U.S. Embassy Yangon Jefferson Center Mandalay (JCM) Small Grants Competition

The U.S. Embassy Yangon of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations or individuals to submit an application and proposal to carry out a program (or programs) to strengthen the cultural ties and understanding between the U.S. and Myanmar through programs or projects that highlight shared values, promote bilateral cooperation and exchange. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Programs or projects are encouraged to use the American Center in Yangon and Jefferson Center in Mandalay as venues. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Priority Program Areas: Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following program areas: 1. EDUCATION - Programs that provide skill-based and vocational opportunities for Myanmar students and young adults in support of economic empowerment, special priority will be given to proposals that are aimed towards disadvantaged, marginalized, and rural communities . Programs that promote understating of U.S education and culture or that help prepare for study in the United States; the building of linkages between American and Myanmar private academic & cultural institutions; and training opportunities for Myanmar students or faculty and artists. Programs that enhance STEM education and skills among target audiences, foster innovation and critical thinking, and promote collaboration between U.S. and foreign institutions are essential. The target audience includes students aged 16 to 30 with an interest in STEM, educators, and underrepresented groups in STEM fields. 2. Entrepreneurship - Projects that provide training for small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially programs that are tailored toward disadvantaged or marginalized, or rural communities. Programs that enhance STEM education and skills among target audiences, foster innovation and critical thinking, and promote collaboration between U.S. and foreign institutions are essential. The target audience includes students aged 16 to 30 with an interest in STEM, educators, and underrepresented groups in STEM fields. 3. MEDIA LITERACY, INDEPENDENT MEDIA & PRESS FREEDOM - Projects that promotes digital & media literacy, support training for independent & citizen journalism, and counter disinformation. 4.ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING – Projects that teach English skills and culture to Myanmar youth and young professionals. Programs for Business English or English for Entrepreneurs. 5.–MYANMAR BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP - Programs that seek to promote a greater understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society to Myanmar audiences; activities that promote shared values and interests between the American and Myanmar people; and projects that build people-to-people ties. Note: Please see detail information in Related Document tab.