U.S. Department of State’s WHA/PDA Grant for Distance IT Training and Materials Development for Cuban Users

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (WHA/PDA) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide distance information technology (IT) training, course materials, and digital IT information materials, software, and manuals reflecting current IT trends, developments, and information. The Office invites U.S. educational institutions to submit proposals for a 24-month grant to develop a three-pronged IT program for Cuban users. The IT program should include: 1) development and implementation of a Spanish-language distance IT training certificate series for beginning, mid-level, and advanced Cuban students; 2) development and provision of Spanish-language self-study digital materials mirroring the training series for students unable to attend the IT classes; 3) identification, development, and regular provision of Spanish-language digital IT information materials, software, and manuals reflecting current IT trends, developments, and information. WHA/PDA will award up to $ $445,000 for the 24-month project.

Expected Results
The program should enhance participants’ IT skills, understanding, and knowledge at multiple levels; instill an appreciation of international IT norms and usage; provide current, regular, relevant IT information and material to Cuban users seeking information in this field; and equip advanced graduates with the skills necessary to create IT infrastructure and to use IT tools to advance individual and institutional communication and connections.

Funding Priorities
WHA/PDA seeks to fund a creative and sustainable distance learning project coordinated by a U.S. educational institution’s international IT training program with facilitation from the United States Interests Section in Havana. U.S. educational institutions with strong distance learning platforms and experience in delivering similar IT training via distance learning to Spanish-speaking students in challenging Spanish-speaking environments will be favorably considered.