Summary
The United Lebanon Youth Project will be honored later this month at the 18th annual Khalil Gibran "Spirit of Humanity" Awards Gala in Washington D.C. for its groundbreaking work providing educational services and support to marginalized and disadvantaged young people. The Arab American Institute will recognize the organization with its Award for Institutional Excellence for ULYP's services to underserved communities in Lebanon and its efforts to bring together and empower disparate groups through education programs.
Founder Melek al-Nimer had been working in refugee camps for 25 years when she founded the organization in 2010 .
The organization runs 10-12 educational programs a year on everything from environmentalism to gender based violence, reaching some 3,000 people.
Each year the organization's Bridge Program targets 150 top high school students from Lebanese public schools and UNRWA secondary institutions to receive college and SAT preparatory courses and assistance on their applications.
The program currently has 300 students enrolled at these universities, and a further 75 overseas.
ULYP continues its support after graduation, helping students pursue further education and employment in Lebanon and abroad.
ULYP provides assistance on both fronts.
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