Dr Bryan Lewallen, Director of Academic Bridge Program. Baher Amin / The Penisnula
More than 90 percent graduates of the Academic Bridge Program (ABP), a centre of Qatar Foundation, are admitted to universities within and outside the country each year.
The unique ABP acts as an intermediary level between high school and university. “Most of our graduates like 60 percent get enrolled at one of the QF’s partners universities within the Education City. Over 30 percent go to universities in the UK and US,” Dr Bryan Lewallen, Director of the ABP, told The Peninsula.
“Therefore we work closely with the universities within the Education City. We have agreements with many universities in the UK for long as our students meet requirements they get admitted at those universities,” he added.
The ABP is a rigorous two-semester general studies program which focuses on English, mathematics, science and computer skills. Studies in these four areas help ensure a successful transition from high school to university. Students are placed in classes according to their skill level to ensure that they are challenged, yet able to succeed and improve. ABP also partners with the universities at QF to offer cross-registration, an exceptional opportunity for students to prove that they are ready for university studies.
Since the program was established in 2001, over 2,500 students have graduated from the program.
“This year the 3000th student will be graduating from ABP. Usually we have 200 students annually and most of them are high school graduates. Among them 80 percent Qatari and 20 percent non Qatari. And 70 percent are female students,” said Lewallen.
Not only is the ABP academic program focused on building the skills needed to succeed in university, it also offers a range of supportive services that pave the way for college success. Mini courses in IELTS and ACT/SAT help boost test scores, while college counseling services help students understand the complex college application process and how to write compelling college admissions essays.
“We train our students to improve their skills and also equip them with knowledge required to participate effectively in higher education oriented environments and enable the transition seamlessly from high school to university,” said Dr Lewallen.
In October, 2017, the Qatar Armed Forces Academic Bridge Program opened at the Megdam camp north of Doha. It was a result of plans by the QF, the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to create an Academic Bridge Program that would provide the same quality of education offered in Education City to cadets wishing to obtain admission to English language universities in Qatar and abroad.
In May 2018, a total of 286 cadets graduated from the Qatar Armed Forces Academic Bridge Program. These cadets will complete their military training, enter university and upon their graduation will return to serve their country as officers in the Qatar Armed Forces.
ABP is fully accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) in the US until 2026.
