U.S. Mission to Iraq- English Access Microscholarship for Students with Disabilities

Overview

The U.S. Embassy welcomes a proposal for a pilot Access program for students with disabilities (specifically mobility impairments). The proposal should include a detailed plan identifying how students with disabilities will be included and supported in the classes, both in terms of considerations for learning and for accessibility.

The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) provides a foundation of English language skills to bright, economically disadvantaged students, primarily between the ages of 13 to 18. Access programs give participants English skills that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects. As part of their course work, Access students gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate in their countries’ socioeconomic development and better prepare themselves to compete for future U.S. exchange and study programs. Students are encouraged to develop respect for and interest in other cultures, customs, and beliefs.

Implementers are encouraged to thoughtfully design activities include the following topics: global citizenship, STEM subjects, critical thinking, environmental awareness, human rights, U.S. democracy and government, U.S. civil society, diversity and tolerance, U.S. History, U.S. education system, U.S. family and relationship values, and U.S. and global health. The implementer should state their plans to address the special needs of participants.

The program also provides U.S.-based professional development and English-language workshops for selected teachers and students. Since the U.S. Department of State launched the program in 2004, approximately 200,000 students in more than 90 countries have participated in the Access Program. 

Program Objectives: 
•    Provide students with mobility impairments with English-language training. 
•    Share American culture and values. 
•    Identify students’ appropriate career paths based on individual skills, personality traits, and aspirations. 
•    Provide supplemental trainings in soft skills to prepare the young participants to be dynamic, motivated, and conscious recruits. 
•    Build confidence and leadership skills through targeted civic education training that links with future employability. 
•    Provide opportunities for students with mobility impairments to use their new skills in a positive and supportive setting. 
•    Develop the English Language Teaching (ELT) skills of teachers and their ability to guide youth in identifying appropriate career paths and contributing to their communities through civic engagement

Participants and Audiences: 
This pilot program is designed for economically disadvantaged and underserved students with mobility impairments in Baghdad.

Organizations must have the capacity to operate in Iraq and have active partnerships with organization(s) operating in Iraq needed to support the program.

Support of Equity and Underserved Communities: 
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how the program will support and advance equity and engage underserved communities in program administration, design, and implementation. Proposals should clearly demonstrate how classes would successfully accommodate and integrate learners with mobility impairments in all components of the Access program.

Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000.00
Application deadlines: Iraq Time, 09/14/2024 (11:59 P.M.)
Program Performance Period: Proposed programs should be completed in 16 months or less.