Category Archives: Principal & Teachers Corner

Iran Arbabi Scholarship Awards Academic Year 2026-2027

Established in 2014, the Iran Arbabi Scholarship Program at the Iran Cultural and Educational Center (ICEC) proudly upholds its mission of supporting exceptional students within our community. For the 2026–2027 academic year, the Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that three awards of $1,500 each will be granted to:

Mr. Souren Rahbin (Vanderbilt University)

Ms. Ebtesam Sajjadi (University of Maryland)

Ms. Lily Semnani (University of Pittsburgh)

These scholarships are based on evaluations conducted by an independent panel of experts, recognizing each recipient’s outstanding academic performance, meaningful community engagement, and valuable contributions to ICEC’s educational and cultural initiatives.

 

Souren Rahbin who will be attending Vanderbilt University in his acceptance note to the Scholarship Committee wrote in part: “… I am grateful to ICEC not only for the language and culture I learned each Saturday, but for the enduring friendships and strong community it provided. The support of classmates, teachers, and parents strengthened not only my Iranian identity and encouraged me to promote authenticity and inclusivity in others, it showed me the high value of volunteerism…. Having been part of ICEC since Kindergarten, I carry its lessons with me into college and beyond, committed to fostering the same genuine and supportive community that shaped me…..”

Ebtesam Sajjadi, who is attending a graduate program at the University of Maryland wrote in part: “…Living outside Iran has deepened my appreciation for my heritage and made preserving our culture even more meaningful. I am grateful for organizations like ICEC that bring the Iranian community together, teach the value of diversity, celebrate our shared traditions, and promote community service. Receiving this scholarship is especially meaningful, as it reflects our community’s commitment to education and mutual support. As I continue my academic journey, I hope to carry these values forward by supporting other students and giving back to our community.…”

Lily Semnani, currently studying Biological Sciences on the pre‑med track at the University of Pittsburgh, has been actively involved in cultural and educational activities throughout her ten years of association with ICEC. In her acceptance note to the Scholarship Committee, she wrote in part that through this long association, she has “learned how cultural institutions can bring people together and create a sense of belonging. This has strengthened her commitment to embracing cultural diversity, serving her community, and using her education to make a positive impact on others”.

Congratulations, Souren, Ebtesam and Lily ! Have a successful academic year!

2026-2027 Scholarship

Iran Cultural and Educational Center

Iran Arbabi Scholarship

The Iran Arbabi Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students of Iranian descent entering or attending an accredited post-secondary institution. The scholarship is granted annually to at least one eligible applicant, selected based on the eligibility criteria listed below. An independent Selection Committee consisting of distinguished scholars and chaired by a member of the ICEC Board of Trustees screens applications. Members of the Selection Committee may also interview the finalists. The recipient(s) may use the scholarship to attend a U.S. based college or university accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education, in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program. Scholarships are not limited to any specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline for undergraduate or graduate studies.

2026-2027 Scholarship

For the academic year 2026-2027, up to two separate scholarships of $1500 each ($750 each semester) will be awarded to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and are selected by the Selection Committee.

Basic Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements to be considered for the Iran Arbabi Scholarship. They must:

  1. Be of Iranian descent.
  2. Lawfully reside in the Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia, United States.
  3. List your Persian community activities that promote Persian culture and heritage to include, but not limited to, attendance at a Farsi language school, participation in Persian art or cultural group (music, dance, theater, etc.), volunteer activities for a Persian community-based charity, active participation in a Persian student association, etc.
  4. Attend, or be accepted for attendance, at a college or university, physically located in the U.S., accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education, in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program.
  5. If attending, or accepted for attendance in, an undergraduate program:
  6. a) Possess a high school diploma, or the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma,
  7. b) Have good academic standing (GPA of 0 or higher)
  8. If attending a graduate program:
  9. a) Possess proof of successful completion of undergraduate studies, i.e., bachelor’s degree.

All participants need to:

  1. Complete and submit a Scholarship Application
  2. Two letters of recommendation; at least one letter should be from an instructor/professor or other high school/college professional.
  3. An official transcript with the high-school or college seal on
  4. List your participation in Persian communities’ activities that promote Persian culture and heritage to include, but not limited to, attendance at a Farsi language school, participation in Persian art or cultural (music, dance, theater, etc.) activities for Persian community-based charity and/or not-for-profit organizations, active participation in non-political Persian student associations, etc.
  5. Two one-page essays on:
    1. What are your dreams and aspirations?
    2. How has your cultural heritage formed the person you are, and in what way will this serve you as an asset to promote Persian language and culture in the future?

