PAS: U.S. Mission to Iraq, English Access Microscholarship Program for Halabja

Overview

The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil (Consulate) announces an open competition for eligible organizations to submit proposals to develop and implement the English Access Microscholarship Program for Halabja Governorate, in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.  The Consulate’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) seeks to provide youth in Halabja Governorate with educational opportunities through English-language instruction in accordance with U.S. Mission Iraq goals.  

The English Access Microscholarship Program for Halabja will provide a foundation of English language skills to priority students through after-school or weekend classes and intensive summer activities over a two-year period.  Access Program students also gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and gain the ability to compete for and participate in future U.S. Government-sponsored educational programs.

The grantee should provide a budget for a program that will enroll at least 100 students, who must receive a minimum of 360 hours of instruction over 2 years.  A typical class contains between 15 and 18 students, and After-School/Weekend classes are typically held two to three times per week for 2 to 3 hours per session.  Intensive Sessions typically occur in the summer months; such classes are held for not more than 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week.  Classes must take place in Halabja.  

Priority Region:

Halabaja Governorate (hereafter Halabja, though this should not be interpreted as restricting the program to the city of Halabja).  

Participants and Audiences:
The target audience for this program is economically disadvantaged, demographically diverse, 13 to 16 year-old students residing in or within Halabja.  

Primary Goals:

• English language acquisition
• Learning about U.S. culture and values, including diversity and tolerance
• Personal Development, including the development of critical thinking skills
• Community Service, within a diverse cohort of youth

Secondary Goals:

• Providing participants with English skills that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects
• Enhancing participants’ abilities to compete for and participate in future exchanges and study in the United States

Applicants must have demonstrated experience developing and administering similar programs in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.

Length of performance period: 12 
Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
Anticipated program start date:  August 15, 2023