Notice of Funding Opportunity: English Access Microscholarship Program (Access)
The U.S. Consulate General in Almaty, Kazakhstan announces an open competition to organize and implement the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access). This program supports the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan through increasing the English language and critical thinking skills of economically disadvantaged Kazakh youth from rural and suburban secondary schools. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at any time for consideration before the closing date on July 27, 2023 [11:59 p.m. Astana time].
Background:
The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan launched the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) in 2007. Since its inception more than 1600 students in more than 15 regions across Kazakhstan have participated in the Access Program.
With the growing interest of rural areas and secondary school youth in Kazakhstan to develop their skills in English, the U.S. Consulate General Almaty would like to continue supporting the local community through structured language training.
Through after-school classes and intensive sessions, the program will create opportunities for talented 13-15 year-olds from economically disadvantaged sectors to learn English during a two-year project. The program also gives participants the opportunity to gain an appreciation for U.S. culture and values. It is intended to increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their country and improve their chances of participating in educational and exchange programs in the United States.
The U.S. Consulate General Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) is pleased to solicit proposals for grants from Registered not-for-profit, civil society/non-governmental organizations, public educational institutions to implement the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) in regions across southern Kazakhstan. Applicants should pay close attention to the program goals and target audiences described below when developing proposals.
Project goal:
Promote the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan through increasing the English language and critical thinking skills of economically disadvantaged Kazakh youth from rural and suburban secondary schools.
Project Audiences:
Female and male 13-15 year old students (50/50 ratio per group), from Talgar, Taraz, Sayram (outside Shymkent) standard secondary schools. The target audience should be from socially and economically underprivileged groups with a motivation to learn U.S. culture and values within a two-year intensive in-person program.
Selected participants must be bright, economically disadvantaged students with beginning level of English. Participants should commit to enroll in classes during the full two-year program. Students will graduate with certificates of completion from the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty at the end of their two-year program.
Project Objectives (applicants may choose to address one or more of the objectives below in their proposals):
- Increase English language proficiency of 90-110 beginner-level to intermediate, over a two-year period through interactive learning and real-life contextual practice strategies.
- Increase awareness and understanding of key issues facing the target audiences’ respective communities and ways they can positively contribute to addressing those challenges.
- Increasing understanding of US culture/values and critical thinking skills.
- Improve media literacy and basic computer skills, including use of search engines and social media of the target audience.
This opportunity will not support:
- Activities that take place in the United States and its territories
- Individual scholarships
- Projects relating to partisan political activity.
- Charitable or development activities.
- Construction projects.
- Projects that support specific religious activities.
- Fund-raising campaigns.
- Lobbying for specific legislation or programs.
- Scientific research or surveys.
- Commercial projects.
- Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization.
- Projects that duplicate existing projects; or
- illegal activities.
Length of performance period: 20-24 months (2 academic years)
Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $31 000 to a maximum of $33 000
Type of Funding: Assistance to Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia under the Foreign Assistance Act
Anticipated programs start date: September 2023
Application Deadline: All applications must be received by July 27, 2023 (11.59 p.m. Astana time).
Contact information:
KazakhstanELPrograms@state.gov
Please download full grant package and Notice of Funding Opportunity below:
- Notice of Funding Opportunity
- Attachment 1 – SF424 Form
- Attachment 2 – SF424A Form
- Attachment 3 – Applicant Organization Information Sheet
- Attachment 4 – Proposal Template
- Attachment 5 – ME PMP Template
- Attachment 6 – ME PMP Template With Instruction
- Attachment 7 – Budget Narrative Sample Template
- Attachment 8 Access Provider Handbook
Sam.gov registration is required ONLY in case of receiving Federal Assistance Award.