For Immediate Release
Press Release
Battambang – May 18, 2023. The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), awarded 18 scholarships to students pursuing digital-related degrees at the National University of Battambang (NUBB) and launched the first Career Center in Battambang Province.
Digital Workforce Development (DWD) is a five-year project implemented in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, to improve educational outcomes for Cambodia’s youth and professionals in an increasingly global, digital economy. The scholarships are created for diverse, talented, under-represented students to increase access to quality digital-related certifications along with associate and bachelor’s degree programs in alignment with the workforce needs of private sector partners.
In total, with these 18 scholarships awarded today, 74 DWD scholarships have been awarded to students at NUBB, Svay Rieng University, and the National University of Management in Phnom Penh. Sixty-five percent (65%) of the scholarships have been awarded to women scholars across the country (48 out of 74).
The USAID-funded scholarship recipients are supported throughout their studies using the DWD ecosystem of private-sector companies and university networks, and through the Career Center activities such as soft-skill training, networking events, internships, and job fairs.
“Today is a momentous occasion. USAID is awarding scholarships to 18 students at NUBB and launching the first career center in Battambang Province. The Career Center will act as a bridge, connecting employers to Cambodia talent across different sectors in a centralized place at the University,” stated Ms. Kerry Pelzman, USAID/Cambodia Mission Director.
NUBB is the fifth DWD Career Center to open, helping ensure sustainability of Digital Workforce Development achievements. These centers will continue forging industry linkages and building employability skills long after DWD completion.
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For more information, please contact:
Chanda Pen, Chief of Party
USAID Digital Workforce Development
Email: chanda@elixkh.org