U.S. STEM Summer Exchange for Youth

Description

The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo seeks to increase Dominican youth engagement with U.S.-linked opportunities in science, technology, engineering, innovation, and higher education at a time when emerging technologies such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, engineering, and digital innovation are shaping the global economy. While interest in STEM fields is growing in the Dominican Republic, many students lack direct exposure to U.S. universities, innovation ecosystems, and private-sector leaders that can help them access international academic and professional opportunities. This program will address these challenges through dynamic, public-facing activities that connect Dominican youth with U.S. universities, companies, alumni, and exchange opportunities. Activities may include technology and science fairs, networking events, mentorship opportunities, innovation showcases, university visits, and EducationUSA engagement. Past Embassy-supported programs have shown that hands-on experiences, mentorship, and direct interaction with U.S. experts and institutions are highly effective in increasing interest in U.S.-linked opportunities. This NOFO builds on those lessons by emphasizing immersive and interactive programming that strengthens people-to-people ties, increases awareness of U.S. educational pathways, and promotes the United States as the premier and accessible partner in science, technology, and innovation. Project Audience(s): ● Dominican university students currently enrolled in Dominican universities ● Undergraduate and graduate students ages 18-30 years old ● Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Project Goal: Advance U.S. foreign policy priorities by positioning the United States as the leading and most accessible partner for Dominican youth in science, technology, innovation, and higher education, while exposing Dominican students to U.S. best practices in innovation, teaching, and private-sector collaboration through engagement with U.S. universities, thereby increasing interest and participation in U.S. academic and exchange programs. Project Objectives: ● Objective 1: Increase awareness of U.S. leadership in STEM, innovation, and higher education by engaging a minimum of 15 Dominican university students in interactive activities such as technology and science fairs, university visits, workshops, and innovation showcases, resulting in at least 75% of participants demonstrating increased knowledge of U.S. academic, exchange, and career opportunities through post-program evaluations. ● Objective 2: Strengthen connections between Dominican youth and U.S. academic and private-sector institutions by facilitating engagement with at least one U.S. university and three U.S. companies or industry representatives through panels, networking activities, mentorship sessions, or demonstrations, resulting in at least 75% of participants reporting increased interest in pursuing follow-on opportunities such as EducationUSA advising, exchange programs, internships, or academic applications within six months of program completion. ● Objective 3: Increase exposure to U.S. innovation ecosystems and best practices in STEM education, entrepreneurship, and private-sector collaboration by providing hands-on learning experiences to at least 15 participants, resulting in at least 70% of participants reporting increased confidence in their ability to pursue studies or careers in science and technology fields connected to the United States. ● Objective 4: Expand awareness and understanding of U.S. higher education opportunities by engaging at least 15 participants in EducationUSA-supported activities and outreach, including multiplier sessions conducted at their universities in the Dominican Republic, resulting in at least 50 new EducationUSA leads or follow-on engagements and at least 70% of participants demonstrating increased understanding of U.S. study opportunities, admissions processes, or exchange programs through pre- and post-program assessments. 1. Substantial Involvement This award will be administered as a grant, with the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo maintaining limited involvement to support strategic alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities, participant coordination, and engagement with key academic stakeholders in the Dominican Republic. U.S. Embassy Roles and Responsibilities The U.S. Embassy will: ● Facilitate coordination and engagement with Dominican universities and relevant academic stakeholders to support participant outreach and institutional collaboration. ● Review and provide final approval of selected student participants to ensure alignment with program goals and eligibility requirements. ● Support participants with information and guidance related to the U.S. visa application process, as appropriate and consistent with U.S. government regulations and procedures. ● Coordinate with EducationUSA to support outreach activities related to U.S. higher education and exchange opportunities. Recipient Roles and Responsibilities The Recipient will: ● Design, coordinate, and implement all program activities and logistics in accordance with the approved proposal, timeline, and budget. ● Lead participant recruitment, application management, logistics, and communications in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and partner institutions. ● Coordinate with U.S. universities, companies, speakers, and other partners involved in program implementation. ● Develop and implement educational, cultural, and professional programming aligned with the goals of the award. ● Ensure participants receive appropriate pre-program preparation, logistical support, and follow-up engagement opportunities. ● Monitor and evaluate program activities, collect data on outputs and outcomes, and submit all required programmatic and financial reports in a timely manner. ● Ensure compliance with all award terms and conditions, including branding, visibility, financial management, and participant safety requirements.

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