On January 13, Amideast/Jordan and the U.S. Embassy in Jordan hosted a graduation ceremony for participants in the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access). There were 140 graduates from seven cities who had participated in two years of training to improve their English language proficiency and digital literacy. They also learned about American culture and democratic values and improved their personal development to equip them for success in higher education and professional careers.

11 YES alumni assisted at the graduation, which was held at the Landmark Hotel in Amman. Ann Barto ’19 emceed the event and Ula Alomari ‘17 was the event’s photographer. Alumni held rehearsals with the graduates on the procedure for entering and exiting the stage and accepting their graduation certificate. The alumni also shared about their exchange year, how to apply to the YES program, and their favorite program memories.

Ann Barto (YES 2018-2019, Jordan, placed by YFU-USA in Hummelstown, PA)

Ula Alomari (YES 2016-2017, Jordan, placed by World Link in Albia, IA)