EducationUSA AI/STEM and Sports Diplomacy Grant Program (Georgia)

The EducationUSA AI/STEM and Sports Diplomacy Grant Program supports initiatives that expand access to U.S. higher education opportunities for Georgian students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and athletes. The programme funds AI, STEM, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sports scholarship activities that strengthen connections between Georgian talent and American universities.

The grant aims to improve international recruitment pathways for U.S. institutions while developing educational partnerships through EducationUSA AI/STEM and Innovation Hubs and the EducationUSA Sports Pathways Initiative.

EducationUSA AI/STEM and Sports Diplomacy Grant Program Overview

The EducationUSA AI/STEM and Sports Diplomacy Grant Program provides funding for organizations working to strengthen educational connections between Georgia and the United States.

The programme focuses on:

• Expanding recruitment opportunities for U.S. universities
• Connecting Georgian students with American higher education
• Supporting artificial intelligence (AI) and STEM education
• Encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship
• Developing sports scholarship pathways for talented athletes
• Strengthening long-term U.S.–Georgia educational partnerships

The initiative supports activities that increase awareness of U.S. academic opportunities and help Georgian students and professionals access global education pathways.

Programme Objectives

The grant programme aims to achieve the following objectives:

Strengthening U.S. Higher Education Partnerships

The initiative supports activities that:

• Promote American universities internationally
• Create new recruitment pipelines
• Increase engagement with Georgian students and professionals
• Build sustainable relationships between U.S. institutions and Georgian communities

Supporting AI, STEM, and Innovation Education

The programme encourages:

• Artificial intelligence learning
• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education
• Entrepreneurship development
• Innovation-focused training
• Technology career pathways

Expanding Sports Scholarship Opportunities

The programme helps talented Georgian athletes explore:

• U.S. university athletic programmes
• Sports scholarships
• College recruitment pathways
• Educational opportunities through sports

EducationUSA AI/STEM and Innovation Hubs Initiative

The AI/STEM and Innovation Hubs component will support educational outreach activities for students and emerging technology professionals.

Target Participants

The initiative will engage:

• High school students
• University students
• Young entrepreneurs
• Computer programmers
• Startup founders
• Emerging technology leaders

Target Locations

Activities will be organized in:

• Tbilisi
• Batumi
• Kutaisi
• Akhaltsikhe
• Telavi

Supported Activities

The programme will include:

• AI and STEM advising workshops
• Innovation-focused discussions
• Technology learning sessions
• University outreach programmes
• EducationUSA advising activities

Activities will be hosted through local American Spaces to expand community access and reach new audiences.

EducationUSA Sports Pathways Initiative

The Sports Pathways Initiative connects Georgian athletes with higher education opportunities in the United States.

Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Increase awareness of U.S. sports scholarships
• Guide athletes through university application processes
• Connect athletic talent with American institutions
• Promote educational opportunities through sports

Supported Sports Areas

The programme will focus on athletes involved in:

• Soccer
• Basketball
• Rugby
• Martial arts and MMA
• Judo
• Wrestling
• Tennis

Outreach Activities

Advisers will work with:

• Sports schools
• Athletic academies
• Student athletes
• Coaches and sports communities

Outreach activities will take place in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi.

Funding Information

The total funding available under this opportunity is:

• Total available funding: Up to $50,000
• Minimum award amount: $25,000
• Maximum award amount: $50,000

Funding is subject to the availability of programme resources.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• EducationUSA advising centers operating in Georgia
• Nonprofit organizations
• Non-governmental organizations
• Organizations without an existing EducationUSA affiliation

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage grant activities effectively
• Deliver educational outreach programmes
• Engage students and professionals
• Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders

Ineligible Applicants

The following organizations cannot apply:

• For-profit entities
• Commercial businesses seeking profit-based activities

Partnership and Subcontracting Requirements

Organizations may work with subcontractors if needed.

However:

• Only one nonprofit or non-governmental organization can act as the prime recipient
• The main applicant must hold responsibility for programme implementation
• Roles and responsibilities of subcontracting organizations must be clearly explained in the proposal

Why This Grant Matters

The programme supports both Georgian talent development and international education cooperation.

It helps:

• Georgian students access U.S. educational opportunities
• U.S. universities build stronger international recruitment networks
• Young innovators develop technology skills
• Athletes explore academic pathways through sports
• Communities gain access to global learning opportunities

By combining education, technology, innovation, and sports diplomacy, the programme strengthens long-term relationships between Georgia and the United States.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop a Project Concept

Applicants should define:

• Target participants
• Educational goals
• AI/STEM or sports diplomacy focus
• Expected outcomes

Step 2: Design Programme Activities

Proposals should describe:

• Workshops
• Advising sessions
• Outreach activities
• University engagement plans
• Community participation strategies

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applicants should include:

• Requested funding amount
• Activity costs
• Staffing expenses
• Outreach expenses
• Subcontracting costs, if applicable

Step 4: Submit the Proposal

Applications should clearly demonstrate:

• Alignment with EducationUSA objectives
• Capacity to implement activities
• Expected impact on Georgian participants
• Contribution to U.S.–Georgia educational cooperation

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting proposals without clear educational objectives
• Failing to explain participant impact
• Lack of connection to U.S. higher education
• Unclear subcontracting arrangements
• Weak implementation plans

Tips for a Strong Application

Strong proposals should:

• Clearly connect activities with U.S. university opportunities
• Demonstrate experience working with youth or professionals
• Include measurable outcomes
• Explain community outreach strategies
• Highlight sustainability beyond the grant period

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the EducationUSA AI/STEM and Sports Diplomacy Grant Program?

It is a funding opportunity supporting educational initiatives that connect Georgian students, professionals, and athletes with U.S. higher education opportunities.

2. How much funding is available?

Awards range from $25,000 to $50,000, with total programme funding of up to $50,000.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include EducationUSA advising centers in Georgia, nonprofit organizations, and non-governmental organizations.

4. Can for-profit companies apply?

No. For-profit entities are not eligible for funding.

5. What are the main programme areas?

The programme supports AI/STEM education, innovation, entrepreneurship, U.S. university recruitment, and sports scholarship pathways.

6. Which Georgian locations are targeted?

Activities will be conducted in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi.

7. Can organizations collaborate with partners?

Yes. Applicants may subcontract with other entities, but the prime recipient must be a nonprofit or non-governmental organization with clearly defined responsibilities.

Conclusion

The EducationUSA AI/STEM and Sports Diplomacy Grant Program provides an opportunity to strengthen educational partnerships between Georgia and the United States by supporting technology learning, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sports-based academic pathways. Through community outreach and international collaboration, the programme helps Georgian students, professionals, and athletes access new opportunities while supporting U.S. higher education engagement worldwide.