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# Grants.gov

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##   Large Grants NOFO

11/22/2021

04/30/2022

*** PLEASE READ FULL ANNOUNCEMENT (see Related Documents) BEFORE APPLYING *** Submissions must be emailed to PretoriaGrants@state.gov, not uploaded to grants.gov. The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Mission to South Africa of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out projects in one of six categories outlined in the Project Objectives below. All project proposals must strengthen ties and build relationships between the United States and South Africa and must have a strong, central, American element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s (separate and beyond any involvement with the U.S. Mission or its American Corners or USG exchange program alumni) and have as a primary goal the promotion of increased understanding of U.S. values, perspectives, and policies and relationship building between Americans and South Africans. Priority Region: Project activities must take place in South Africa and be directed at South African audiences/participants. PAS welcomes proposals that reach multiple provinces or engage in areas outside the metropolitan areas of Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, including townships and other historically underserved areas. American Content: Successful proposals will include a clear description of how American content will be substantively and meaningfully incorporated in projects. American content may include the use of curricula from a U.S.-based institution, collaboration with an American subject matter expert, or incorporation of U.S. culture, history, or society. We encourage proposals that explain how that American content builds ties with South African audiences. Project Objectives: PAS is seeking proposals in the following six categories. An organization may only submit one application and must identify the specific category. 1. Combatting Climate Change PAS seeks proposals that will create partnerships between Americans and South Africans to generate awareness and promote shared action/collaboration on climate change and the evolving climate crisis. Project proposals in this category should identify a specific audience – such as youth, students, educators, entrepreneurs, etc. – that it will reach as well as how the project plans to measure impact during the award’s performance period. Short-term impact may lay the groundwork for longer-term outcomes. Proposals should target a specific audience and clearly identify project participants. PAS welcomes proposals that exploit connections between governmental organizations, such as the U.S. National Park Service and the South African National Parks, or between U.S. and South African civil society, including higher education institutions. Priority project areas include: sustainable waste management and recycling; urban and peri-urban clean water solutions; countering wildlife trafficking; climate adaptation; urban greening, and; healthy oceans. 2. Improving Journalism Training PAS seeks proposals that strengthen journalism skills in fields such as investigative reporting, health/science/environmental journalism, and legal reporting, particularly among professional journalists, editors, and contributors to community media outlets. We will favorably note proposals that aim to establish partnerships between media outlets and non-governmental, educational, and/or civil society institutions in South Africa. Proposals should include: a series of engagements with participants that includes training in reporting skills such as critical thinking, sourcing, disinformation, and ethics; multiple “field” exercises to encourage these skills in real world settings; a focus on the program’s sustainability, including follow-up programming with participants and the possibility of expanding the program in the future. 3. Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship: Expanding Economic Opportunities for Youth PAS seeks proposals that break down barriers faced by South Africa’s promising young entrepreneurs by leveraging American business and management approaches to help youth develop the necessary networking, marketing, and investment skills to succeed in the economy. In addition to increasing the capacity of entrepreneurs to open new businesses, we are seeking applications that foster increased "intrapreneurship," a system wherein the principles of entrepreneurship are practiced within existing organizations. The development of intrapreneurs creates opportunities to innovate new ideas, products, and processes within an organization that can lead to the adoption of best practices, decreases in corruption, and increased growth while preparing emerging leaders for greater responsibility within their organizations or to launch startups in the future that will benefit U.S.