After difficult years marked by instability and conflict, 14 U.S. Middle East Partnership Initiative  Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate (MEPI-TLU) scholars from Syria, West Bank/Gaza, Jordan, Algeria, Bahrain, Tunisia, and Lebanon gathered to present their Capstone Civic Engagement Projects on April 30 at the LAU Beirut campus.

The event, marking the final stage of the U.S. Department of State-funded program, opened with a project poster presentation. Senior students translated their learning to address real-world challenges through research-based initiatives that were tested through direct community engagement. Many projects focused on digital solutions, including centralized platforms to improve access and coordination, digital storytelling initiatives, and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Welcoming attendees, Senior Director of International Services and Programs Dina Abdul Rahman described the program as one that does not simply invest in academic excellence; “it invests in character, in civic responsibility, and in the belief that young people can and must be agents of change.”

On behalf of Associate Professor and MEPI-TLU Capstone Coordinator Ramzi Haraty, who was unable to attend, she added that the capstone projects “are the culmination of years of hard work, intellectual growth, and genuine commitment to making a difference.”

Deputy Political-Economic Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut Matthew Totilo spoke directly to the students’ effort. “You can tell… that you put your heart and your mind into these projects,” he said, noting their creativity, leadership and strong sense of responsibility and commitment toward their communities and future paths.

Projects were evaluated through a multi-stage assessment process that included the written report, project design, research quality, community engagement, authenticity, outreach and collaboration, potential for tangible impact, and presentation and communication.

Following the jury deliberation, Dr. Abdul Rahman proceeded to announce the winners:

• First place: Information technology management student Afaf Ouardi from Morocco for “L’BAZAR”—a digital marketplace connecting artisans and consumers through fair trade and storytelling, while engaging youth in growing artisan businesses.
• Second place: Economics major Gheed Moussawi from Lebanon for “Wa3i Media”—a platform focused on raising the quality of Arabic digital content.
• Third place: Bioinformatics major Nour AlGhadban from Lebanon for “ConnectEd”—a platform designed to support the inclusion of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in public schools through awareness, training, and practical tools.