U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program

Overview

The Kyrgyz Republic faces significant economic challenges, including limited opportunities for local entrepreneurs, insufficient workforce skills, and barriers to global market access. These issues contribute to economic stagnation, outmigration, and underutilization of the country's potential. The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek aims to address these challenges through a comprehensive program focused on promoting STEM education and business partnerships.

Past projects funded by the Mission have targeted various STEM programs, such as workshops on teacher training, youth programming, and workshops for STEM innovators. Successful projects have included:

• STEM Teacher Training: These initiatives have equipped in-service secondary and university educators to use innovative, experiential teaching techniques based on U.S.-designed STEM curriculum.
• Youth Programming: Coding and robotics masterclasses; science fairs and Olympiads; and project-based hackathons help young people see the practical application of STEM concepts while solving community problems.
• Workshops for STEM Innovators: Sessions on pitching, venture capital, and angel investing connected Kyrgyzstani inventors and designers with U.S. backers, growing initial concepts into sustainable, profitable businesses.

These initiatives demonstrated the need for activities that transition STEM education from outdated forms of rote memorization to interactive instruction. Previous projects also highlight the need for stronger connections between U.S. and Kyrgyz organizations in the STEM space to transfer knowledge in this field to Kyrgyz students, educators, and entrepreneurs. American expertise can transform STEM instruction and programming in the Kyrgyz Republic to contribute to innovation and job growth in this emerging sector. This NOFO will support STEM education and investment in the Kyrgyz Republic by:

• Training Educators: Offering STEM-specific trainings for teachers to improve their ability to deliver high-quality STEM education based on U.S. curriculum and/or modules.
• Fostering Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between U.S. organizations, and Kyrgyz educational institutions to create lasting STEM initiatives.
• Modernizing Curriculum: Updating the STEM curriculum to reflect current global standards and industry needs, ensuring students are well-prepared for future careers and recognize the United States as the global leader in STEM innovation, education, and training.
• Promoting Economic Opportunities: Creating pathways for students to enter STEM fields, as well as pathways for Kyrgyz STEM innovators to secure U.S. support.

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 under this funding opportunity.

Deadline for Applications
Period 1: May 31, 2025; 11:59 p.m. (23:59) Bishkek time
Period 2: July 15,2025; 11.59 p.m. (23:59) Bishkek time

Length of performance period: 6-12 months