Promoting U.S. Study: U.S-Jordan Relations EducationUSA College Fair 2024 (Jordan)

The fair will serve as a nexus, connecting Jordanian students, parents, and high school counselors/administrators with representatives from 35 U.S. universities.  Capitalizing on the 7.5 percent increase in Jordanians studying in the United States during the 2022-2023 academic year, the EducationUSA fair will solidify the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to fostering collaboration, academic excellence and promoting unparalleled U.S. higher education opportunities for Jordanians.

American higher education institutions participating in the fair should represent a diverse geographical and academic landscape and offer a range of academic programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Fair attendees will have an opportunity to learn about various programs and admission criteria for multiple U.S. higher education institutions. Discussions with U.S. universities, the Embassy EducationUSA adviser, and U.S. Embassy representatives at the fair will help students make informed choices about U.S. higher education, learn about the U.S. student visa application process, and become aware of other aspects of studying and living in the United States.

Program Objectives

• This initiative, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of U.S. Jordan relations, endeavors to bring 35 diverse U.S. higher education institutions to Jordan for a two-day EducationUSA Fair during International Education Week 2024 (November 18-23). The EducationUSA fair is strategically designed to encourage Jordanian students to pursue their higher education studies in the United States. The event will include information booths, targeted workshops covering the U.S. admissions processes, scholarship opportunities, and pertinent breakout sessions covering topics such as personal statement composition and soliciting recommendation letters.
• The fair will provide an opportunity for students and their parents to meet with the of 35 accredited universities and colleges from different parts of the United States. The fair is open to students seeking bachelor’s as well as master’s and PhD programs in the United States. There is no participation fee, but registration will be required.
• The selected grantee will undertake the orchestration of fair logistics, encompassing venue procurement, event content, strategic event marketing, registration facilitation, and ensuring accommodation for university representatives.

Mission Objective

• This program supports the U.S. Embassy objectives to achieve inclusive economic growth and improving education outcomes, especially among women and youth while facilitating legitimate economy-building travel.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $100,000
• Length of performance period: 3 to 6 months
• Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
• Award amounts: Maximum of $100,000 and a minimum of $25,000

