Students and staff explore scholarship opportunities, bolster connections in Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund conference

Birzeit University faculty members and administrators bolstered the university’s local and international connections and secured support for students in the first Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund (PSSF) conference, held at Al-Quds University on May 13, 2022.

Twenty-four Birzeit University students, awarded scholarships by the fund, attended the conference, where they expressed the positive impact that PSSF’s scholarship program had on their academic lives. Also attending the conference were Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions Dr. Rania Abu-Hamdah, who represented Birzeit University at the conference, and Raghda Shamali, Mohammad Nasir and Tariq Abu Thaher, representing the university's Advancement Office.  

In her welcoming remarks, Dr. Abu-Hamdah emphasized Birzeit University’s mission to provide equal access to education for all students, despite the difficult financial circumstances in Palestine and across the world. The university’s partnership with the PSSF, she noted, plays an integral role in achieving that mission. “We are proud of our partnership with the Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund. Palestinians in diaspora have always proven their commitment to their home country with their ongoing support for Palestinian youth.”

Discussing Birzeit University’s financial aid programs, Abu-Hamdah highlighted the recently launched scholarship in honor of the veteran Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was killed by the Israeli occupation’s forces. The scholarship will be awarded to high-achieving female journalism students at Birzeit University, providing them the opportunity to complete their education and shine a spotlight on Palestinian culture, heritage and traditions.

Director of the PSSF’s board Ali Atta gave a brief overview of the fund and its mission, noting that it works to help Palestinian students facing significant challenges and financial difficulties. The fund, Atta added, is constantly developing its scholarship program to include more students from a variety of Palestinian universities.

The Palestinian Students Scholarship Fund, based in Chicago, Illinois, was formed by six Palestinian–Americans interested in supporting underprivileged Palestinian students and facilitating access to education in Palestine.