Deadline: 21-Jul-23
The Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Office of Press and Public Diplomacy (NEA/PPD), in cooperation with the Syria Regional Platform Public Diplomacy (SRP PD) office of the U.S. Department of State, is pleased to announce this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to increase access of Syrian refugees overseas to information about, and other support in pursuing U.S. higher education opportunities.
The primary goal of this funding opportunity is to further the U.S. policy objective of encouraging the matriculation in U.S. universities of Syrian students classified as refugees in accordance with national government or United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) protocols.
Purpose
- NEA/PPD and SRP PD invite proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and prospective refugee classified Syrian international students interested in pursuing their higher education studies at an American college or university.
- In this context an award under this NOFO is designed to support the preparation, dissemination, and use of information about access to U.S. higher education opportunities for Syrian refugees overseas to advance U.S. policy goals and objectives for Syria. Specifically, proposed programs should support increased access to scholarships and related opportunities for financial support for refugee-classified Syrian students to pursue a degree at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. This could include: programs that increase access to existing scholarship resources and/or supplementary funding that can cover gaps not met by existing scholarships.
- Additional program elements may include: providing guidance and/or support on the application process at all stages, e.g. documentation of academic credentials, mandatory standardized testing, visa procurement, etc.; liaising with higher education institutions regarding the unique circumstances of refugee classified students; connecting students beginning their studies with transition support; and other support as appropriate. Proposed programs could also include support for access to virtual/online degree programs.
Preference
Strong preference will be given to applicants who:
- Have demonstrable previous experience in recruiting and matriculating refugee classified Syrian students.
- Possess established programs targeting such refugee students and designed to support these students to fund their education.
- Have developed support programs and services sensitive to the unique needs of Syrian refugee students in adapting to and succeeding in the American higher education environment.
Funding Information
- Total Amount Available: $500,000
- Award Range (minimum-maximum): $150,000 – $500,000
- Anticipated program start date: October 1, 2023 (10-01-2023)
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 48 months or less. The Department of State may, as appropriate, entertain applications for continuation grants funded under these awards beyond the initial budget period on a non-competitive basis subject to availability of funds, satisfactory progress of the program, and a determination that continued funding would be in the best interest of the U.S. Department of State.
Participants and Audiences: Proposed programs should engage prospective students belonging to the overseas Syrian diaspora. Recruitment of Syrian students from inside Syria or those already in the United States is not permissible for an award(s) under this NOFO. NEA/PPD and SRP PD require all programmatic activities to fully address gender considerations, ensuring program eligible young men and women benefit from its support, existing gaps between men and women based on cultural or other norms are minimized or closed, and gender awareness is a built-in component of project activities.
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- U.S. and/or foreign not-for-profit organizations directly involved in international foreign student academic preparation, support, and/or related services
- U.S. and/or foreign public and private educational institutions
- U.S. and/or foreign public international organizations and governmental institutions directly involved in assisting Syrian refugee students to pursue their higher education at U.S. colleges and/or universities.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.