HECD Purpose
Despite the high levels of tertiary education in Lebanon, the supply of highly skilled workers is not keeping up with employer demand. This requires that Lebanese higher education institutions (HEIs) improve their capacity to effectively train new labor market entrants. To address this need, the HECD Program aims to improve the organizational effectiveness of these institutions to help contribute to the social and economic development of Lebanon.
Facilitate the semi-annual Continuous Institutional Maturity Assessment (CIMA), which will identify HEI’s priority domains, and serve as the basis for capacity development plans
Introduce innovative teaching and learning materials focused on job readiness skills, including EDC’s Work Ready Now, Be Your Own Boss, Design Thinking, and Work-Based Learning programs
Provide training of trainer programs for HEI instructors and follow-up coaching
Support HEIs in developing partnerships with private sector employers and enhancing career center programs
Promote inclusive and gender-balanced employment opportunities
10 HEIs with measurable improvements in institutional capacity to transfer in-demand technical and soft skills to new labor market entrants, and strategies and mechanisms to scale the program.
University-based career-centers enhanced through strengthened industry linkages and capacities to support student career development and employability.
14,000 university graduates benefiting from practical, activity-based job skills training programs, making them more attractive to employers and better prepared to start their own ventures.
Up to 400 students who have been adversely affected by the deteriorating economic situation in Lebanon supported with financial aid.
I- Improving the capacity of post-secondary institutions: USAID HECD uses an assets-based approach to assess and equip HEIs to better manage workforce development programs and employer engagement strategies. This approach will strengthen HEIs’ responsiveness to labor market demand.
II- Expanding job readiness skills: International experts from Education Development Center conduct professional development training workshops for HEI instructors to deliver an activity- based job readiness skills course and entrepreneurship workshops to students. Learners are actively engaged in an experiential learning process with opportunities to practice and enhance in- demand job skills.
Job Readiness Programs
Mental Health in the Workplace
Women's Equity & Empowerment
Grant Writing
Data for Decision Making
Alumni Tracking
Employer Engagement
Career Center Enhancements
Design Thinking
Effective Online Learning
Design and Delivery of Online Instruction
Project Partners
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
USAID leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people progress beyond assistance. Learn more.
Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC)
Education Development Center (EDC) is a global nonprofit that advances lasting solutions to improve education, promote health, and expand economic opportunity. Learn more.
Florida State University (FSU)
Florida State University is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1851, it is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state of Florida. Learn more.
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)
Florida State College at Jacksonville is a public college in Jacksonville, Florida. FSCJ has been serving the First Coast community for more than 50 years. Learn more.
This webpage is made possible with the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The content is the sole responsibility of the HECD program and does not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.