EducationUSA Adviser for Morocco Program

This funding opportunity seeks to support more effective long-term outreach for EducationUSA and increase Moroccan students’ interest and enrollment in U.S. higher education institutions. EducationUSA advising services will be carried out on a full-time basis, both virtually and in person.

Goal

• Increase the number of Moroccans studying in the United States by providing students across the country with access to information about U.S. higher education opportunities.

Objectives

• Building interest in study abroad in the United States among Moroccan high school students.
• Providing accurate and comprehensive information about opportunities to  study in the U.S.
• Supporting potential students throughout the application process.

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: 12 months
• Number of awards anticipated: One
• Award amount: Equal or less than $35,000.
• Total available funding: $35,000.00

Eligible Activities

• In cooperation with the Public Affairs Section in Casablanca and the Regional EducationUSA Advising Coordinator (REAC), the selected grantee will be expected to carry out the following activities:
  • The EducationUSA advisor will identify and participate in large-scale outreach events among Moroccan students. Outreach will be conducted in-person and virtually.
  • Engage with students in areas typically underrepresented in U.S. study abroad programs such as community colleges, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), specialized programs such as double major, distance learning, etc.
  • Advising services will include, but not be limited to, group orientation sessions for the public, individual consultations, and assistance with all aspects of the college/university admissions process.
  • Organize workshops at Mission Morocco’s American Spaces (Dar America and American Space Oujda) on TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, Common App, etc., and to target students interested in English and American culture.
  • Travel as needed and participate in trainings, regional and/or international conferences/seminars as participant and/or speaker.
  • Conduct outreach to students throughout all regions of Morocco who may be interested in learning more about studying in the United States and who will benefit from EducationUSA services.
  • Promote U.S. higher education as a tool for Moroccan youth to increase employability and career prospects.
  • Build partnerships with Moroccan organizations that work on, or are interested in, education initiatives and can benefit from the EducationUSA mission.
  • Partner with U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs’ network to promote study in the United States.
  • Foster opportunities for interaction between students and schools with visiting U.S. universities conducting recruitment in Morocco.
  • Maintain regular contact with the Public Affairs Section in Casablanca and the REAC regarding EducationUSA development and strategy in Morocco.
  • Stay abreast of information pertaining to U.S. higher education and the profession of educational advising. Remain up to date on technology related to and used for educational advising and digital outreach to students.
  • Complete the EducationUSA training process and ensure compliance with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs’ website and reporting requirements.

Participants and Audiences

• Target audiences in Morocco:
  • High school students preparing for college and interested in attending higher education institutions in the United States, as well as their parents or guardians.
  • High school and university-level teachers, faculty, administrators, and guidance counselors.
  • Current university students seeking information and assistance applying to graduate programs in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals residing in Morocco who meet the qualifications listed below are eligible to apply:
  • A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Experience with the U.S. higher education system, the college application process, standardized entrance exams and financial aid.
  • General knowledge of U.S. foreign policy and U.S. interests in Morocco is required.
  • General knowledge of project management, including defining project objectives, outcomes, and assessment methods.
  • The ideal individual will have knowledge of Morocco’s secondary and tertiary academic institutions, standards of instruction and curriculum relating to the United States, and general standards and practices for education systems and NGOs.
• Required skills and abilities:
  • Fluency in English, Arabic and French (may be tested)
  • Must have excellent customer relations, interpersonal, and cross-cultural  communication skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking,  interviewing for evaluation purposes, writing reports, and contributing materials for internal and external dissemination.
  • Must be able to tailor communications to fit formal and informal situations and different ethnic, religious, and linguistic cultures.
  • Strong familiarity with the internet and standard information retrieval practices and procedures.
  • Must have strong knowledge of computer software programs, specifically  Microsoft Word, Excel, databases, and reporting tools.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms, graphic design programs, mobile  platforms for virtual outreach, and basic photo and video tools.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to all regions of Morocco.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.