 

Transcripts and letters of recommendation should not be sent separately. Incomplete, e-mailed, or faxed applications will not be considered.

Important Application Dates

The Application Form is available for download from the ICEC website at: https://iraneducationalcenter.org/scholarship-application/

July 17, 2026 Final postmarked deadline in order to be considered for the 2026- 2027 Scholarship Program. Application materials must be mailed in one packet to ICEC mailing address at:

 

 

Iran Abrabi Scholarship Program Iran Cultural and Educational Center

14644 Pinto Lane, Rockville, MD 20850-3536

Incomplete, e-mailed, or faxed applications will not be considered.

August 17, 2025: Winners of the scholarship will be notified, and names will be posted on the ICEC web site.

Scholarship Conditions

The Iran Arbabi Scholarships may be used to supplement existing benefits from the student’s college or university, or from other foundations or organizations. Funds will be paid to selected candidates upon receiving transcripts and proof of course registration and enrollment. Although the scholarship is merit-based, in cases of equal merits, financial need may be taken into consideration in awarding a scholarship. If the Scholarship Committee determines that financial need will be taken into consideration, the applicant may be required to provide financial information at a later time.

A recipient’s scholarship can be revoked if the student:

  • fails to graduate from high
  • fails to enroll in an institution of higher education in the year for which the scholarship was awarded (the scholarship cannot be deferred).
  • fails to comply with the rules, regulations, or conditions of the institution the student attends; or
  • receives the scholarship through error or contrary to
  • Retroactive payment of the scholarship and deferment of awarded scholarship is not permitted.

Iran Arbabi Scholarship Awards, Academic Year 2025-2026

Established in 2014, the Iran Arbabi Scholarship Program proudly upholds its mission of supporting exceptional students within our community. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that two awards of $1,500 each will be granted to Mr. Keon Faroughi and Ms. Neeki Sharifi.

Mr. Faroughi will be attending the University of Maryland, College Park, while Ms. Sharifi will begin her studies at Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland.

These scholarships are based on evaluations conducted by an independent panel of experts, recognizing each recipient’s outstanding academic performance, meaningful community engagement, and valuable contributions to ICEC’s educational and cultural initiatives.

In his acceptance note to the Scholarship Committee Keon wrote in part: “… I’ve been fortunate to be part of the Iran Cultural and Educational Center (ICEC), both as a student and as a teacher’s assistant. This experience allowed me to give back to the next generation of Iranian students, just as others once did for me…. This opportunity deepened my connection to Iranian culture and gave me the joy of sharing the beauty of Iranian music with fellow young Iranians in our community. I will always be grateful to ICEC for providing a space where I could cultivate pride in my heritage and learn the enduring value of unity and community….”

 

In her acceptance note to the Scholarship Committee Neeki wrote in part: “ICEC has been instrumental in deepening my personal connection to Persian culture and fostering a genuine appreciation for the language. Through its programs, I’ve not only learned to take pride in my heritage but also developed valuable leadership skills that continue to shape who I am. The sense of community ICEC cultivates has allowed me to build lifelong friendships—bonds I wouldn’t have formed without its supportive environment. I hope others have the opportunity to explore the many facets of this organization, from its vibrant music and theater programs to the enriching activities offered beyond the classroom…”

Congratulations, Keon and Neeki ! Have a successful academic year!

Dear Current and Former Families and Friends,

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support in making Nowruz 1404 such a wonderful celebration. Your encouragement of your children’s participation and your dedication made this event a success. From performances to behind-the-scenes coordination, your collective efforts allowed students to showcase their talents and cultural heritage with pride.

Special thanks to the Nowruz Committee, volunteers, instructional staff, and the incredible performers for their inspiring contributions. The evening’s performances, play, music, and choreography were a true testament to our vibrant community and shared values.

Your support continues to strengthen the ICEC community and preserve our cultural heritage for future generations. Thank you for making this event so memorable.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

 

 

The Iran Arbabi Scholarship Program-2024-2025 (amended)

The Iran Arbabi Scholarship Program

2024-2025 Scholarship

Iran Cultural and Education Center (ICEC) accepts applications for the award of The Iran Arbabi Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.  Up to two separate scholarships, each for $1500, will be awarded to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and are selected by the Selection Committee. This scholarship is a financial assistance for selected student(s) of Iranian descent entering or attending an accredited post-secondary college or university (undergraduate or graduate school program).  For complete information please visit ICEC Website at   2024-2025 Scholarship | ICEC (iraneducationalcenter.org  and for downloading the amended application forms visit  https://iraneducationalcenter.org/scholarship-application/

 

The application and other required document should be mailed (postmarked) by July 15, 2024.

