Description
The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission to China, U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications for awards through our Mission China Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program to carry out the English for Workforce Development in China (EnglishWorks!) Program to provide un/underemployed young adults with training in vocational English, soft-skills, IT skills, entrepreneurship training, and employability skills. The six-month program will enable participants to build the professional skills necessary to compete in the 21st century job market. Learning activities will include site visits and interactions with industry professionals, guest speakers, Tech Camps, and job fairs designed to enhance future employment opportunities. The result of the EnglishWorks! program will be a diverse and empowered group of participants and alumni with an increased potential to shape the course of their own lives and their communities. The EnglishWorks! program will stress gender balance through the selection of equal numbers of male and female participants. Preference will be given to providers that strive to engage underserved and under-resourced communities. EnglishWorks! aims to provide a foundation of English language skills to un/under-employed Chinese students, ages 17 to 25, that will allow them to build the knowledge and professional skills needed to compete for professional and educational opportunities in China and abroad, such as study in the United States. EnglishWorks! program implementers will conduct at least 240 hours of guided instruction for talented 17-25-year-olds through localized English Works! programs. Learning activities will include site visits and interactions with industry professionals, guest speakers, Tech Camps, and job fairs designed to enhance future employment opportunities. Successful implementers will have demonstrated experience in designing and delivering educational activities, and have demonstrated experience with youth. Programs funded under this award are envisioned to run for six months, scheduled during the period from October 2022 to June 2023. The target audience is un/under-employed Chinese students, ages 17 to 25. Each Provider can facilitate EnglishWorks! cohorts for groups up to 25 participants. Program budgets should not exceed $1,400 per student for six months. The cost of the program should be itemized in the budget into the following seven categories: Instruction Books and Instructional Materials Administration Enhancement activities (field trips, guest speakers, job fairs, etc.) Transportation Food Accommodation Length of performance period: Six months of activities, carried out from October 2022 to June 2023 Number of awards anticipated: Up to four awards, subject to availability of funds. Award amounts: $14,000 - $35,000 Type of Funding: FY2022 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds Anticipated Program Start Date: October 2022 Funding Instrument Type: Grant, fixed amount award, or cooperative agreement. Cooperative agreements are different from grants in that bureau/Embassy staff are more actively involved in the project implementation. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity is available under "Related Documents."