-South African economic ties. 4. Promoting Equity, Social Justice, and Social Cohesion PAS seeks proposals that build on shared American and South African priorities to promote respect for the human rights and advance racial equity, social justice, and social cohesion. We encourage proposals that focus on outreach to historically marginalized groups. Preference will be given to proposals that foster dialogue, encourage civic engagement, and increase understanding about the historical injustices in the United States and South Africa to make concrete connections with contemporary applications of the lessons learned from those histories. Priority project areas include: conducting outreach to underscore connections between the struggle for equality of marginalized groups in the United States and South Africa’s liberation struggle; and exploring the literature, culture, and histories of marginalized groups in the United States with South African audiences. Intended audiences should include: high school and university students; professors; journalists; policy makers; or youth (ages 15-35). Proposals may incorporate use of sports or the art that addresses the American experience that is relevant to the South African experience. Competitive proposals will outline how the activities will resonate with South African audiences. 5. A Global Crisis: Trafficking in Persons South Africa is a country of origin, destination, and transit for victims of trafficking in persons (TIP). PAS seeks proposals that generate awareness of TIP-related issues in South Africa and of concerns noted in the U.S. Department of State’s 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report for South Africa, with the goal of increasing public knowledge, understanding, and calls for action on this challenging issue. Proposals should aim to improve the public’s ability to recognize and report TIP, to identify TIP risk factors, and to reduce demand for labor and sexual exploitation. Priority project areas include: the lack of public awareness of trafficking crimes; available resources for victims; cultural practices that increase trafficking vulnerability; the lack of reporting of trafficking crimes; and official indifference or complicity. Successful proposals will target clear audiences in South Africa and explain the relevance of those audiences to the issue at hand. Prospective grant partners will preferably have existing relationships with or the capacity to partner with relevant South African government agencies. 6. Expanding the University Partnership Initiative PAS seeks proposals that strengthen existing ties and foster new collaborations between U.S. and South African higher education institutions under the University Partnership Initiative (UPI). Proposals should address the option to scale to a greater level pending funds availability and should address potential significant involvement by PAS. Collaboration with existing U.S. Mission South Africa programs or alumni of USG-funded exchanges is encouraged. Priority project areas include: promoting U.S.- South Africa faculty and student exchanges, particularly the development of dual degree programs that have South Africans complete their studies locally and address South Africa’s shortage of qualified academic staff; developing the use of instructional technology to increase access to educational opportunities, including in the context of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic; facilitating early-career training for academics; joint research, especially in agriculture, food security, health, and STEM; providing training and transfer skills in all aspects of university and community college administration through subject-matter exchange programs; exploring public-private partnerships, with an emphasis on commercialization, technology transfer, and job creation. Intended audiences should include: South African university and community college students; university administrators; or high school teachers and students who use materials developed by universities. Proposals should address how relationships between institutions will be sustained after U.S. government-funded efforts end. Proposals that develop linkages between South African technical universities and their American counterparts are strongly encouraged. PLEASE NOTE: The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: 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 projects; Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization; Projects that duplicate existing projects; Travel to the United States for family or social purposes; Travel to the United States for purposes of amplifying South Africa cultural initiatives; Travel to the United States for purposes unconnected to a larger project or initiative; Scholarships or tuition assistance; Events of a purely social nature; Prizes and competition awards without a programmatic linkage.

