Deadline: 10-May-21
The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has announced the FY 2021 open competition for four distinct, single-country Youth Leadership Programs with Algeria, Iraq, the Philippines, and Russia.
Purpose: Youth Leadership Programs provide youth (typically between the ages of 15-17) and adult educators/community leaders (select programs) the opportunity to examine civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, and community engagement through month long exchanges in the United States. Participants engage in a variety of activities such as workshops on leadership and service, community site visits related to the program themes and subthemes, interactive training, presentations, visits to high schools, local cultural activities, homestays with American families, and other activities designed to achieve the program’s stated goals. Upon their return home, the participants apply what they have learned to implement projects that serve their communities. Multiple opportunities for participants to interact meaningfully with their host country peers are included.
Goals
The program goals are to:
- Prepare youth leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities;
- Empower participants to be actively engaged in addressing issues of concern in their schools and communities upon their return home;
- Build mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect through shared culture and values; and
- Foster lasting relationships among youth from different ethnic, racial, religious, and national groups.
- Demonstrate a better understanding of community engagement as practiced in the United States;
- Deepen critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills; and
- Develop program planning and implementation skills to bring community project ideas to fruition.
- Youth Leadership Program with Algeria and Philippines: Funding for this award is approximately $250,000.
- Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program: Funding for this award is approximately $400,000.
- Youth Leadership Program with Russia: Funding for this award is approximately $360,000
Themes
The primary themes of the programs are:
- Civic Education (such as citizen participation, grassroots democracy, rule of law, antibullying, and/or other mission priorities);
- Youth Leadership Development (such as team building, public speaking, negotiation, goal setting, and project planning);
- Respect for Diversity (including ethnicity, race, gender, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, and disabilities); and
- Community Engagement (social/corporate responsibility, volunteerism, and philanthropy)
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit applications for this competition. Applicants must have nonprofit status with the IRS at the time of application.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332020