U.S. Embassy Samoa PAS Annual Program Statement

Overview

<p>The U.S. Embassy Samoa Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding.  Please carefully follow all instructions below. This notice is subject to availability of funding.</p> <p>Purpose of Grants: PAS Samoa invites Statement of Interest (SOI) for projects that seek to do at least one of the following:  promote the U.S-Samoa bilateral relationship,  increase connections between the people of the United States and Samoa (particularly youth), promote democratic institutions and civic engagement, strengthen U.S.--Samoa cooperation and coordination on global issues of shared interest (e.g. combatting climate change, supporting Indo-Pacific security, promoting diversity and inclusion), advance STEM education and science and tech innovation and research links, support human rights, and promote the mutual benefits of bilateral trade and investment.</p> <p>All programs must include an element that will promote increased understanding of the United States including, but not limited to U.S. policy, people, culture and/or perspectives.</p> <p>Examples of PAS Grants Program projects include, but are not limited to:<i></i></p> <ul> <li>Academic and professional lectures, seminars and speaker programs;</li> <li>Artistic and cultural workshops, joint performances and exhibitions; or</li> <li>Professional and academic exchanges and projects</li> </ul> <p><strong>Priority Program Areas:</strong></p> <p><strong>I.             U.S. – SAMOA BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP</strong></p> <p>Programs that seek to explain U.S. policies, culture, and values to Samoan audiences, resulting in a positive impact on the bilateral relationship.</p> <p><strong>II.        TRADE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP</strong></p> <p>Programs that promote and support entrepreneurship and bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the U.S. and Samoa, with particular focus on programs that connect U.S. experts with Samoan counterparts for the purpose of making lasting connections and promoting stronger business and research/innovation links.</p> <p><strong>III.        PACIFIC REGIONAL ISSUES</strong></p> <p>Programs related to addressing challenges specific to the Pacific/Oceanic region, such as maritime and polar affairs, climate change, economic development, infrastructure, educational development and capacity building, health and wellness (including COVID-19), and technology.</p> <p><strong>IV.       REGIONAL SECURITY</strong></p> <p>Programs that address issues of regional security, cybersecurity, non-proliferation, and countering violent extremism, as well as exchanges that promote multilateral cooperation and enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Of particular interest are programs that bolster maritime and border security, promote marine safety and freedom of navigation and rule of law.</p> <p><strong>V.         TECHNOLOGY CAPACITY AND DIGITAL LITERACY</strong></p> <p>Programs that build resilient, open and secure ICT infrastructure, expanding internet connectivity, e-commerce, 5G technology systems, and, and programming that supports the safe and effective use of digital technology to enhance prosperity and civic engagement.</p> <p><strong>VI.       SUPPORTING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION</strong></p> <p>Programs that support or promote diversity and inclusion including inclusive civic participation and empowerment, entrepreneurship training or workforce development, leadership development, civil rights/human rights issues, and programs that increase participation in political, civic, and military processes.</p> <p><strong>VII.       STEM EDUCATION</strong></p> <p>Programs that support or promote primary and secondary school-level education programs that focus on science, technology, engineering and math.</p> <p><strong>VIII.    HIGHER EDUCATION EXCHANGE</strong></p> <p>Programs that promote higher education exchange between the U.S. and Samoa, including programs that educate students, parents, teachers/school staff, and coaches about the pathways and processes to higher education in the United States and/or programs that create stronger academic or research partnerships between the United States and Samoa.</p> <p><strong>IX:         DISASTER PREPAREDNESS</strong></p> <p>Programs that support the development of disaster preparedness and mitigation throughout the islands, with a focus on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.</p> <p><strong>X.        GLOBAL CHALLENGES</strong></p> <p>Programs related to stronger partnerships in addressing shared global challenges including, but not limed to, combatting climate change, raising awareness of and combatting mis and disinformation, and responding to global health crisis. </p> <p>PAS will only consider grants that are geared to local audiences.</p>