336676

19.040

##   Annual Program Statement for Public Affairs Cultural and Educational Programs (“Public Diplomacy Grants Program”)

01/18/2022

04/30/2022

1) Priority Program Area One: Combating Transnational Threats PAS is seeking proposals that strengthen regional security and stability and combat transnational threats through engagement with diverse, targeted stakeholders on key issues like violent extremism, human trafficking, and emergency preparedness, incorporating American informational, educational, or cultural resources. This goal could be advanced through lines of effort such as to: ● Improve communication and coordination between civil society, local communities, and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to prevent radicalization and/or combat violent extremism; ● Develop skills that provide alternative opportunities to individuals who may be drawn to radicalization to increase in their economic and societal integration within their communities; ● Increase resilience of at-risk groups to the allure of extremist messages and recruitment attempts through messaging about the dangers of violent extremism; ● Raise awareness among vulnerable populations on human trafficking; ● Increase societal resilience to public health concerns, including by promoting the importance of COVID-19 vaccination; or ● Foster dialogue among key stakeholders, including civil society, about preparedness for climate change related challenges. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit). Objectives during fiscal year 2022 may include: ● Support a minimum of 3 initiatives in the area of Combating Transnational Threats, including at least one youth-led and one based in a region other than Chui; ● Expose to alternative opportunities a minimum of 500 beneficiaries, including a minimum of 70% young people (14-28 years old); ● Train a minimum of 150 beneficiaries (content creators, influencers, mediators, and decision-makers), including 30 representatives of local/national government agencies, on C/PVE messaging; ● Support a minimum of one initiative that informs vulnerable populations in different regions on human trafficking; ● Support a minimum of one initiative addressing public health concerns, including the importance of COVID-19 vaccination; or ● Train a minimum of 10 representatives of key stakeholders, including civil society, about preparedness for climate change-related challenges. 2) Priority Program Area Two Sustainable Economic Growth PAS is seeking proposals that build inclusive economic prosperity upon regional connectivity and sustainable solutions to human capital, energy, and environmental challenges, using American informational, educational, or cultural resources. This goal could be advanced through lines of effort such as to: · Reduce barriers to economic participation, particularly among youth, women, and underserved groups; · Develop programs and tools for small and medium businesses; or · Build support for sustainable natural resource management and/or adoption of cleaner energy sources and technologies. Project proposals may include the following or other innovative strategies to realize the goals given above: ● English-language programs that promote the use and spread of the English language to increase the professional level of government officials, educators, and civil society, including disadvantaged students, and to provide better access to English-language sources of information and U.S. subject matter experts; ● Educational programs that focus on training soft and professional skills with a focus on IT technology sector skills; ● Convening key stakeholders to support sustainable natural resource management and adoption of cleaner energy sources and technologies; ● Expanding outreach on these themes to Kyrgyz-speaking audiences; or ● Innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment programs that develop innovative ideas involving STEAM, space, social entrepreneurship, adaptive technologies, rural economic development, economic diversification, women’s empowerment, corporate social responsibility, access to finance, and support for entrepreneurs. Project Objectives (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit). Objectives during fiscal year 2022 may include: ● Support a minimum of 5 initiatives in the area of Sustainable Economic Growth including at least 4 related to social entrepreneurship and/or promoting STEAM and/or sustainable natural resource management and/or adoption of cleaner energy sources and technologies; ● Raise awareness of legal and regulatory aspects of doing business for a minimum of 500 beneficiaries , including a minimum of 80% of them young people (aged 14-28) and women, especially Kyrgyz-speaking audiences; ● Improve the capacity of a minimum of 50 business association members to advocate for policy and programmatic solutions that increase economic participation, especially for women and youth. The solutions may include reforming discriminatory laws and practices that hinder access to capital, land tenure, property rights, finance, training, technology, markets, mentors, and networks; ● Train a minimum of 20 business owners on U.S. and international business standards and how to export locally sourced products to the U.S. using internationally known e-commerce platforms; ● Support at least one project that facilitates partnerships/collaboration and/or networking among businesses to further develop their capacity; ● Support a minimum one initiative that focus on improving English language as well as soft skills for government officials, educators, and civil society, including underserved students. 3) Priority Program Area Three: Accountable Governance and Stability PAS is seeking proposals that advance more accountable, inclusive governance underpinning a stable Kyrgyz Republic, using American informational, educational, or cultural resources. This goal could be advanced through lines of effort such as to: ● Strengthen civil society and independent media organizations’ capacity through facilitating connections, relationships, and opportunities to collaborate; ● Educate citizens on rights and protections, contributing to a culture of respect for rule of law and reduced corruption; ● Increase effectiveness of citizen oversight of political processes and government, regulations, budget processes, and activities; ● More effective collaboration between citizens and government bodies, resulting in improved policy formation, governance, and service delivery; ● Better access to civically-relevant information for Kyrgyz citizens through better quality and quantity of locally produced, locally relevant, and balanced media products. Project proposals may include the following or other innovative strategies to realize the goals given above: ● Peace-building programs that promote tolerance, leadership development, youth and women’s empowerment, and diversity and inclusion. Such projects should strengthen ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic or on a regional basis between Central Asian countries; ● Arts, culture, and sports programs that deepen ties between the Kyrgyz Republic and the U.S. and improve understanding of U.S. culture and values; ● Media strengthening and information literacy programs that develop Kyrgyz-language media, fact-checking and research for journalists or media consumers, capitalize on social media use for greater transparency, and/or expand such programs to rural and remote areas of the Kyrgyz Republic; ● Improving quality of media content on such topics as democracy and freedom, human rights, rule of law, civic education and advocacy, and protection of the environment and how the U.S. promotes those values through USG-supported programs; capitalizing on social media use for greater transparency and/or expanding such programs to rural areas of the Kyrgyz Republic; or ● Expanding outreach on these themes to Kyrgyz-speaking audiences. Project Objectives: (Project proposals may address one or more of these objectives. While these numbers are suggestions, grantees may select different targets as they see fit). Objectives during fiscal year 2022 may include: ● Support a minimum of 5 initiatives in the area of Accountable Governance and Stability, including at least three youth-led and two based in a rural areas; ● Expose to alternative opportunities a minimum of 300 beneficiaries, including a minimum of 80% from underserved groups (youth, women, minorities); ● Train a minimum of 200 beneficiaries (trainers, influencers, mediators, and decision-makers), including 30 representatives of local/national government agencies.

