Description
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) Public Diplomacy Section Notice of Funding Opportunity Funding Opportunity Title: 2024-25 EdUSA Opportunity Funds Program for Graduate Study Funding Opportunity Number: FY2024VE005 Deadline for Applications: March 1, 2024 Assistance Listing Number: 19.040 Total Amount Available: up to $75,000 USD A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The Public Diplomacy Section at the Venezuela Affairs Unit (VAU) is seeking proposals to develop and carry out a project focused on promoting U.S. higher education opportunities for high-achieving, financially disadvantaged Venezuelan students at the post-graduate level in the Agricultural STEM and Public Health fields. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Project activities must take place in Venezuela and the United States and be directed at Venezuelan audiences/participants. Program Objectives: The grantee will work in coordination with VAU Public Diplomacy in support of the 2024-25 EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Program for Graduate Study in the United States. This program will assist highly qualified prospective Venezuelan graduate students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs of required standardized admission tests, application fees, international and domestic airfare, visa fees, SEVIS fees, and settling-in allowance. The grantee will partner with the Venezuela EducationUSA Network to select and advise up to 25 Opportunity Funds students. Individuals and institutions interested in bidding on this cooperative agreement are asked to submit a proposal to administer the Opportunity Funds up to $75,000 and manage two phases of the EducationUSA advising process for 2024-25. The first phase requires coordination and payment for qualified prospective students to take standardized tests. Throughout this phase, the grantee is expected to assist EdUSA advisers with logistical support in providing advising sessions for the Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) students. If space allows, non-OFP, EducationUSA scholars can attend these virtual sessions. These sessions are expected to include comprehensive coaching on the U.S. application process, financial awards/aid, essay and recommendation letter writing, extra-curricular and volunteer activities, transcripts and equivalencies, and similar subjects related to undergraduate or graduate admissions at U.S. colleges and universities. The second phase requires the recipient to manage the travel logistics of approximately 15-20 students, including visa and SEVIS fees, international airfare, domestic airfare, settling-in allowance, and other related expenses. The grantee will communicate with the students and advisers, coordinate visa appointments at the appropriate U.S. consulate, make travel arrangements for domestic and international travel, and coordinate payment to the students of settling-in and other related allowances. The successful grantee will demonstrate an ability to effectively handle funds, coordinate logistics, and finalize payments in a timely manner. Both phases can be managed virtually, with regular web and phone-based counselling sessions for selected Venezuelan candidates. Participants and Audiences: Prospective Venezuelan graduate students in the STEM Agriculture and Public Health fields interested in studying in the United States. B. FEDERAL AWARD INFORMATION Length of performance period: up to 24 months Number of awards anticipated: one award Total available funding: up to $75,000 Type of Funding: FY 24 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated program start date: May 1, 2024 This notice is subject to availability of funding. Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement. VAU Public Diplomacy anticipates substantial involvement in the program, including reviewing the student recruitment and final selection process and EdUSA program content. Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 24 months or less. VAU Public Diplomacy will 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. If interested in applying, please visit https://uploads.mwp.mprod.getusinfo.com/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/NOFO-EdUSA-Grad-Opportunity-Funds-Program-FY2024VE005.pdf to review all information regarding this NOFO.