Jordan EducationUSA Scholars Program

Deadline: 01-May-23

The U.S. Embassy of Amman of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for not-for-profit organizations to submit applications to carry out the Jordan EducationUSA Scholars Program a project focused on promoting U.S. higher education opportunities for high-achieving, financially disadvantaged Jordanian students. 

The program also seeks to ensure strong support for the U.S-Jordan relationship that comes from studying in the United States.

Objectives

• This program will assist 10 highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs of required standardized admission tests, test prep, application fees, international and domestic airfare, visa fees, SEVIS fees, and settling-in allowance. Through the EducationUSA Scholars Institute, the grantee will design a course curriculum, and work with qualified trainers and facilitators to organize college readiness workshops, study groups, reading assignments, lectures, and community service projects for the participants.
• The grantee will also manage logistics for scholars to participate in EducationUSA academy, a pre-college academic enrichment program for international high school students offering specialized preparatory content, college-level writing workshops, campus visits and cultural activities. The grantee will also organize a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with EducationUSA. The grantee will build a cohort of EducationUSA mentors, consisting of Jordanians who have successfully studied in the United States that will provide specialized workshops on the college application process, professional development opportunities and networking events for the scholars and public at-large.
• The grantee, the U.S. Embassy in Jordan and the EducationUSA adviser will advise the EducationUSA Scholars (Cohort Advising Opportunity Funds) students.

Mission Objective

• This program supports the U.S. Embassy objectives to achieve inclusive economic growth and improving education outcomes, especially among women and youth.

Key Program Components

• Phase 1: Program Promotion and Application Submission
• Phase 2: EducationUSA Scholars Institute (College Admissions Workshop Series)
• Phase 3: EducationUSA Academy (July 2024)
• Phase 4: Opportunity Funds (Second Round) (August 2024).

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: 12 to 24 months
• Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $250,000
• Total available funding: $250,000
• Type of Funding: FY23 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds
• Anticipated program start date: August 1, 2023.

Participants and Audiences: The participants are Jordanian EducationUSA scholars ages 15-17 (sophomores and juniors), selected by the selected grantee and EducationUSA adviser. EducationUSA scholars are highly qualified students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Student Eligibility:
  • Age 15-17
  • Citizen of Jordan
  • Currently studying in Jordan at the time of Application
  • Proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application. Grantee and EducationUSA will determine the criteria.
  • Able to receive a U.S. J-1 Visa
  • Able to travel to the United States in July 2024
  • Committed to attending a U.S. University at completion of the program.
• Eligible Applicants
  • The following registered organizations from U.S. and Jordan are eligible to apply:
    • Registered Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
    • Public and private educational institutions
    • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
    • To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicants SHALL:
    • Have demonstrable previous experience working in Jordan. This should be addressed within the project narrative section of your application.
    • Meet ALL of the registration requirements listed.
    • Meet any requirements listed as MANDATORY in Other Eligibility Considerations.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.