Description
The U.S. Embassy Berlin, Bureau of Public Affairs (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to administer the USA for You program for three groups of 15 participants - two groups from Eastern districts in Berlin and one group from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The German organization will have to partner with an American organization to run the program in the United States. Summary The U.S. Mission in Germany together with Robert Bosch Foundation, the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, and the City of Munich support a community service initiative for secondary school non-Gymnasium students (Haupt- and Realschulen) from Germany. The program has been carried out over a three-year period (2017-2019) and will be extended for two more years (2020-2021); 120 students have participated so far. In 2019, it is intended to provide programming for 75 students. In addition to the 75 students, the U.S. Embassy is seeking applications for a grant to add three more groups over the remaining program duration (2019-2021) with 15 students each (total of 45 participants) from Haupt- and Realschulen in the Berlin districts of Lichtenberg, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Treptow-Köpenick, and Pankow as well as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern to the USA for You program. Program Objectives The goals of the USA for You program are to: Increase understanding of the United States amongst German youth underrepresented in exchange programs. Showcasing the importance of civic engagement by providing community service opportunities; Deepening participants’ understanding of civic and social life in the United States; Furthering the long-term impact of the program on individuals and communities through its alumni. Program must target secondary non-gymnasium school students (Haupt- and Realschulen), age 15-17, in the Berlin districts of Lichtenberg, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Treptow-Köpenick, and Pankow or in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Recipient Responsibilities Application procedure and selection of participants: Produce promotional materials to publicize the program in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and in Berlin in the districts of Lichtenberg, Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Treptow-Köpenick, and Pankow; Organize an information evening prior to the application deadline; Process applications, and select candidates, conduct selection interviews; Ensure that the eligibility criteria for German participants provided are followed when selecting finalists; participants must be German citizens; Consult on final selection with the U.S. Embassy; U.S. Embassy will discuss final selection with other program partners. Preparation of program in the Germany: Organize and conduct a first get-together where participants get to know each other (1. Kennenlerntreffen); Coordinate placement of students with American partner; Organize travel (flights, transfers, insurance, entry permits, if applicable); Recruit and train volunteers accompanying the group to the United States (one male and one female volunteer per group); Organize and conduct a pre-departure seminar (Vorbereitungsseminar); include external experts who talk about volunteering from the region; volunteers accompanying the group should be present; representatives from the U.S. Embassy and other partner organizations are invited to participate; provide short info event for parents. Program in the United States – Responsibilities of the American organization: Select American city where program will take place; Find host families (double placements are acceptable if necessary); Place students; Organize community service activities (up to six different projects), English language course (up to ten hours per week), and sightseeing and leisure activities; Accompany group during community service activities; 24/7 accessibility for volunteers and American organization staffers. Evaluation and Follow-on Organize post arrival event to evaluate program success in achieving the stated goals and the impact of the program on the students; Assist U.S. Embassy in organizing an alumni event after they return home; Organize and conduct a follow-up meeting; include external experts who talk about how to engage in community service projects in Germany; Assist the US Embassy in organizing embassy reception; Conduct participant survey; Use social media to amplify reach of program before, during and after the program. General Provide information to participants and their parents before, during and after the program in the United States by telephone and e-mail; Work closely with the American organization; Communicate with U.S. Embassy before, during and after the program in the United States; Provide draft program in the United States to U.S. Embassy; Provide medical insurance for the students; Ensure proper accounting, and reporting, including meeting all deadlines for program and financial reports, in compliance with the terms of the cooperative agreement. Ensure the performance of required audits.