337405

19.040

##   Georgian Media Education Program - “Strengthening Journalism Education in Georgia”

03/10/2022

05/16/2022

The Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia encourages U.S. organizations to apply for the Media Education Program – “Strengthening Journalism Education in Georgia” for media educators and administrators. Applicants must have a demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing programs related to journalism training, designing and carrying-out study tours for university administrators and media professionals, and organizing trainings at U.S. schools of journalism/mass communication. Expertise and established relationships with higher education institutions/journalism schools in Georgia will be considered favorably. The grantee is expected to coordinate the solicitation process of the program participants, including placement at a U.S. school of journalism/mass communication, with PD Section. To mitigate risk because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, grantee will be asked to work with PD Section Tbilisi to enable alternate or supplemental virtual delivery of certain segments of the program in the event of COVID-19 travel restrictions. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Public Diplomacy Section (PD) of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi is pleased to announce an open competition for a Media Education Program (MEP) – “Strengthening Journalism Education in Georgia.” U.S. non-profit/non-governmental organizations and accredited American higher education institutions may submit proposals to manage a year-long project to support the professional development of Georgian media educators from public and private higher education institutions through a robust professional study tour at U.S. schools of journalism, media and mass-communication, with complementary site visits to U.S.-based media organizations and journalism education associations, e.g., Journalism Education Association, etc.. Additional means for achieving objectives of the program may include participation in annual conventions or conferences promoting excellence in journalism education and media literacy. Proposals should include a component to engage approximately 40 MEP alumni through the MEP Alumni Association. This might include a micro-grant opportunity to encourage alumni projects that advance journalism education and media literacy. The applicant should work closely with PD Section throughout the grant period to identify Georgian participants. The project will award $249,900 to defray the costs of a two- week intensive study tour for up to 10 participants. Applicants should include provisions for non-English speaking participants and secure international travel insurance for duration of the study tour. OBJECTIVES The purpose of the Georgian Media Education Program is to support the professional development of media educators, strengthen journalism programs in Georgian HEIs through adopting the best practices of journalism education in the United States, and establish collaborative linkages between Georgian and U.S. schools of journalism. These visits should also demonstrate the important role quality journalism education plays in establishing and maintaining a vibrant press corps and accountable democracy. The program should focus on introducing MEP participants to the latest trends in journalism education, multimedia and media literacy. In today’s consumer-driven and media saturated world, it’s becoming increasingly important for teachers to understand how to teach media literacy. Media educators can play a significant role in helping students understand the differences in media outlets, the messages they receive and ethical methods for producing their own content. Apart from consultation meetings with professors and media administrators, campus tour and intensive hands-on trainings at a selected U.S. school of journalism/communication, participation in events and workshops organized by professional journalism organizations should help achieve the program objectives. Exposure to emerging media tools, instruments, and digital platforms would enable selected Georgian media educators to learn modern practices in journalism education and to successfully adopt them in their professions. The program will also enable media professionals to examine technological advances in an American university and the influence it has on expanding academic opportunities for the educational achievement. The MEP has provided professional development to three previous cohorts comprising about 40 journalism educators, who remain active through a newly developed alumni association. MEP proposal may entail a component that ensures continued alumni engagement. Funds up to $15,000 can be encumbered to support a micro-grant competition through which alumni may submit proposals that will strengthen their programs. The program envisages exchanges in both directions – a combination of trips to the United States for Georgian participants and trips to Georgia of American partners, who will be engaged in active trainings on specific topics identified in consultation with MEP participants. For the visits to Georgia, activities should focus on completing those activities conducted in the United States and increasing the professional capacity of the Georgian participants and their colleagues who may not travel to the United States. EXPECTED RESULTS The program should emphasize hands-on experience that will build the professional expertise of Georgian media educators and contribute to strengthening journalism education in Georgia. It will also help journalism professors get acquainted with strategies for teaching media literacy and supporting students in developing skills that allow them to effectively evaluate content from a variety of media sources. The program may include such topics as: · Curriculum and instruction (including course design and curriculum development for BA and MA programs in journalism and mass communication, multimedia journalism, digital media and strategic communications); · Assessment of student learning outcomes; · Course evaluation and accreditation of media programs; · Modern textbooks, journalism coursework and curriculum designs, e-libraries; · Media Literacy teaching/ resources and increasing digital literacy skills; · Social media and Multimedia teaching; · Online programs for journalism, development of online course design; · Faculty development; Journalism Education Association: JEA mission and standards of media education; · Student internship and support; · Teaching academic writing for journalism students; · Media school partnerships and student exchanges; · Multidisciplinary teaching and use of integrated methods (academic research combined with practical work); · Current trends and “hot button” issues in journalism education Applicants may propose other project topics/activities not specifically mentioned in this solicitation if the activities reinforce the impact of the project. A detailed program timeline for the entire grant period that outlines how components unfold and complement each other must be included in the proposal. The names of proposed Georgian participants must be reviewed and approved in advance of U.S. travel by the Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi. PD Section anticipates that the majority of Georgian participants will not have working-level competency in English. The applicant should describe the provisions (interpretation, international travel insurance, visa B1/B2 fee, meals and incidental expenses) that will be made for the proposed study tour participants.