Key Program Components

• Phase 1: Promoting the Fair to U.S. Higher Education Institutions:
  • Develop a targeted outreach campaign to U.S. higher education institutions, highlighting the unique benefits of participating in the EducationUSA Educational Fair in Jordan.
  • Collaborate with the Embassy’s EducationUSA adviser to streamline application processes and curate the final selection of participating universities using the EducationUSA Fair portal.
  • Reach out to U.S. university admissions offices, international program coordinators, and relevant departments to present the education fair as a valuable opportunity for international student recruitment.
  • Design personalized invitations for U.S. universities, clearly articulating the advantages of attending the fair and the unique offerings for establishing connections with prospective Jordanian students. Highlight the fair’s alignment with broader U.S. internationalization goals.
  • Leverage existing education networks, associations, and partnerships to disseminate information about the fair, including alumni networks of U.S. universities with a presence in Jordan or the Middle East.
  • Collaborate with entities such as NAFSA, American Council on Education, and other relevant organizations to amplify the fair’s visibility
  • Streamline the application process for U.S. institutions in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy Education USA advisor, making it straightforward and easily accessible.
  • Maintain a consistent flow of updates and reminders to participating U.S. higher education institutions regarding the fair, application deadlines, and any pertinent details.
• Phase 2: Promoting the Fair to Jordanian Participants, High Schools, and Local Education Institutions:
  • Execute a marketing strategy spanning print, audio, visual and targeted social media posts with branding, aligning the fair with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Jordan bilateral relations.
  • Implement a user-friendly online registration system, encouraging early sign-ups for both the fair and breakout sessions.
  • Obtain official approval from the Ministry of Higher Education to host the fair. Work closely with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with local Jordanian regulations and secure necessary permits.
  • Incorporate local influencers and Jordanians who have studied in the United States to help promote the fair through social media, radio, and other outlets.
  • Partner with schools and universities for seamless integration of fair promotions into their communication channels.
  • Collaborate closely with local schools, universities, educational entities and youth centers disseminating informative flyers and brochures about the fair.
  • Establish a press and media engagement plan, working in tandem with the U.S. Embassy for maximum event coverage, including press releases and captivating social media content.
  • Recognize parental influence and conduct targeted outreach, including informational sessions and/or webinars.
• Phase 3: Accommodation Coordination, Orientation and Welcome Dinner
  • Manage hotel reservations for university representatives, ensuring convenient and comfortable lodging at the fair venue.
  • Provide U.S. university representatives information regarding visas, travel insurance, and cultural activities to enjoy while in Jordan.
  • Aid in coordinating travel logistics, including transportation to and from the airport. Provide clear instructions on arrival procedures and facilitate a seamless transition for university representatives.
  • Coordinate the logistical intricacies of booking a venue the night before the fair for an exclusive meet-and-greet between U.S. university representatives, Jordanian universities, embassy employees and other education stakeholders in Jordan.
  • Host a comprehensive pre-departure (virtual) orientation for university representatives, delving into Jordan-specific information, statistics, cultural nuances, customs, and an overview of the education system.
  • Facilitate introductions to key Embassy personnel and Jordan education stakeholders during a welcoming dinner event.
• Phase 4:  EducationUSA Fair Content and Logistics:
  • Spearhead the recruitment and coordination of a dedicated team of volunteers for both pre-fair and day-of-fair activities.  Assign specific roles to volunteers and staff members, such as guiding attendees, assisting university representatives, and handling logistical challenges.
  • Oversee all logistical elements, including venue selection, booth setup, backdrops, audio/visual setup, decorations, floor mapping, branding compliance, breakout session planning, refreshment arrangements, and on-site staff support.
  • Collaborate with the EducationUSA Adviser to curate a lineup of speakers for the breakout sessions, including representatives from the U.S. Embassy, Consular Section, and standardized testing offices.
  • The grantee should work closely with college representatives’ sessions focusing on scholarship opportunities specifically tailored for Jordanian student, interviews, application procedures, and standardized testing requirements
  • Implement student registration process upon arrival at the fair, considering elements such as personalized sessions with college recruiters, information kits with detailed schedule and university profiles. If applicable, create QR codes and display prominently at the EducationUSA fair, so that attendees can scan with their smartphones to access the fair schedule and content.
  • Coordinate with universities to ensure smooth setup of materials and electronic devices at their booths. Provide technical support for any issues that may arise during the fair, ensuring a seamless presentation for university representatives.
  • The grantee should secure a photographer/videographer to document the EducationUSA fair, capturing key moments and obtaining testimonials from program participants.
  • Develop a printed guide of all participating universities to share with students. This would include University summary, contact info, location, deadline, majors offered and scholarships.
  • Grantee must share the contact info of all students signed up for the fair.
• Phase 5- Feedback and Continuous Engagement
  • Implement a feedback collection system from both university representatives and students, ensuring continuous improvement.
  • Utilize surveys and feedback forms to gather insights on the fair’s effectiveness, areas for improvement and overall satisfaction.
  • Explore virtual platforms to keep participants informed about opportunities, updates, and information beyond the fair.
• Phase 6: Ensure Adherence to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Principles:
  • As part of this grant, the selected partner is expected to adhere to principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) to ensure a fair and accessible EducationUSA Fair. The following guidelines should be observed:
    • Accessibility Considerations: Ensure that event venues are wheelchair accessible and provide necessary accommodations for individuals with disabilities.  Implement inclusive design practices for all promotional materials, ensuring accessibility for individuals with visual or auditory impairments.
    • Inclusive Outreach: Develop marketing strategies that reach a diverse audience, emphasizing inclusivity across various demographics, including but not limited to gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background, and individuals with disabilities.
    • Equitable Participation: Facilitate an inclusive registration process, accommodating diverse needs and providing necessary support for individuals with disabilities. Ensure that breakout sessions, presentations, and materials are accessible to all attendees, including those with diverse learning styles and abilities.
    • Cultural Sensitivity: Foster an environment that respects and appreciates cultural diversity, promoting an inclusive atmosphere for all participants. Encourage the representation of diverse voices and perspectives in all aspects of the EducationUSA Fair, including speakers, exhibitors, and promotional content.
    • Language Accessibility: Provide information and communication materials appropriate for persons with disabilities. Utilize interpreters or translation services to facilitate effective communication for attendees with diverse language backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Applicants
  • The following not-for- profit registered organizations from U.S. and Jordan are eligible to apply:
    • Registered Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations and Educational institutions
    • Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education
  • To be considered for funding under this opportunity, applicants SHALL:
    • Have demonstrable previous experience working in Jordan. This should be addressed within the project narrative section of your application.
• Cost Sharing or Matching
  • There is no minimum or maximum percentage required for this competition. However, PAS Amman encourages applicants to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding in support of its programs.
  • Cost-sharing or matching is not an evaluation criterion of this NOFO.
• Other Eligibility Requirements
  • In order to be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number.
• Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Jordan.