NOFO: Public Diplomacy Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Program (Kyrgyzstan)

Objectives

• This NOFO will support STEM education and investment in the Kyrgyz Republic by:
  • Training Educators: Offering STEM-specific trainings for teachers to improve their ability to deliver high-quality STEM education based on U.S. curriculum and/or modules.
  • Fostering Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between U.S. organizations, and Kyrgyz educational institutions to create lasting STEM initiatives.
  • Modernizing Curriculum: Updating the STEM curriculum to reflect current global standards and industry needs, ensuring students are well-prepared for future careers and recognize the United States as the global leader in STEM innovation, education, and training.
  • Promoting Economic Opportunities: Creating pathways for students to enter STEM fields, as well as pathways for Kyrgyz STEM innovators to secure U.S. support.
• Applicants should select no more than two objectives to address in their project proposal:
  • Increase professional and instructional skills of a minimum of 200 secondary educators through hands-on project-based STEM teaching practices, resulting in at least 80% of educators demonstrating the ability to implement at least one new instructional tool, technology, and/or methodology within six months of completing the training.
  • Increase student participation and achievement by launching a nationwide STEM competition for 250 primary and/or secondary school students, conducting regional events in each Oblast, culminating in a final competition that sends the winners to a U.S.-based international championship, and resulting in at least 60% of participants reporting a measurable improvement in STEM-problem solving skills.
  • In consultation with the Kyrgyz Ministry of Education and Kyrgyz educational institutions, develop and pilot a Kyrgyz-language STEM curriculum – based on a U.S. model– for training science teachers on STEM instruction, resulting in at least 80% of pilot participants demonstrating an increase in STEM teaching effectiveness and confidence as a result of using the new curriculum.
  • Increase the capacity of 50-100 STEM innovators to pitch projects by organizing pitching workshops in the Kyrgyz Republic, culminating in a pitch-a-thon event with U.S. investors that selects three final projects for funding.
  • Increase STEM engagement in 25 secondary schools across the Kyrgyz Republic by coordinating a mobile U.S.-branded science and technology roadshow, resulting in at least 70% of students reporting an increased interest in STEM subjects and careers.

Funding Information

• Grant amount: awards may range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $50,000 (approximately, pending funding availability)
• Duration: 6-12 months.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following non-profit organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Kyrgyz Republic-Registered:
    • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/nongovernmental organizations
    • Public and private educational institutions
    • Individuals
• U.S. non-governmental organizations (NGOs), educational institutions, and individuals seeking funding to support cultural and/or educational program in the Kyrgyz Republic and partnering with Kyrgyz Republic-registered organizations.

Ineligibility Criteria

• For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO.
• This opportunity will not support:
  • Projects relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support;
  • Construction projects;
  • Projects that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns.

Application Requirements

• Please ensure:
  • The proposal clearly addresses the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity
  • All documents are in English
  • All budgets are in U.S. dollars
  • All pages are numbered
  • All applicant authorized signatures are provided where indicated on the various, required forms.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic.