U.S. Embassy Rangoon Public Affairs Section (PAS)

Overview

<p class="btn btn-gold btn-lg btn-block">limited submission: pending faculty interest</p> <p>Purpose of Small Grants: PAS Rangoon invites proposals from individuals, civil society organizations, think tanks, cultural and arts organizations, and non-regime affiliated academic institutions for programs that strengthen the cultural ties between the U.S. and Myanmar through cultural programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.</p> <p><strong>Examples of the kinds of activities that can be funded under the PAS Small Grants Program programs include, but are not limited to:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Academic and professional development programs, which may include lectures, seminars, trainings, and workshops;</li> <li>Bilateral collaborative projects featuring participation of both local and American scholars, artists, and/or other civil society groups;</li> <li>Workshops, training, and competitions to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Myanmar;</li> <li>Training activities and programs that support science and technology education or STEAM skills; or</li> <li>Projects that develop the knowledge, skills, values, and motivation of participants to improve the quality of life in their communities.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Priority Program Areas: Priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following program areas:</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong>U.S.–MYANMAR BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP</strong> — Programs that seek to promote a greater understanding of U.S. policies, culture, and society to Myanmar audiences; activities that promote shared values and interests between the American and Myanmar people; and projects that build people-to-people ties.</li> <li><strong>INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH</strong> — Programs related to economic growth and prosperity, inclusive socio-economic development, skills development, entrepreneurship, career planning, technology/innovation, economic empowerment of women and youth, and underserved populations in Myanmar.</li> <li><strong>SOCIAL ISSUES</strong> — Programs that support an engaged civil society, promote a deepened understanding of diversity and inclusion, and encourage tolerance and peace through dialogue.</li> <li><strong>EDUCATION</strong> — Programs that promote and prepare for study in the United States, the building of linkages between American and Myanmar private academic institutions, and training opportunities for Myanmar students or faculty.</li> <li><strong>MENTAL HEALTH</strong>–Programs that address issues of mental health and promote enhanced wellness and resilience for vulnerable communities and the general public.</li> </ol> <p>Participants and Audiences: All programs should target primarily Myanmar audiences. Proposals should describe both the primary and secondary audiences for the program, including age, gender, geographic location, and numbers anticipated to be reached. Primary audiences are those who will participate directly in the program, and secondary audiences include those reached indirectly – for example, via social media or traditional media.</p> <p><strong>Specific audiences who are considered a priority for awards funded under this APS include:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Young leaders in the 18-30 year-old age ranges;</li> <li>Young jobseekers and emerging entrepreneurs</li> <li>Women and girls;</li> <li>Minority, peripheral, and/or disadvantaged communities;</li> <li>Audiences residing outside of Yangon or Mandalay; and</li> <li>Alumni of U.S. Embassy-sponsored cultural exchange programs</li> </ul>