LUMS has won the global Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Platinum Award 2021 in the ‘Best Practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’ category for its National Outreach Programme (NOP). The CASE Platinum Awards recognise the world-class programmes and practices in educational advancement.
“The power of intentionality rippled through this entry like a rock tossed in still water. This programme’s ability—through disciplined outreach and coordination—to identify talent from all parts of Pakistan is impressive. This entry displayed sustainability and growth, and could be a model for organizations and universities globally, if willing to be intentional and make the financial investment. We appreciated the varied layers of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging expressed in the students served,” noted the CASE Platinum Award Judges.
CASE is a prestigious not-for-profit organisation dedicated to educational advancement with global institutions that share the goal of championing education to transform lives and society. LUMS was selected from among nearly 300 entries submitted from across the world for the eight award categories. LUMS represented the Asia-Pacific region in the international round of this competition, as it was selected as a regional finalist earlier this year.
Speaking about this achievement, Founding Pro Chancellor, LUMS, Syed Babar Ali said, “It is a moment of great pride for us and we feel immensely gratified for this recognition. This award belongs to everyone who played a role in refining individual aspects of this programme and shaping a broader path in making quality higher education accessible to more and more students from underserved areas of the country.”
The NOP is LUMS’ signature initiative to make quality education accessible to all and is underpinned by the University’s philosophy of ‘Learning Without Borders’. The programme exemplifies the values of merit, diversity, inclusion, and equity. For the past two decades, LUMS has remained committed to the National Outreach Programme and has offered full scholarships to one out of 10 students from the most disadvantaged areas of Pakistan. To date, nearly 1,200 students from 136 cities and small towns across Pakistan have been a part of this celebrated initiative.
“Through the NOP, LUMS creates an infinite multiplier through scholars, who become change agents for their families, the broader communities and the country. The impact is transformational at all levels,” said Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad.
Graduates develop knowledge, skills, and values to go on to graduate schools in top universities worldwide; they raise their own standards of living, and almost all give back to their communities. The broader impact of NOP students on the rest of the student body is equally profound. Programme scholars demonstrate an exceptional work ethic and perseverance and bring languages and micro-cultures that truly enhance the diverse learning environment at LUMS.
