U.S. Department of State Offering Grants for Youth Empowerment Through U.S.-Uzbekistan International Exchange

•Must be an accredited school, institute, teacher training center, university, or non- profit organization completely based in Uzbekistan or the United States.

2. Activities must be conducted either in English with Uzbek translation, or entirely in English. English language learning content can be included but should not be the focus of the program. If the program is entirely in English, the grantee organization is responsible for determining that participants have appropriate English levels to participate fully.

3. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, non- governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.

4. Cost sharing or matching is not required for this funding opportunity.

5. Pre-award costs (money that has been spent before the official start date of the grant award) are not allowable under this funding opportunity.

The U.S. Embassy Tashkent Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to conduct innovative and creative short-term, youth-focused exchange programs to promote and improve mutual understanding and people-to-people ties between the United States and Uzbekistan. Applications outlining initiatives or exchange programs that focus on leadership skills and global citizenship will be supported.

The rapid economic development and the expansion of international relations between Uzbekistan and the rest of the world have created a tremendous need for citizens who have the knowledge and skills to act as key interlocutors and implement the Government of Uzbekistan’s ambitious reform agenda into the future. With most of the population under the age of 30, there is a critical need to support youth-focused programming in order to prepare the next generation of leaders in Uzbekistan. Through exchanges to the United States, youth will be able to connect with other leaders, both from home and abroad, to make long-lasting connections that will shape their future educational and professional lives.

This funding opportunity seeks to support secondary and university students through the development of leadership skills, global citizenship, and addressing shared challenges through partnership with the United States. Grant activities should be short-term, youth-focused exchange programs, with participants spending 10 to 30 days in the United States.

Grantees are expected to publicize project activities, including through social media and/or traditional press outlets; and highlight U.S. Embassy support, with our logo included on project-related materials.