338646

19.900

##   Democracy Commission Small Grants Program

01/31/2023

03/20/2023

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic is soliciting Statements of Interest for grants from Kyrgyz civil society and independent media organizations that focus on one of the priority areas/themes specified below. Applicants should pay close attention to PDS priority goals, program areas, target audiences, and geographic location when developing their proposals. Statements of Interest, including the short budget proposal, cannot exceed three pages. Proposals which exceed three pages limit will be disqualified from consideration. Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive a population as is feasible to bring perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program. Note: A specific goal and objectives for each theme are listed below. Please ensure you pay close attention to each of the goals, objectives, and target audiences when developing your proposal. Priority Themes: 1. Advancing Business Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship The economy of the Kyrgyz Republic relies heavily on external factors, contributing to the country’s economic instability in recent decades. The limited economic opportunities and high level of poverty, especially in rural locations, led to mass labor migration, which caused additional socio-economic problems within communities. Previous PDS-funded projects have focused on strengthening entrepreneurship and small business development initiatives by providing beneficiaries with necessary tools and knowledge; increasing the level of financial literacy and business skills; and providing business-related training programs and vocational courses to ensure economic independence and self-sustainability. This funding opportunity seeks to continue to support projects that strengthen the enabling environment for economic growth by addressing specific current challenges: ● high level of poverty in rural locations; ● lack of core competencies and skills needed in the modern workplace; and/or, ● lack of economic opportunities and resources. Project Goal: To strengthen rural entrepreneurship and small business development by increasing knowledge and tools that entrepreneurs and small businesses owners need to make their businesses successful. 2. Promoting Democratic Institutions The Kyrgyz Republic has made democratic gains since its independence; however, democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic continues to face challenges and risks. Independent observers have noted violations of electoral processes; high levels of corruption and low levels of transparency; attempts to impose regulations on NGO/CSOs in a discriminatory manner, persecution of independent media and political repression of freedom of speech; poor public understanding of democratic institutions and legal rights, especially in rural regions; and overall political instability due to social, economic and geographical divisions. Furthermore, while the Kyrgyz NGO sector is vibrant and provides a wide range of educational, social, and legal services, many NGOs lack essential capacities, especially in rural areas, that limit their impact. Previous PDS-funded projects have focused on increasing political participation in decision-making processes, promoting cooperation between local governments and civil society, and strengthening advocacy efforts and raising awareness on universal human rights, especially among vulnerable and marginalized populations. This funding opportunity seeks to promote more inclusive and accountable democracy by addressing specific current challenges: ● limited knowledge of the importance of the rule of law, civic engagement, civil society, and advocacy; ● limited CSO capacity in communication and public relations, digital storytelling and technology skills, especially in rural areas; and/or ● limited cooperation between rural civil society and local government. Project Goal: To strengthen democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic through increased civic engagement of rural youth, increased positive perceptions of the role of civil society and the rule of law at the citizen level, increased collaboration between citizens and government bodies on good governance, and/or increased organizational capacity of rural NGOs. 3. Combatting Gender-Based Violence Combatting Gender-based violence (GBV) is a key sub-theme of promoting the rule of law and gender equality, which are essential to democratic norms. Despite extensive work and assistance to ensure gender equality in the Kyrgyz Republic, GBV remains a widespread issue in the country. Due to many factors, including, but not limited to poverty, economic dependence, traditionalism, patriarchy and gender discrimination, women in particular face different types of violence such as domestic violence, sexual violence, early marriages, sexual harassment, and physical and mental abuse. GBV is disproportionately underreported, ignored, and silenced by the government and society. Previous PDS-funded projects relating to GBV have primarily focused on raising awareness about human and legal rights, providing economic and leadership empowerment programs, strengthening the capacity of relevant bodies to effectively respond to GBV, and assisting with legal counseling to GBV victims. