Strategic National Advancement
#SNA2023GSDC
We focus on deepening KAUST’s impact and contribution to Saudi Arabia’s vision and priorities by creating opportunities for people and organizations across the Kingdom.
Shaping
Visionary leaders
Building Future Shapers: We believe in the untapped potential of our nation’s brightest minds. Through our diverse and dynamic talent development programs, we provide a transformative platform for Saudi Arabia’s brightest minds to explore, innovate, and achieve. We are at the forefront of fostering a culture of excellence and ambition, shaping individuals who will not only adapt to the Kingdom’s evolving landscape but will be instrumental in its transformation. With SNA, we’re not just envisioning the future – we’re building the architects who will shape it.
The KAUST/Mawhiba Olympiad Training & Development Program
Supporting a growing population of highly gifted young Saudis who embody STEM aptitude and proudly represent the Nation on the world stage: Program participants consistently earn the Kingdom’s highest scores at international Olympiad events—326 medals to date, including 50 Gold.
KAUST Virtual Young Talent Academy
Providing robust, interactive, and engaging virtual learning programs that equip the nation’s future leaders with 21st century skills and competencies through access to unparalleled—and uninterrupted—holistic educational opportunities.
Saudi Research Science Institute
Introducing talented high school seniors to the transformative potential of STEM by engaging them in meaningful research under the supervision of the University’s world-renowned faculty, the SRSI inspires and prepares the next generation of Saudis to pursue careers in these fields.
The KGSP
Representing KAUST’s flagship undergraduate program and the Kingdom’s preeminent STEM scholarship, the KGSP provides unmatched academic, pre-professional, and developmental support to the Kingdom’s top high school graduates as they earn bachelor’s degrees at premiere U.S. universities, in preparation for KAUST graduate studies.
Saudi Graduate Recruitment and Development
Ensuring that the best and brightest Saudi students can benefit from KAUST’s many opportunities, SGRD tailors enhanced engagement to individuals and groups of Saudi students from throughout the country and the world, with strong partnerships across academia, industry, and government.
National Academic Talent Development Program
Committed to improving research capacity in Saudi Arabia by cultivating the next generation of Saudi faculty and institutional leaders. NATDP develops Teaching Assistants and Lecturers who have been identified as future professors for their home university.
In-Kingdom career placements
The KAUST Saudi Leadership Institute
The KAUST Saudi Leadership Institute (KSLI) empowers the next generation of Saudi leaders to drive growth and transformation in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
By cultivating invaluable networks, fostering personal growth, and showcasing individual achievements, KSLI develops the skills of business and academic leaders to accelerate and strengthen their contribution to the Kingdom’s national development objectives.
Through exclusive engagements with distinguished leadership, accomplished faculty, and aspiring students, KSLI creates a collaborative environment for learning and growth.
Guided by Vision 2030, KSLI is inspiring leaders to embrace new possibilities and unlock the Kingdom’s full potential for the future.
In-Kingdom Career Launch Program
The In-Kingdom Career Launch Program (IKCLP) is a strategic initiative aimed at retaining top talent within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
By bridging the gap between KAUST talent and the nation’s most competitive employers, IKCLP facilitates year-round recruitment activities, ensuring that KAUST graduates have access to rewarding career opportunities right here in the Kingdom.
Through targeted initiatives and partnerships, IKCLP creates pathways for our talented individuals to contribute to the nation’s development, fueling economic growth and innovation. Together, we are shaping a future where KAUST graduates thrive and play a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s growth and transformation.
The program serves: KAUST students, postdocs, and research scientists
Quality of Saudi Student Experience
The Quality of Saudi Student Experience (QSSE) program at KAUST is dedicated to ensuring an exceptional and fulfilling journey for Saudi students throughout their time at the university.
We actively engage with our students to gather feedback, assess their perceptions, and address any concerns they may have, both academically and non-academically.
Through the QSSE program, we provide a supportive environment where students can thrive, offering leadership events and activities that enhance their experience and foster meaningful connections within KAUST and the wider Kingdom.
Our goal is to empower Saudi students, nurture their talents, and create a vibrant community that nurtures personal growth and academic excellence.
The Gateway KSA Program
The Gateway KSA Program aims to bridge cultural barriers and transform perceptions of Saudi Arabia through impactful cultural exchange initiatives.
With a clear purpose, the program facilitates meaningful interactions and experiences that foster understanding, appreciation, and collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the international community.
Through diverse cultural exchange activities, we strive to create lasting connections, promote cross-cultural learning, and showcase the rich heritage and vibrant society of Saudi Arabia.
By breaking down barriers and fostering mutual understanding, the Gateway KSA Program plays a vital role in promoting global engagement and building stronger relationships between Saudi Arabia and the world.
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At KAUST Strategic National Advancement, we are on a mission to ignite positive change in our community and beyond. Rooted in KAUST’s commitment to being a catalyst for transformation, our Social Impact Accelerator embraces Vision 2030 and the aspirations of the Kingdom.
By harnessing the boundless intellectual and social capital of our university, we drive impactful programs that empower individuals and uplift communities within KAUST and neighboring villages. Together, we are enhancing lives and building a sustainable and prosperous future for the Kingdom.
INVEST
We invest in communities to fuel their growth and address local needs and challenges.
CHANGE
We actively promote sustainability and contribute to the development of a circular carbon economy in our neighboring communities.
EXCEL
We empower community members by developing their skillsets, enabling them to access new opportunities and excel in their careers.
Empowerment and support of local youth and teachers through a holistic combination of academic, technical and soft skills development.
Enhance learning capacity by introducing students to a diverse cross-curricular portfolio, including math and science preparation, digital literacy, English proficiency, and soft skills building.
Equipping local educators to improve impact in the classroom by Motivating through learning , Student engagement , Classroom management and Curriculum impact
A 3 weeks science summer camp that brings together our Faculty and research staff with Elementary, Intermediate and High School stud
Improving learning environments and educational outcomes for children.
Provide English proficiency training and activities for male and female intermediate and high school students.
Long-term program to keep educators up to date with new ideas, teaching methods, structures, tools and technology
at Thuwal Cornish
English language & business skills
Providing women and men with skills to enhance their value in the workplace, and create opportunities for personal and professional development, financial stability, and lifelong well-being.
Creating economic opportunities that provide sustainable employment for local individuals through strategic partnerships with local industries and joint ventures with local not-for-profit organizations
Under the patronage of HRH Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, KAUST
and Nesma Holding created the Thuwal Embroidery Center to serve and
enhance the standard of living in Thuwal and neighboring villages
Enhancing local individuals’ employability by supporting vocational training and promoting lifelong learning
Providing learners with the essential skills to improve their existing working capabilities, and increase their competitiveness as candidates in the job market
Empowering women by equipping them with the tools and confidence to set and achieve goals in Partner with the British Council
Sustainable development has been an integral element of KAUST since its inception, and our environment awareness projects advance this value. We promote environmental awareness through ,education and action programs .both via schools and community associations
Continues awareness about plastics pollution in the marine environment, and cleaning of Thuwal beach and marina.
Promoting coastal rehabilitation, sustainable practices for the fishing industry, water quality and waste management.
stewardship for sustainable development
Enabling the integration of the KAUST and Thuwal communities through development and engagement programs
Annual campaign to celebrate the joys of the season with our neighbours in Thuwal by providing contributions through the Ramadan Food Pantry and Eid Gifts initiatives.
A group of special needs-based initiatives that focus on economically disadvantaged families, orphans, and persons with disabilities.
Volunteering
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Strategic National Advancement
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