Funding for English Language, STEAM & Entrepreneurship Programs

Description

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program (or project) in the following focus areas: - improve the quality of English language education at the secondary and higher education levels; - improve the quality of, and access to, science, technology, engineering, arts and design, and mathematics (STEAM) education for girls at the elementary and secondary education levels; - inspire entrepreneurship among youth in under-represented communities particularly among migrant, women, Afro–descendent, and indigenous communities. Project Objectives: The Public Affairs Section (hereafter, PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica (hereafter, Embassy) works with government and non-government partners throughout Costa Rica to improve mutual understanding between the people of Costa Rica and the United States, and to expand and improve educational opportunities for Costa Rican youth (with a focus on English language, STEAM, and entrepreneurship), among other priorities. The goal of the projects solicited through this Notice of Funding Opportunity is to complement Embassy initiatives to improve English, entrepreneurship, STEAM education and to promote mutual understanding through cultural, educational, and professional development programs. English language projects should focus on improving English education and empowering young English learners by increasing their exposure to new career and educational opportunities. Proposals may include classroom instruction but priority will be given to projects that include beyond-the-classroom enhancement activities and/or demonstrate coordination with NGO or Government of Costa Rica initiatives. Priority will be given to projects that incorporate under-represented communities, including but not limited to migrant, women, Afro-descendent, and indigenous communities. STEAM education projects should improve the quality of, and/or access to, STEAM education for girls and encourage girls to enter STEAM fields. Priority will be given to projects that include beyond-the-classroom enhancement activities in coordination with private sector partners. Priority will be given to projects that incorporate under-represented communities, including but not limited to migrant, women, Afro-descendent, and indigenous communities. Entrepreneurship projects should promote broader awareness of and interest in entrepreneurship by building soft skills for youth in secondary and higher education levels with a focus on exposure to basic business skills, for example, how to develop an idea, how to create a business plan, etc. Priority will be given to projects that incorporate under-represented communities, including but not limited to migrant, women, Afro-descendent, and indigenous communities. Participants and Audiences: Depending on the project, 7 to 30 years old, from economically disadvantaged communities.

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