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and strengthen the efforts to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence by addressing specific current challenges: ● entrenched gender stereotypes and prejudice; ● lack of economic resources and economic vulnerability; and/or, ● normalization and general acceptance of gender-based violence. Project Goal: To strengthen civil society and government capacity to address gender-based violence in the Kyrgyz Republic through preventative measures. 4. Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) A significant number of young adults and teenagers in the Kyrgyz Republic experience challenges with social integration, including lack of educational and economic opportunities, especially in rural areas and new urban settlements around Bishkek. Without a strong sense of purpose, these young people are at risk of drifting into violent extremism, leading to further exclusion by their communities. One significant obstacle to young people’s positive engagement in society is a lack of critical thinking skills and ability to filter the information available to them. Previous PDS-funded projects on prevention of violent extremism have primarily focused on promoting tolerance, interethnic dialogue, and socio-economic empowerment of youth through employment partnerships, traineeship programs, and outreach events; increasing skills of positive interaction among youth in the multi-confessional environment of the Kyrgyz Republic; mitigating radicalization among young people through an educational program on media literacy and critical thinking; and working with an interfaith council to promote understanding between people of different faiths to increase acceptance and tolerance. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and expand PVE programming in the Kyrgyz Republic through strengthening individual and community resilience and local capacity by addressing specific current challenges: ● lack of sense of belonging to a community, along with low civic participation and proactivity; ● lack of media literacy and critical skills to recognize and reject violent extremist narratives; and/or ● low capacity of local government and civil society actors in PVE and lack of effective collaboration in prevention of radicalization and extremism. Project Goal: To strengthen individual and community resilience among youth in rural regions and new urban communities and build capacity of rural civil society organizations to prevent radicalization through better coordination with key stakeholders, such as youth and government. 5. Countering Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) In 2019, the Kyrgyz Republic formally adopted a national referral mechanism (NRM) to help counter trafficking in persons (TIP.) The NRM established formal policies on victim identification, assistance referral, provision of social services, and protection of victims’ personal data, but the government provided very limited training on the NRM to key implementers. Previous PDS-funded projects have primarily focused on prevention of human trafficking through strengthened partnerships with government authorities, regional TIP coordination councils, and NGOs; improved understanding among local authorities and NGOs on the national referral mechanism policies; and raising public awareness on trafficking-related issues and risks of illegal migration through legal rights trainings to ensure safe migration and avoid exploitation abroad. This funding opportunity seeks to build upon previous projects and expand trafficking-in-persons programming in the Kyrgyz Republic by addressing specific current challenges: ● lack of effective standard operating procedures (SOPs) for state bodies including local administrations and local self-governments to implement NRM; ● low capacity of local government officials, including regional TIP coordination council members, as well as NGO representatives, to implement NRM and identify victims based on four identification criteria; and/or ● limited public awareness on trafficking-related issues, risks of illegal migration and the legal rights of migrants. Proposed projects should seek to address at least two of the three challenges above by leveraging local, state, and civil society stakeholders to strengthen interagency coordination in countering the problem of human trafficking; increase the capacity of officials in identification and protection of victims; and raise awareness of vulnerable migrants on their legal rights to ensure safe migration. Project Goal: To reduce trafficking-in-persons in the Kyrgyz Republic by educating and empowering labor migrants and at-risk groups, building capacity of government officials, and improving understanding of TIP issues.

