PDS - U.S. Mission to the Republic of Maldives, Programmatic Support – American Center in Maldives on promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the Republic of Maldives

Overview

The U.S. Department of Public Diplomacy Section of U.S. Mission Maldives announces an open competition to solicit programmatic support for the American Center in Malé (ACM). The recipient of this award will be responsible for overseeing the STEM programming of the American Center Malé, to include planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and logistics of this specific thematic area. The recipient of this grant will be funded for up to 12 months to host workshops, awareness-raising sessions and trainings on:

1.  Robotics and LEGO education.
2.  Astronomy
3.  3D printing.
4.  Computer coding. 

The Successful applicant is expected to implement each core activity listed above with funds up to $6,000.

Project Objectives: 

• Objective 1: Increase interest in STEM education and careers among the target audience. 
• Objective 2: Equip a minimum of 120 youth, residing in islands away from local population hubs across the country, with basic computer coding, 3D printing, Astronomy, Robotics and LEGO education skills over a period of 10 to 12 months. 
• Objective 3: Increase the target audience’s awareness of available, free online resources on computer coding, 3D printing, astronomy, robotics, and LEGO education. 
• Objective 4: Increase the target audience’s operational familiarity with STEM equipment related to computer coding, 3D printing, astronomy, and robotics. 
• Objective 5: Increase number of STEM facilitators in Maldives through engagement in American Spaces programming. 
• Objective 6: Growing the Alumni network of American Center Male’ programs, thereby ensuring networking opportunities between these participants previous STEM program participants.

Project Audience(s): The primary beneficiaries for the four core activities mentioned in the executive summary may include but is not limited to the following: 

• All direct recipients of the four core activities must be Maldivian youth between ages 15 to 35 years of age. 
• Priority will be given to youth who have not previously participated in an American Center Malé funded courses. 
• All workshops and trainings must have gender balance during participant selection stage, unless an evident programmatic advantage is communicated to Public Diplomacy Section regarding the allocation of more seats for a specific demographics 
• Ideal number of participants for a workshop, training or info session should be 30 or more. Successful implementing partner has no cap in number of participants they can cater to for public events hosted for any of the 4 core activities under this funding opportunity 
• Successful implementing partner can be offered space at American Center Malé for onsite programing based on availability 
• Program proposals must have virtual teaching methods incorporated to reach potential audiences in outer islands.

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.

Length of performance period: 10 to 12 months 
Number of awards anticipated: One award. 
Anticipated programs start date: 30th September 2023

Submitting all application materials directly to the following Email address: [email protected].