Deadline: 31-Mar-21
The U.S. Embassy Tokyo’s Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for proposals to manage and administer programs designed to increase the number of Japanese students studying in the United States and to foster English learning opportunities (one of the biggest impediments to studying in the U.S.) for Japanese students.
Objectives
- The U.S.-Japan relationship is stronger than ever, largely due to the goodwill built between Americans and Japanese over decades of studying in the U.S. and other people-to-people exchange opportunities. At its peak, the number of Japanese students studying in the U.S. exceeded 47,000; however, over the subsequent decades, those numbers have dropped to under18, 000 (in the 2018-2019 school years according to Open Doors statistics).
- One of the major factors hindering Japanese students from studying in the U.S. is the lack of English language ability. The Government of Japan recognizes the importance of the English language, as it constantly updates the national curriculum to include English language instruction sooner and sooner (in 2020, formal English language education will begin in the 5th grade). However, despite these efforts, Japanese students have expressed frustration in being able to communicate in English.
- As a result, there is fear among leaders that the future of the U.S.-Japan relationship is in jeopardy without the strong, multigenerational support for the U.S.-Japan relationship that comes from studying in the U.S. and that the influence Japan has had in the region will diminish as a result of its inability to communicate with the international community.
- The Embassy welcomes proposals that address these complex issues. The proposal should detail the specific social issue(s) being addressed, explain the approaches that are being implemented to solve these issues and highlight its impact, effectiveness, and future sustainability. With a required exchange program, whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid, the proposal must also contain an element that focuses on the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Japan.
Priority Areas
The Embassy is particularly interested in supporting the following priority areas:
- Offer information and resources necessary for Japanese students when considering studying in the United States;
- Introduce world-class higher education in the United States to Japanese students;
- Encourage Japanese students to learn English as a communication tool;
- Show and tell American education and/or its system to Japanese students.
Funding Information
- Length of performance period: Up to 24 months.
- Number of awards anticipated: 2-5 awards (dependent on amounts).
- Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000.
- Total available funding: $100,000.
Eligible Applicants
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations.
- Public and private educational institutions.
- Public international organizations and governmental institutions.
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=331201