345665

19.900

##   University Partnership Program (UPP)

06/05/2023

07/26/2023

Executive Summary: The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan announces an open competition for U.S. and Kazakh organizations to submit applications for the 2023-2024 University Partnership Program (UPP) to increase collaboration between U.S. institutions and Kazakh Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This program seeks to support economic diversification and growth in Kazakhstan. Project themes include the commercialization of research, partnerships with the private sector, joint research and publications between U.S. and Kazakhstani universities, curricula modernization, and building Kazakh institutional capacities to partner with U.S. institutions. Background: For more than five years the U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan has funded the University Partnership Program (UPP) to connect U.S. and Kazakh higher education institutions, traditionally by awarding sub-awards to U.S. partners who applied for funding with Kazakh institutions. As a result, 33 Kazakh universities have partnered with 30 U.S. universities to strengthen educational programs, teaching approaches, institutional and research capacities, as well as pursue joint projects addressing issues such as air pollution, environmental protection, and economic diversification. In addition to the projects achieved under each UPP, many partnerships have successfully resulted in sustainable, continued partnerships separate from USG funding. For example, many partners have applied for other funding opportunities, such as Bolashaq Scholars or National Science Foundation support, to continue research and faculty collaboration. The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the Department of State has conducted a regionally focused Monitoring & Evaluation study of the UPP program across several countries over multiple years. In addition, evaluation of previous projects has provided lessons learned and ways to focus the program implementation. For example, we learned that new curricula were not always adopted after being designed due to bureaucratic challenges. As a result, any curricula-based projects should focus on updating currently existing curricula, which is easier to adopt and teach than launching new curricula. We were pleased to see that UPP successfully served as seed money in many cases to support further, independent higher education collaboration and development. Problem Statement: Given recent and positive legislative changes in Kazakhstan that relaxed academic rigidity in curriculum design for Kazakh universities, Mission Kazakhstan endeavors to support U.S. universities in sharing expertise and best practices in areas to include: financial transparency, management accountability, diversifying sources of income, fostering of an R&D ecosystem and enterprise, building greater capacity for high quality research and the commercialization of research findings, and addressing the private sector needs and expanding collaboration with the private sector. The Mission believes helping Kazakh universities learn more about American university best practices in management, basic research, and financial accountability will instill democratic values at the institutional level and increase financial transparency, self-sustainability, and an entrepreneurial spirit, as well as increase the value in more inclusive management which empowers individual faculty members’ voices and shifts towards student-oriented services. Medium to long-term successes in Kazakhstan would include the implementation of international management practices, research standards, and student-oriented programs and services. Success will also be gauged on increasing the sharing of best practices among Kazakh institutions with each other. This would help Kazakh universities have well-run, efficient university management models which would be better placed to be an equal and contributing partner with U.S. universities and academic associations. This is also expected to increase the number of Kazakh students and scholars studying in the United States, and to contribute to a more competitive work force equipped with the skills to support economic diversification in Kazakhstan. Kazakh universities rely on the government as their primary funding source. In most cases, private student tuition fees do not sufficiently cover actual costs. Kazakh universities could benefit from using a diversified-income model used by U.S. universities, which would generate profit that could be reinvested into university operations. By adopting this model, Kazakh universities would raise their institutional profile, improve their facilities and equipment, be better positioned to support faculty professional development, and be able to offer more student services. Building partnerships with the private sector could also generate income through commercialization while at the same time offer practical experience for university students. Kazakhstan Ministry of Science and Higher Education have highlighted the importance of publishing articles and research in peer-reviewed journals. However, many Kazakh universities need additional support to further develop their research capacity to produce high quality research publications. Previous UniCEN workshops indicate there is high demand for training on research methodology, academic writing, and the publication process, particularly in STEM fields. The aim of the University Partnership Program this year is to help Kazakh universities develop well-run and efficient university management skills, modeled after U.S. tertiary institutions, and especially U.S. research universities, in order to raise Kazakh university international rankings and assist Kazakhstan’s effort to diversify its economy, thereby reducing its reliance on the oil and gas sector. This NOFO looks to support innovative project mechanisms that advance U.S.-Kazakh institutional partnerships in the form of sub-awards or activities organized directly by the implementer. This can include incubation hubs, basic research capability, or professional development centers. The program should focus on building greater institutional and research capacity in fields that support diversified economic growth through joint U.S.-Kazakh research collaboration including through curricula development, publications, research commercialization, and private sector partnerships. Project Audience(s): Public universities in Kazakhstan (private universities can be additional partners, but not the main partner), and U.S. universities – especially research universities, community colleges, and technical institutions. Beneficiaries can be students, teaching professionals, or university managers. Competitive proposals would consider working with several institutions to foster a network of bilateral institutions, not just one-on-one partnerships. Project Goal: · Build greater financial management and research capacity of at least two Kazakh universities in fields that support diversified economic growth in Kazakhstan, including agriculture, renewable energy, IT and STEM-related sectors through partnership between US- Kazakh higher education institutions. Project Objectives: Objective 1: Increase understanding of five to seven Kazakh university leaders and administrators on diverse university financial management systems or entrepreneurial models. Objective 2: Increase adoption of efficient and transparent university management models, including financial sustainability principles, of at least two Kazakh universities based on best practices in U.S. higher education. Objective 3: Improve understanding of U.S. best practices on research and commercialization models, that support diversified economic growth in Kazakhstan. Objective 4: Increase the production of quality research publications in at least two Kazakh universities that address private sector needs, including in agriculture, renewable energy, IT and STEM-related fields. Note: Competitive project proposals will include plans for preliminary discussions between American and Kazakh universities on potential roadblocks, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration, and local contextual nuances of Kazakh universities in order to design effective and competitive projects.

