Deadline: 9 January 2017
The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria and the Bulgarian-American Commission for Educational Exchange are seeking applications for its 2017 Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria Grants program for high school students in grade 11.
The Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, and the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria, and supported by the services of the EducationUSA Advising Center at the BulgarianAmerican Fulbright Commission.
This program is one of the most prestigious U.S. government-funded exchange programs and is designed to support talented international students who need financial help to take their first steps toward study in the United States at an accredited institution of higher learning. The program promotes the Department’s objectives of broadening outreach to youth and underserved audiences, advancing mutual understanding, and supporting social inclusion.
Benefits
A maximum of $5,000 in Opportunity Funds may be spent on each student to cover costs associated with any of the following:
- Test preparation programs;
- Testing fees and submission of test scores;
- Round-trip transportation, overnight accommodation, and meals at testing sites located far from the student’s home;
- Application fees to accredited colleges/universities in the United States;
- Visa and SEVIS fees;
- Round-trip transportation to a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a visa or attend a pre-departure orientation at the EducationUSA advising center (including overnight accommodation and meals if needed);
- Round-trip international airfare to the U.S. institution where the student will study;
- One-time settling-in allowance (e.g. laptop). Total costs should be determined by using the maintenance living costs listed on the student’s I-20. The one-time “settling in” payment should be equal to 1 to 1½ times the monthly average (total yearly cost/number of months covered) in the I-20;
Eligibility Criteria
- Opportunity Funds are available only to students who participate in an ongoing cohort advising program with EducationUSA advisers.
- The EducationUSA advising center at the Bulgarian-American Fulbright Commission is currently running an online virtual group advising program.
- The students must maintain an active participation in the cohort advising program to remain eligible for Opportunity Funds.
- Secondly, students should be in the top 5% of their class with grades and leadership potential that proves their highly talented status.
- Thirdly, students should be able to demonstrate strong financial need through the required documentation outlined below.
- A baseline indicator of average family income $500 or 900 BGN per month per parent is suggested.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply via given website.
Eligible Country: Bulgaria
For more information, please download the PDF Opportunity Funds-Bulgaria Grants.