Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF)

Description

The purpose of the KAEF is to support long-term development in Kosovo by enhancing a cadre of well-educated and trained individuals to address a current lack of human capacity. A perpetual education fund will allow eligible/qualified Kosovars the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in areas that would support economic growth and investment in Kosovo, such as economics, finance, accounting, management, business, law and public administration.

Program Goals And Expectations

(1) U.S. university degree training at the master's level. The number of fellowships provided annually will vary and be dependent in part upon the level of matching contributions received and the rate of return on investment. Between seven and ten fellowships per year will be awarded from the initial KBFF contribution.

(2) The fostering of on-going linkages and networking between KAEF graduates and U.S. organizations, businesses, NGOs, educational institutions, government organizations, etc.

(3) The organization of annual economic conferences/workshops that will increase awareness of specific economic issues, identify constraints as well as solutions, and enable networking.

In May of 2004 the endowment agreement was finalized and a KAEF launch ceremony was held in Pristina. Fellows began their studies in the U.S. during the fall of 2005.