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##   Academic Writing Centers at Kazakh Universities

07/13/2023

08/14/2023

Working with and reaching out to Kazakh universities, U.S. Diplomatic Mission representatives are often approached about the opportunities of creating a student- and faculty-oriented academic writing center like those that operate in U.S. universities. In line with the Government of Kazakhstan’s trilingual education policy, many universities in Kazakhstan are interested in developing academic writing skills of students and providing guidance to faculty members on how to improve the quality of their research and publications. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education is prioritizing university research and development, requiring university faculty to publish their research in international peer-reviewed journals. However, many Kazakh universities have requested support in further developing their research capacity to produce high quality research articles that are more likely to be published in international journals. Workshops offered in recent years as part of the U.S. Mission-funded University Partnerships Program and Central Asia regional UniCEN program also indicate that there is high demand for training on research methodology, academic writing, and the publication process, particularly in STEM fields. Many qualified researchers lack the English language skills to publish their research in international journals. This skills gap may include basic writing skills, but more commonly reflects a challenge with presenting their research processes, outcomes, and conclusions clearly. While there is a peer review process in place, many of the senior faculty are less experienced in the international publishing process and standards. Unlike in the United States, Kazakh researchers have few additional resources to rely on when their research is rejected. To address this issue, the U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan proposes to offer targeted English language support to Kazakh HEIs through the creation of academic writing centers. Through mentoring and skills transfer, the program will create a vehicle for Kazakh HEIs to adopt improved research publication practices based on U.S. models. The creation of the academic writing centers project modules/topics must be connected (but not limited to) the organization of writing centers for various academic audiences (students, faculty members-researchers, graduate and PhD students), administrative support and staffing requirements, academic writing and the principles/requirements of the writing research papers, and research methodology, international standards, and the publishing process. Project Audience(s): Universities in Kazakhstan and U.S. universities, especially research universities. Beneficiaries can be students, faculty researchers, graduate, and PhD students, including those in STEM fields. Competitive proposals would work with partner institutions to establish sustainable academic writing centers, with buy-in from staff and university management to provide space and equipment for the center and continue its work beyond the length of the program. Project Goal: Improve the research publication practices of four Kazakh public universities by creating academic writing and scientific research centers based on U.S. Universities current and best practices. Project Objectives: Objective 1: Establish four financially self-sustaining academic writing centers in Kazakh public universities Objective 2: Increase understanding of Kazakh university faculty on current and best US research university practices essential to conducting quality research. Objective 3: Improve academic writing standards and practices of newly created Kazakh public university writing centers through mentorship from US university academic writing centers.

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19.900

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