Introducing new program: Higher Education Access Program

Supported by the USAID Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Program (DISP), Parami University and Bard College launched the Higher Education Access Program (HEAP) on December 9, 2024. This preparatory program is designed for students who have faced challenges in completing high school or who need to build critical thinking, digital literacy, analysis, and academic writing skills to thrive in international university degree programs.

The program will run from January 18, 2025, to mid-October 2025 and includes face-to-face online courses led by Bard-affiliated professors. Participants will also engage in group work with peers from Bard partner campuses across the U.S., Europe, Canada, South America, and East Asia. All classes are to be conducted in English.

HEAP is open to youth aged 15–24 from Myanmar or Myanmar citizens living in neighboring countries. Special encouragement is extended to individuals from backgrounds of forced displacement, ethnic minority groups, or those with disabilities. The program is completely free of charge, removing financial barriers to this transformative opportunity.

HEAP offers a comprehensive pathway to help students apply to international universities. It provides personalized guidance and the tools needed to succeed in rigorous academic environments. 

This unique program covers advanced academic English, essential study skills, and digital literacy, focusing on academic writing in STEM and social sciences. The curriculum concludes with intensive workshops on application preparation and test-taking, equipping students to navigate the university admission process confidently. Participants are expected to commit to six hours of weekly classes and four hours of homework, with consistent attendance and timely submission of assignments.

Graduates of HEAP will receive a Bard/Parami Certificate of Completion, recognized globally, along with a sealed Bard College transcript featuring transferable credits. Participants will also benefit from faculty-led, individualized support in identifying and preparing for university opportunities in Asia or online.

Interested candidates must complete the application form by Sunday, December 29, 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. 

For additional information, contact the PICE team at continuingeducation@parami.edu.mm.