ICEC scholarship committee will announce selected awardees by August 15, 2024.

 

مرکز فرهنگی و اموزشی ایران برای دریافت کمک هزینه اموزشی سال ۲۰۲۵-۲۰۲۴  ایران اربابی درخواست می پذیرد. این کمک هزینه  به حد اکثر دو دانشجو برخودار از ویژگی های گزینش  به ارزش ۱۵۰۰ دلاربرای هردانشجو که در دوره های  دو ساله ، لیسانس و یا بالاتردر یکی ازنهادهای دانشگاهی شناخته شده سرگرم آموزش باشد داده خوااهد شد. آگاهی های بیش‌ترو فرم درخواست در تارنمای  . مرکز موجود است.

http://iraneducationalcenter.org/scholarship-application/

. فرم درخواست تجدید نظر شده و دیگر مدارک باید تا پیش از ۱۵ ژوئیه ۲۰۲۴  فرستاده شود

.کمیته ارزیابی نتیجه نهایی را تا ۱۵ آگوست ۲۰۲۴  به آگاهی درخواست کنندگان خواهد رساند

Awards

Distinguished Community Service Commendation – 2024

Greetings,

In March 2024, the Iran Cultural & Educational Center (ICEC) was awarded the “Distinguished Community Service Commendation – 2024” in recognition for its cultural and educational achievements by Middle Eastern American Advisory Group (MEAAG) of the Montgomery County. MEAAG is one of five cultural and ethnic advisory groups in Montgomery County, Maryland, formed “to strengthen relationships between the government and the residents.” 

Since its inception in 1989, ICEC has created a “nurturing environment that strengthens the sense of community connection, and appreciation of Iranian heritage and Persian language” thanks to the unwavering support of a vibrant, all-volunteer community, a dedicated instructional staff, eager learners, and talented student alumni. This award is testament to our collective resolve in preserving our cultural heritage by passing it on to the next generation.

In 2013, ICEC was the recipient of a set of proclamations and commendation certificates from the Montgomery County Executive, the Attorney General of the State of Maryland and the Comptroller of the State of Maryland in which they commended ICEC for having “greatly enriched the community” by  “… creating an environment that fosters appreciation of cultural diversity among young learners and thus helping them become ambassadors of cultural awareness.” The awards also emphasized ICEC’s “legacy of excellence in providing outstanding educational opportunities.”

Congratulations to all our present and past students, teachers, and parents!

 

ICEC Board of Directors

Nowruz 1403

Greetings,

Words cannot convey the extent of our gratitude to the Anjoman, Norooz (Nowruz) Committee, past and present parent, and student volunteers, as well as the instructional staff and students for offering our community another memorable Norooz (Nowruz) celebration. Your ingenuity, tireless work, generosity with your time, excellent communication and coordination, and above all your love of the children and your cultural heritage resulted in an event that was no less than perfect. During the one-hour and forty-five-minute program, students of all ages, from kindergarteners to high schoolers, took pride in performing the best of the unique Iranian culture, from songs to dances, performances, a play, and music. Needless to say, that throughout the program, many past and present parent and student volunteers worked also behind the scenes to ensure that everything went smoothly and as planned so nothing interfered with the students’ performances. Warm and welcoming reception that followed exemplified also perfect planning and excellent management.  

Throughout the years your unwavering support has been an integral part of shared efforts in preserving our cultural heritage. The vibrant ICEC community that we have the privilege of being part of and working with today is testament to your resolve in passing this heritage onto the second and third generations. This year’s Norooz (Nowruz) celebration was another reminder of that resolve for which we are more than thankful to you.

نوروزتان پیروز، هر روزتان نوروز

Happy Norooz 

ICEC

2023-2024 Scholarship

Iran Cultural and Educational Center

Iran Arbabi Scholarship

Iran Cultural and Educational Center

Iran Arbabi Scholarship

The Iran Arbabi Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students of Iranian descent entering or attending an accredited post-secondary institution. The scholarship is granted annually to at least one eligible applicant, selected based on the eligibility criteria listed below. An independent Selection Committee consisted of distinguished scholars and chaired by a member of the ICEC Board of Trustees screens applications. Members of the Selection Committee may also interview the finalists. The recipient (s) may use the scholarship to attend an accredited American college or university in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program in Maryland, Virginia, or District of Columbia. Scholarships are not limited to any
specific field or career objective and may be used to pursue any academic discipline for undergraduate or graduate studies. 

