NOFO: Young Women’s Leadership Program (South Korea)

The ROK is now one of the world’s most influential countries following decades of impressive economic growth, technological innovation, cultural exports, and public sector initiatives. As like-minded democracies, both the ROK and the U.S. have a strong responsibility to make sure economic and social opportunities are open to all citizens, especially women. To support women’s economic opportunity, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul’s Public Diplomacy Section will create a leadership and mentorship cohort of at least twenty South Korean women between the ages of 25-39 who represent diverse sectors of the economy and have shown the potential to grow as leaders in their respective fields. Through this program, participants will learn from American and Korean experts, and broaden their professional network. The U.S. Embassy seeks proposals from ROK-based organizations to run this program which includes recruiting members, planning and implementing events, and expanding its existing network that connects Korean and American women leaders. Strong preference will be given to proposals that include participants from outside of the Seoul metropolitan region and utilize their American Corner network (located in Busan, Gangneung, Gwangju, Jeju and Pyeongtaek) in addition to the American Diplomacy House in Seoul.

Funding Information

• Length of performance period: 1 to 12 months
• Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
• Total available funding: $50,000

Details/Logistics

• U.S. Embassy Seoul and the grantee will be jointly responsible for selecting participants. The U.S. government retains final approval authority for all participants, who will apply via a standardized application form. Participants should be between the ages of 25-39, in their early to mid-careers, and demonstrate their potential to grow as leaders in their professions.

Grantee Expectations

• The following components should be included in the program:
  • Minimum of 6 coaching and/or discussion sessions (either in-person or virtual)
  • Minimum of 2 interactive workshops on leadership
  • Minimum of 2 networking opportunities
• Coaching Sessions
  • The grantee will be responsible for organizing and implementing a series of in-person, virtual, and/or hybrid engagements with U.S. and/or Korean experts who can empower and provide coaching sessions to this group of selected participants. Engagements should provide opportunities for participants to share their challenges, develop their leadership skills through professional coaching, and provide guidance on their career paths.
• In-Person Leadership Workshop
  • The leadership program will also host at least 2 in-person workshops at the American Diplomacy House Seoul (or another location of choice), featuring guest experts, opportunities for candid conversations about workplace challenges, and advice for advancing one’s career. As part of the workshop, Embassy Seoul will arrange engagements with a guest speaker.
• Networking Opportunities
  • The grantee will be responsible for organizing a networking event where the cohort can engage one another in person and meet other leaders across various fields. One networking session should include the Young Women’s Leadership Program alumni from year 1.

Outputs/Outcomes

• This program should focus on developing leadership skills, expanding participants’ global mindset, and connecting emerging leaders with one another.

Eligibility Criteria

• PD Seoul encourages applications from ROK based organizations such as:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Public and private educational institutions
  • Public International Organizations (PIOs) and (Non-U.S.) Governmental institutions

Ineligibility Criteria

• For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea.