PAS: U.S. Mission to Iraq, English Access Microscholarship Program for Sheikhan, Duhok Governorate

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 the community of Sheikhan, in Duhok Governorate, in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.  The Consulate’s Public Affairs Section (PAS) seeks to provide youth in and around Sheikhan, including but not limited to those residing in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), with educational opportunities through English-language instruction in accordance with U.S. Mission Iraq goals.  

The English Access Microscholarship Program for Sheikhan 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 Access Program is a two-year program that provides at least 360 hours of English language instruction, reasonably distributed over the two-year period, and includes an introduction to U.S. culture and values. These hours of instruction will be provided during After School/Weekend classes and Intensive Sessions.

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 or within 12km of Sheikhan, though field trips outside of this region are encouraged.   

Priority Region: Sheikhan and its surrounds.

Participants and Audiences:
The target audience for this program is economically disadvantaged, demographically diverse, 13 to 16 year-old students residing in or within 12km of the town of Sheikhan.  Participants must also include students residing in three nearby Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps in Sheikhan, Esiyan, and Mamrashan.  

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;
• Have an existing relationship with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Interior which would allow access to IDP camps. 

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