2023-2024 Scholarship

For the academic year 2023-2024, up to two separate scholarships of $1500 each ($750 each semester) will be awarded to applicants who meet the eligibility requirements and are selected by the Selection Committee. One of the two scholarships in 2023-2024 has been made possible by a donation from the National University of Iran Alumni Association.

Basic Requirements

Applicants should meet the following requirements to be considered for the Iran Arbabi Scholarship. They must:

  1. Be of Iranian descent;
  2. Lawfully reside in the Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia, United Sates;
  3. Submit verification of participation in activities that promote Persian culture and heritage to include, but not limited to attendance at a Farsi language school, participation in Persian art or cultural group (music, dance, theater, etc.), volunteer activities for a Persian community-based charity, active participation in a Persian student association, etc.
  4. Attend, or be accepted for attendance, at an accredited American college or university in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program in Maryland, Virginia or District of Columbia.
  5. If attending, or accepted for attendance, an undergraduate program:
  •       Possess a high school diploma, or the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma,
  •       Have good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher)
  1. If attending a graduate program: a) Possess proof of successful completion of undergraduate studies, i.e., bachelor’s degree `

All participants need to:

  1. Complete and submit a Scholarship Application Form.
  2. Two letters of recommendation; at least one letter should be from an instructor/professor or other high school/college professional.
  3. An official transcript with the college seal on it.
  4. Two one-page essays each on:
    • What are your dreams and aspirations?
    • How has your cultural heritage formed the person you are, and in what way will this serve you as an asset to promote Persian language and culture in the future?

 Important Application Dates

The Application Form will be available for download from the ICEC website at:

ICEC-Scholarship-Program-Application-Form

June 30, 2023– Final postmarked deadline in order to be considered for the 2023-2024 Scholarship Program.  Application materials must be mailed in one packet to:

                            Iran Abrabi Scholarship Program

                            Iran Cultural and Educational Center

                            14644 Pinto Lane, Rockville, MD 20850-3536

 Incomplete, e-mailed, or faxed applications will not be considered.

 August 15, 2023: Winners of the scholarship will be notified, and names will be posted on the ICEC web site.

Scholarship Conditions

The Iran Arbabi Scholarships may be used to supplement existing benefits from the student’s college or university, or from other foundations or organizations. Funds will be paid to selected candidates upon receiving transcripts and proof of course registration and enrollment. Financial need may be taken into consideration in awarding a scholarship. If the Scholarship Committee determines that financial need will be taken into consideration, the applicant may be required to provide financial information at a later time. 

A recipient’s scholarship can be revoked if the student:

  • fails to graduate from high school.
  • fails to enroll in an institution of higher education in the year for which the scholarship was awarded.
  • fails to comply with the rules, regulations, or conditions of the institution the student attends; or
  • receives the scholarship through error or contrary to law.

Retroactive payment of the scholarship is not permitted.

Nowruz 1402 Message

Dear Friends and ICEC Community,

Our heartfelt gratitude to the past and present students, parent-volunteers and the instructional staff for offering a Nowruz celebration, which after three years once again brought our community together to enjoy the best of Iranian culture. Your dedication, creativity, perseverance, and tireless efforts behind the scenes helped overcome major unexpected challenges that otherwise would have largely impacted the students’ excitements to shine through the performances they had worked on.    

The ninety-minute uplifting program during which our children presented with exuberance the best of the Iranian rich culture through class performances, dances, music, and play was testimony to their sense of pride in their cultural heritage. This year’s Nowruz celebration like the previous ones is a reminder that together we have successfully built a community that nurtures cultural awareness as the cornerstone of a peaceful world and thus provides our children with the needed foundation not only to appreciate multi-culturalism, but also to strive towards promoting it. 

Thank you again for your unwavering support of our shared values,

ICEC

نوروز پیروز، هر رروزتان نوروز

2022-2023 Iran Arbabi Scholarship Awards

The Iran Arbabi Scholarship Program, established in 2014, continued its annual scholarship awards for the academic year 2022-2023.  In August 2022, an independent Panel of Experts, appointed by the ICEC Board of Trustees, using specific criteria, evaluated the qualifications and merits of all applicants. It is a great pleasure to announce that the Scholarship Committee has decided to award the top two applicants to each $1,500.  The awardees whose names appear below have been so notified. The profiles of the awardees are posted on ICEC website and ICEC social media web pages.

Miss Nikki Faroughi                        

Miss Shaadi (Iris) Ghorbani