Together they have committed US$2 million and are aiming to mobilise an additional $3million in the form of raised funds and university-provided scholarships.

“Syria needs students to continue their university education and scholars to continue their academic work so that, even in the midst of crisis, the country is producing the leadership and knowledge necessary for a successful future,” said IIE President and CEO Allan Goodman.

“With this commitment and with the generosity of additional donors, we will be able to assist Syrian students and scholars whose expertise will be so urgently needed as the country begins to rebuild,” said Goodman.

The funding will be channelled into funds that help both Syrian students abroad, and scholars at risk in Syria.

Within the next year, IIE’s Commitment to Action will provide Scholar Rescue Funds to up to 15 senior threatened academics from Syria, and grants to up to 100 Syrian students at home whose education has been interrupted by the crisis. Additionally, it will coordinate a university consortium of universities around the world who will offer up to 50 new scholarships to threatened students.

Syria needs students to continue their university education and scholars to continue their academic work

The Illinois Institue of Technology will also provide scholarships to up to 50 students via a separate initiative and serve as a resource to help other institutions who want to do the same.

Jusoor will use its contacts from working with the global Syrian diaspora to mobilise support among the community and provide information on Syrian students and scholars needing help.

Earlier this year, IIE provided 46 ESF (Emergency Student Fund) grants to enable Syrian students on US college and university campuses who faced urgent financial need to continue their education. In 2010-2011, the number of Syrian students studying in the US increased by 24% to 500.

Individuals and organisations who wish to provide support to the effort can donate or request further information. A gala event to celebrate 10 years of the Scholar Rescue Fund was also organised this month, read more here.