### 11976 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 48 / Friday, March 12, 2010 / Notices

**DEPARTMENT OF STATE**

**[Public Notice 6919]**

**Determination Pursuant to the Department of State, Foreign**  **Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010, Related to**  **the Provision of Military Assistance in Support of Southern Sudan Security**  **Sector Transformation Program**

Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the laws of the United States, including section 7070(f)(5) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2010 (Div. F, Pub. L. 111–117) and Department of State Delegation of Authority 245–1 (Feb. 13, 2009), I hereby determine that the provision to the Government of Southern Sudan of non-lethal military assistance, military education and training, and defense services controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations is in the national interest of the United States, and that such assistance may be provided pursuant to section 7070(f)(5).

This determination shall be transmitted to the Congress and published in the Federal Register

.

Dated: February 3, 2010. James B. Steinberg, Deputy Secretary of State.

[FR Doc. 2010–5496 Filed 3–11–10; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4710–26–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF STATE**

**[Public Notice 6920]**

**Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant**  **Proposals: Global Connections and Exchange Program** 

Announcement Type: New Grant. Funding Opportunity Number: ECA–
PE–C–PY–10–05.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 19.415.

Key Dates

Application Deadline: April 30, 2010.

Executive Summary

The Youth Programs Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for up to three Global Connections and Exchange programs in specified countries from the following regions: Middle East (Egypt, Jordan, Israel, West Bank/Gaza and Lebanon), East Asia/ Pacific (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam), and Africa (Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia). Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501c(3) may submitproposals to facilitate online and faceto-face exchanges between overseas schools and counterparts in the United
States.

The Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program utilizes technology to create an American presence in areas where citizens have little opportunity to travel or participate in exchange programs. Through webchats and discussion boards, foreign youth participate in dialogue with American peers about their lives, families and communities. In addition, a theme-based curriculum will increase understanding of issues relevant to both U.S. and overseas participants. Each regional program also captures the spirit of activism through extracurricular projects that harness the energies of youth to affect positive change.

Applicants may propose to host only one regional project listed under this competition. Should an applicant submit multiple proposals under this competition, all those proposals will be declared technically ineligible and given no further consideration in the review process.
I. Funding Opportunity Description

Authority: Overall grant making authority for this program is contained in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, Public Law 87–256, asamended, also known as the FulbrightHays Act. The purpose of the Act is ‘‘to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries * * *; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations * * * and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world. ’’ The funding authority for the program above is provided through legislation.

Overview: The Internet and social networking sites have become prevailing tools of influence among youth throughout the world. Social media such as Facebook, YouTube, mobile technology and blogs offer young people opportunities to connect with peers across borders and tear down misperceptions that lead to misunderstanding. In order to harness these powerful technology tools to remove stereotypes and impel change, youth need to be better equipped to use social networking sites and new technologies in a positive way.

The Global Connections and Exchange program is designed to address these issues by developing a cadre of youth technology leaders who are introduced to a broad range of ideas and resources through the use of information and communication technologies. By participating in this yearlong program, high school students and teachers expand their computer literacy skills, improve general education, and gain a deeper understanding of diverse societies and values. As a result, students increase their understanding of foreign cultures, expand their perspectives regarding contemporary issues and are better able to use technology to influence change. The goals of the program are to:

• Generate personal and institutional ties between youth and educators in the United States and their overseas counterparts;

• Improve educational tools, resources, and learning through the application of computer technology, online resource development, and student collaboration.

• Empower youth to act as catalysts of change in their communities through multimedia outreach and leadership skills development.

Information about similar programs can be found at: http:// exchanges.state.gov/youth/programs/ connections.html

ECA plans to award multiple grants for the management of the Global Connections and Exchange program for countries or special areas [specified below] in the Middle East, East Asia/ Pacific and Africa. The grant period will be 12–18 months in duration. Applicants should select the region and theme with which they plan to work, and present a strong justification for their choices in their proposals.

• East Asia/Pacific Regional Project— Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam (any proposal for East Asia/Pacific must involve all three countries);

• Middle East Regional Project— Israel and at least two of the following: Egypt, Jordan, West Bank/Gaza and Lebanon;

• Africa Regional Project—Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia (at least three countries)

Please note: Applicants may not include countries not listed and may not combine countries across regions.

An essential element of all projects will be to build mutual understanding