U.S. Embassy MEXICO CITY PD Annual Program Statement

Overview

U.S. Mission Mexico’s PDS invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding between the U.S. and Mexico through cultural, economic, educational, professional, and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include a U.S. cultural element, or connection with U.S. expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies and perspectives. Programs that include multiple states and/or promote increased collaboration and networking between USG program alumni are encouraged.

Examples of PD Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:
• Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs;
• Artistic, cultural, educational, and sports workshops, joint performances, clinics, and exhibitions;
• Cultural heritage conservation and preservation programs;
• Professional and academic exchanges and programs; and
• Promotion of entrepreneurship for indigenous and Afro-Mexican community programs.

Priority Program Areas:
• Economic Development: Economic programs fostering prosperity in Mexico include programs that aim to protect labor rights under USMCA; focus on economic development in southern Mexico; improve cybersecurity; increase the number, capacity, and innovation of micro-, small-, and medium-sized businesses; develop e-commerce capabilities; enhance opportunities for and promote entrepreneurship of women, young Mexicans, Indigenous or Afro-Mexican individuals, LGBTQI+ individuals, Annual Program Statement PD Mexico City and people with disabilities; advance bilateral trade established by the USMCA trade agreement and the High-Level Economic Dialogue ; contribute to the development and strengthening of integrated supply chains in North America for key sectors, especially information and communication technologies, zero-emissions vehicles, and the semiconductor industry; or attract nearshoring investment. 

• Workforce Development: Programs promoting development of the Mexican workforce include technical skills, especially information and communication technologies, zero-emissions vehicles, and the semiconductor industry; or programs improving the quality of English language teaching as part of workforce development activities.

• Academic Exchanges & Education: Programs aimed at promoting and increasing the number of Mexican students in U.S. higher education institutions include programs that increase partnerships between higher education institutions in Mexico and the United States, including private sector support to increase Mexican student and professor collaboration with U.S. counterparts; generate academic, educational, and professional exchanges between Mexico and the United States; increase the number of Mexican students in STEM fields; promote the participation of the Mexican diaspora in the United States in cooperative engagements with Mexico; or promote increased collaboration and networking between talented alumni.

• Migration: Programs aimed at curbing irregular migration include addressing the root causes of migration, poverty, violence, and lack of economic, educational, and employment opportunities; messaging to share USG immigration policy with migrant populations in Mexico, promoting legal pathways to visit, study, or work in the United States, and discouraging the use of smugglers; or focus on integrating non-Mexican migrants into Mexican society.

• Security & Human Rights: Programs that increase understanding of U.S. security policy include focusing on the protection of human rights for at-risk and underserved communities, women and girls, journalists, and human rights defenders; reducing gender-based violence; strengthening rule of law cooperation in Mexico; or implementing professional programs with the Mexican media to counter disinformation and the malign influence of foreign actors.

• Climate Change Resiliency: Programs promoting resilience and sustainability include those aimed at developing and increasing the use of clean, renewable sources of energy; programs that address global health challenges; focus on increasing and ensuring food and water security; promote economic sustainability; promote and protect critical ecosystems and biodiversity; or implement global climate initiatives.

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. The internal application is available on InfoReady at: https://asu.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1926787

Program Performance Period: 
Proposed programs should be completed in 18 months or less.