In-Country English Access Microscholarship Program (Pakistan)

Deadline: 22-Feb-22

The Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad is inviting outstanding proposals for the In-Country English Access Microscholarship Program (Access).

Project Goal: Contribute to Pakistan’s economic growth and stability by engaging communities in a program that develops a more educated, skilled, and inclusive society.

Project Objectives: Train at least 75 youth in economically-disadvantaged communities in English, leadership, and confidence-building skills during at least 360 hours over a period of 24 months.

Project Activities

Plan and prepare programming closely with the relevant U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff and Regional English Language Officer, employing in-person and/or virtual techniques, depending on the current COVID situation;
Create and draft quarterly reports that meet program requirements and submit for approval to U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff and Regional English Language Officer;
Approximately 6 weeks before classes begin, advertise and recruit teachers and staff for the program with input from U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff and RELO;
Approximately 3 weeks before classes begin, advertise and recruit students for the program with input from U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff and RELO;
Implement the program according to the verbal and written guidelines from the relevant U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff and the successful applicant’s proposal, to include:
- 360 hours of English language instruction in after-school and intensive sessions focused on climate change, countering gender-based violence, and media literacy
- U.S. cultural activities every month
- Activities that build participants’ informational technology skills throughout the program
- Enhancement activities at least once a month focused on the following:
  - Personal development
  - U.S. culture and values
  - Community service
Assess students’ level of English using the same test for the baseline and endline;
Nominate participants for workshops and other professional development opportunities through the relevant U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff;
Regularly monitor and evaluate to ensure that the program is implemented as negotiated with RELO and U.S. Embassy/Consulate staff as well as to highlight best practices and address challenges quickly;
Send invitations to the relevant U.S. Embassy and Consulate staff alerting them to special events, as well as opportunities to visit and speak;
Provide certificates signed by the U.S. Ambassador or a Public Affairs Section representative to the students at the beginning and end of the Access program and organize opening and closing ceremonies;
Submit timely narrative and financial reports, as well as alumni data, according to the schedule negotiated with RELO and U.S. Embassy/Consulate staff and when requested by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff; and
Submit success stories of Access Program students to relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate staff, in a timely manner, for use on social media and reporting using an approved template.

Funding Information

Estimated Total Project Funding: $100,000
Estimated Award Ceiling: $100,000
Estimated Award Floor: $75,000
Length of Project Period: October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024
Anticipated Program Start Date: October 1, 2022

Project Audience(s): The primary beneficiaries of this program are youth in economically disadvantaged communities. The secondary beneficiaries are teachers who serve in under resourced schools in these communities. In addition, the program should aim for achieving gender balance in the program.