University Partnership Program (UPP) – Kazakhstan

This can include incubation hubs, basic research capability, or professional development centers.  The program should focus on building greater institutional and research capacity in fields that support diversified economic growth through joint U.S.-Kazakh research collaboration including through commercialization opportunities in research, partnerships with private sector, and workforce development programs.  Partnerships that focus on curriculum development should be directed toward developing existing curricula rather than creating new curricula.

UPP will support partnerships between U.S. and Kazakh higher education institutions (HEIs) that promote economic diversification projects aligned with private sector workforce development needs. HEI partnerships should facilitate public-private partnerships, design curricula that provide skills (STEM, agriculture, digital media, and related) needed for high-growth economic sectors and connect research centers with industries to commercialize research as a source of greater financial sustainability.

Support for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): All programs should consider strategies for expanding the pool of individuals/organizations/beneficiaries to afford opportunities for as diverse and inclusive population as is feasible to bring diverse perspectives based on religion, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, national origin, and age to implementation of the program.

Goal

• Strengthen institutional and research capacities of Kazakh universities in fields that support workforce development and diversified economic growth through joint U.S.-Kazakh program partnerships and research collaborations.

Objectives

• Objective 1: Equip at least five Kazakh university administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to attract investment and collaborate with U.S. universities and research centers.
• Objective 2: Improve the ability of at least two Kazakh HEIs to revise existing curricula and course content that incorporate U.S. best practices, real work application, and hands on learning experiences in high growth fields to address youth unemployment and workforce development. High growth fields include but are not limited to coding, IT, STEM, agriculture, and digital media.
• Objective 3: Facilitate at least two joint research projects between U.S. and Kazakh universities in high growth fields that demonstrate potential for commercialization.
• Note: Competitive proposals will include plans for preliminary discussions between American and Kazakh universities on potential roadblocks, challenges, and specifics of the local context in Kazakhstan before starting partnership activities.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $360,000
• Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less.

PDS Kazakhstan Responsibilities

• Participate in the university partnership selection process.
• As needed, coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan on project implementation.
• Connect relevant USG exchange alumni and U.S. HEIs with sub-awardees and participants.
• Virtually engage and address participants and conduct site visits to learn about project development; meet with sub-awardees when they pass through Astana and Almaty for visa appointments, as necessary.
• Participate in international conferences and high-priority meetings conducted by the University Partnerships Program participants.

Recipient Responsibilities

• Maintain regular contact with Grants Officer, Grants Officer Representative, PDS Kazakhstan POCs, and the SCA/PPD office at the State Department in Washington, D.C. about program administration, key activities, and invite these POCs to participate in significant meetings and events.
• Oversee and support activities taking place in Kazakhstan, resolving problems in carrying out administrative and program responsibilities, in coordination with PDS Kazakhstan POCs and the SCA/PPD office at the State Department in Washington, D.C.
• Coordinate selection and clearance of participating universities with PDS Kazakhstan POCs and the SCA/PPD office at the State Department in Washington, D.C.
• Keep the Embassy and the SCA/PPD office informed about major program activities, events, and planned travel by the American and Kazakh HEIs;
• Provide accurate and comprehensive reporting including all the indicators, observations, partnership challenges, and recommendations as reflected in the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, both for U.S. and Kazakh HEIs;
• Consult with PDS Kazakhstan POCs and the SCA/PPD office at the State Department in Washington, D.C. on project monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Provide financial reporting with the breakdown per the recommended form.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • U.S. or Kazakhstan-based organizations
  • Civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Think tanks
  • Public and private educational institutions

Ineligibility Criteria

• This opportunity will not support:
  • Projects relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Construction projects;
  • Projects that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs;
  • Scientific research or surveys;
  • Commercial projects;
  • Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
  • Projects that duplicate existing projects; or
  • Illegal activities.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.