Ukraine: Professional Internships Exchange Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to promote innovation and entrepreneurship through a professional internships exchange to the United States. Please carefully follow all instructions below. Priority Region: Outside Kyiv Program Objectives: Recipient organizations will design and implement at least two iterations per project period of a professional internships exchange program for Ukrainian businesspersons, innovators, and entrepreneurs aged 20-40. These exchanges should expose participants in cohorts of at least six persons to U.S. public and private organizations and local and national policies that promote a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness; improve the investment and business climate; and/or promote U.S. export and investment. In addition to the internship, the program should facilitate networking opportunities for participants, both during and after the exchange period. The program should consist of the following elements: Competitive selection process, including a written application and in-person interview. Pre-internship orientation in Ukraine and the United States. Pre-internship networking event in the United States. 4-5 week internship in a U.S. organization. Post-internship debrief in the United States. Post-internship networking event in the United States. Proposals should also include alumni professional development and networking activities once participants return to Ukraine. Participants and Audiences: Ukrainian businesspersons, innovators, and entrepreneurs aged 20-40. The Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants Committee will give preference to applications that outline plans for recruiting participants from the following categories: Women. Marginalized communities and underrepresented groups, including persons with disabilities, LGBTQI+ community members, etc. Residents of non-major Ukrainian cities. STEAM field representatives.