New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) welcomes 19 high-achieving undergraduate students into its sixth class of the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Scholars Program (SMSP) for the 2013-14 academic year. Each year, the prestigious program offers carefully selected Scholars from the UAE\'s federal universities namely UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology, and Zayed University an intensive enrichment program that includes critical thinking, writing, public speaking, leadership, and selected academic courses presented by world-renowned experts. In addition to course work, Scholars gain cross-cultural experiences during a 10-day trip to New York and Washington, DC, during which they visit major historical and cultural attractions, meet international leaders, and visit important government locations such as the Supreme Court, Congress, and the White House. Past graduates of the eight-month program have gone on to make strides in academia, business, and many other fields. \"The Scholars who have graduated from this program continue to demonstrate their ambition, confidence, and ability,\" said Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, co-chair of the program\'s steering committee. \"The achievements of SMSP alumni many of whom are pursuing master\'s degrees, participating in artistic and creative endeavors, and pursuing professional careers illustrate the value of this program.\" \"As the Scholars program has developed over the years, we have introduced a wide range of professional development activities for alumni, with the aim to support them as they advance in their academic and professional careers,\" said Diane Yu, executive director of SMSP and deputy president of NYU.