Khubairat);
  
• Noor Ehab Anis Hasan Alameri (Choueifat School);
  
• Obaid Abdul Samad Murad H A Albloushi (Military School);
  
• Raysa Aamer A.M. Alfahim (Zayed Private Academy);
  
• Reem Mohamed Saleh Yeslam Alameri (American International School);
  
• Reem Abdulla Ali Ebrahim Al Saadi (British School Al Khubairat);
  
• Saif Al Nuaimi (British School Al Khubairat);
  
• Shamsa Saeed Khalifa Thani Al Mehairi (Zayed Private Academy);
  
• Shamsah Mohamed Khalil Antar Alali (British School Al Khubairat).