An Inside Look at the OAS Scholarship Selection Process

The Academic and Technical Studies Scholarship Selection Committee (ATSSSC) met in Washington DC from September 9-11, 2013.

Educators from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Jamaica, Panama, and the United States met in Washington in September to review hundreds of scholarship applications for the OAS Academic Scholarship Program. Applications from all OAS Member States were reviewed, evaluated and ranked by these experts that comprise the Academic and Technical Studies Scholarship Selection Committee (ATSSSC). The committed group of experts on the Committee volunteer their time, expertise and experience each year. They help to ensure that the selection process is held to the highest standards of professionalism and is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

This year, the Committee was chaired by Dr. Naomi L. Castillo, Ph.D. renowned expert professor from Panama, who affirmed that she has volunteered for several years for the Committee because through this work she is “convinced to be making a selfless contribution to the lives of young people, who are offered new opportunities for learning and exchange of experiences, so that when they return to their countries, they can support sustained human, educational, economic and social development." The ATSSSC offers broad regional representation and it is composed by members with recognized competence in the academic and development fields or in hemispheric issues who are appointed by OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulza.

The role of the Committee is to review and rank the 127 pre-selected candidates submitted to the OAS by the National Liaison Office from each member state, following comprehensive criteria that combines country needs and training priorities, as established in the Strategic Plan for Partnership for Integral Development 2006–2009 (extended through December 2013), and the merits and overall credentials of the candidate, including academic and professional background and their financial need. Equitable geographic distribution and special consideration for the greater needs of the smaller and relatively less developed economies is also taken into account during the selection process.

OAS Member States recognize the immense contribution to regional development made by the recipients of over 20,000 scholarships granted for undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies abroad through the Scholarship Program. This Program, one of the oldest in the Organization and in the hemisphere, provides opportunities for access to quality higher education to citizens selected through a highly competitive process who, in turn, will better contribute to the economic, social and democratic development of their communities and countries.

What makes the OAS Academic Scholarship Program unique is the dual concern for country and individual development and that in spite of difficult financial times it continues to offer scholarships for up to two years to obtain undergraduate or graduate degrees or to perform research to complete a degree. The Program also promotes intercultural networks and regionalization by supporting individuals who will study outside their sponsoring countries and who are required to return home upon the completion of their studies to ensure that the knowledge gained will contribute to the development of their home country.

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