ADEK Launches Third Edition Of Summer Programme For High-Performing Emirati Students

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has initiated its third Summer Programme. This year, 200 high-achieving Emirati students from grades 10 and 11 in public, private, and Charter Schools in Abu Dhabi are participating. The programme allows students to choose pathways at leading universities across seven countries on four continents, fostering their academic interests and personal growth.

The ADEK Summer Programme is designed to help students explore their passions while developing a global perspective. By engaging with top universities worldwide, participants can expand their knowledge and support their academic journey. This initiative aims to nurture talented students by providing them with opportunities beyond traditional classroom settings.

Mubarak Hamad Al Mheiri, ADEK Undersecretary, stated, "Following a successful programme last year, this expansion – in terms of the number of students, countries, universities involved, and the number of programmes available – underlines our commitment to nurturing even more talented and aspiring students and empowering them to expand their knowledge beyond classroom boundaries."

The 2025 edition of the programme includes 14 diverse offerings. Nine are academic-focused while five are credit-bearing. These programmes align with key industries such as Medicine, AI, Neurobiology, Biotechnology, Cognitive Science, Visual Arts and Design, and Cinematography. Such focus ensures that students gain skills relevant to critical growth sectors both locally and globally.

Seven programmes are hosted by top 20 universities worldwide. Sixty-five students will attend prestigious institutions like Stanford University, MIT, Cornell University, Columbia University, University of California Berkeley, National University of Singapore (NUS), and Berklee College of Music. This exposure enhances their competitiveness for future academic pursuits.

Impact on Academic Success

Participation in the ADEK Summer Programme boosts students' chances for future academic success. It opens doors to opportunities like the esteemed Abu Dhabi Scholarships Programme. In 2024 alone, alumni gained admission to top 50 global universities and entered new Creative and Elite Majors. This highlights the programme's effectiveness in developing globally competitive talent aligned with industry needs.

Students are encouraged to pursue post-secondary education at leading international universities through this initiative. Discovering their passions equips them with essential skills for future growth sectors within the emirate and beyond. The programme's expansion reflects ADEK's dedication to fostering educational excellence among young Emiratis.

This comprehensive approach not only supports personal development but also prepares students for a rapidly evolving global landscape. By offering diverse learning experiences at renowned institutions worldwide, ADEK empowers students to achieve their full potential academically and personally.

With inputs from WAM