Early on after its establishment, the ACSS came to the realization that strengthening the social sciences in the region demanded the attraction of highly motivated students to study in the social sciences and therefore the need for the institution to work on the ‘pipeline’ of social scientists. In 2015 the ACSS launched a pilot program titled Towards a New Generation of Social Scientists targeting high school students and undergraduates in their first and second years, that involved raising awareness around social science disciplines and possible career options.
Building on the learning from the New Generation of Social Scientists pilot project in Arab schools, the ACSS designed the New Generation of Social Scientists Program (NewGen) in 2020 in collaboration with a number of public and private Arab universities. NewGen seeks to establish a pipeline of a new generation of committed, passionate and well-trained social scientists in the Arab region. It provides distinguished students at the undergraduate and graduate levels the opportunity to join a two-year journey animated by methodological and thematic workshops and courses, as well as research, publishing and networking activities. NewGen is offered in Arabic.
The pilot project, undertaken in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut, mapped out the perceived challenges and opportunities characteristic of social science education at the secondary and tertiary levels in four Arab countries: Morocco, Oman, Lebanon, and Egypt. In addition, recommendations were made on measures to improve the teaching and enhance the visibility of social sciences in Arab schools and a promotional reel was produced that showed students how diverse and important the social sciences are for Arab societies.
Main partner universities
Lebanese American University
Participating universities
Lebanese University
American University of Beirut
University of Balamand
Saint Joseph University
Notre Dame University
Country Program Coordinator
Ms. Yara El Zakka
Main partner university
Birzeit University
Participating universities
Al Najah National University
Al Quds University (Abu Dis)
Bethlehem University
Country Program Coordinator
Dr. Abaher El Sakka
Assistant Country Program Coordinator
Ms. Yasmine Qadan
Main partner university
Sfax University
Participating universities
Tunis-El Manar University
Manouba University
Tunis University
Country Program Coordinator
Dr. Taoufik Jemai
Main partner university
American University in Cairo
Participating universities
All students from Egyptian universities offering MA and PhD programs in the social sciences
Country Program Coordinator
Dr. Hania Sholkamy
To be eligible to apply to the NewGen program, you must:
This year, the program is also opening applications to refugee and displaced students residing in Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, or Tunisia who have experienced interruptions to their educational trajectories due to war, conflict, displacement, or forced migration. Eligible applicants may include students who are not currently enrolled in a university, as well as students currently enrolled in non-participating universities in the four countries.
Lebanon: Lebanese American University, Lebanese University, American University of Beirut, Saint Joseph University, University of Balamand, and Notre Dame University
Palestine: Birzeit University, Al Najah National University, Al Quds University (Abu Dis), and Bethlehem University
Tunisia: University of Sfax, Tunis-Al Manar University, Manouba University, and Tunis University
Egypt: The American University in Cairo; all students from universities in Egypt that offer MA and PhD programs in the social sciences and humanities
If you are chosen to be a fellow, you will participate in a series of activities over a period of two years while you continue to complete your degree at your university. The Fellowship will allow you to engage and interact regularly with other fellows by attending mandatory monthly activities (field trips, career-oriented meetings, discussions, conferences etc.), working on joint projects, and communicating with other fellows as arranged by the Country Program Coordinators (CPCs) at the main partner university in your country.
Beside these activities, other opportunities offered by NewGen include:
Arabic is the primary language of instruction, conversation and interaction during the program activities. All fellows should be comfortable using the Arabic language (reading, writing, and speaking). English and French are secondary languages.
NewGen fellows will sign a fellowship contract upon acceptance that explains their rights and duties. In general, however, they are expected to:
– Commit to attend the assigned workshops, activities, and online courses throughout the duration of the fellowship. As much as possible, the schedule of activities will take into account, the existing class and exam schedule at partner universities to ensure no time conflicts.
– Be open minded and accepting of differences in opinions.
– Engage with activities organized by the universities in their country as well as with other cohorts and universities in other countries.
The fellowship does not require a financial commitment from fellows nor does it offer any direct financial scholarship. However, all program activities offered to the fellows will be fully funded including any transportation/travel costs, if necessary.
The ACSS is looking for fellows who are passionate about social change and the development of the social sciences in the Arab region. NewGen fellows should aspire to become future researchers, academics, or change agents in their respective fields and societies. They should be self-motivated and willing to participate in extracurricular activities to build their skills and knowledge.
A selection committee will evaluate the applicants based on the criteria outlined above. The completeness of the application is important. Language proficiency and academic achievement will be taken into account. Students whose applications get short-listed will be invited to a virtual interview.
