Six Students Earn Scholarships Through AKSOB’s 2026 Economics Summer Camp
Sixty high schoolers explored how economics shapes business, public policy, and everyday life through immersive learning.
For 60 high schoolers from across Lebanon, the week-long 2026 Economics Summer Camp presented an opportunity to learn about economics beyond the classroom and stand the chance of earning a scholarship toward their studies at LAU.Held at the LAU Beirut and Byblos campuses, the program immersed participants in interactive workshops, policy simulations, case studies, and collaborative challenges. Along the way, they strengthened their analytical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining a clearer understanding of the academic and professional opportunities the field offers.
For Dean Jamali, the camp represents AKSOB’s commitment to inspire the next generation of leaders through engaging, experiential learning. “Beyond introducing students to economics, it helps them develop the critical thinking skills needed to make informed academic and career decisions,” she said.
Alongside LAU faculty, who led the sessions, alumni of the BS in Economics and MA in Applied Economics programs shared how their degrees paved the way for careers in public policy, international development, and consulting, giving participants a perspective on the discipline’s diverse career paths.
According to Dr. Jamal Haidar, department chairperson, the firsthand experience “helps understand how the discipline can be applied to explain real-world challenges and whether it is the right major for them.”
One of the week’s highlights was the MUN x Economics: Youth Employment Summit, organized in collaboration with the LAU Outreach, Leadership, and Empowerment (OLE) Office. Through an immersive policy simulation, the participants analyzed pressing socioeconomic challenges, balanced competing priorities, and developed evidence-based policy recommendations.
“The Youth Employment Summit challenged students to think critically, collaborate under pressure, and transform ideas into practical policy solutions,” said Ghina Harb, director of Outreach, Leadership, and Empowerment (OLE).
“I was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm to ask questions and participate,” said Dr. Walid Marrouch, professor of economics and associate dean of Graduate Studies and Research. “Their curiosity showed a genuine desire to understand how economics helps explain the choices that shape the world around us.”
For many participants, the experience also reshaped their perception of economics and its relevance to their future.
“The camp gave me a deeper understanding of economics and Lebanon’s economic challenges,” said participant Mia Tarabichi. “It strengthened my interest in the field, introduced me to inspiring peers, and is an experience I would highly recommend.”
The week concluded with a celebration of the participants’ accomplishments and the progress they had made throughout the program. Six students distinguished themselves through their analytical thinking, engagement, teamwork, and leadership, earning merit-based scholarships toward their studies at AKSOB.
At each campus, the top-performing participant received a 20 percent scholarship to LAU, while the second- and third-place winners earned 15 percent and 10 percent scholarships, respectively.