U.S. Mission to Kyrgyzstan, Embassy Bishkek Implementation of C5+1 Youth Council Program

Overview

The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek invites proposals for a one-year grant, with the option to extend for two additional years, to administer the C5+1 Youth Council (YC) program, a dynamic platform designed to build leadership skills among English-speaking high school and university students from Central Asia and Afghanistan. 

The program will introduce students to U.S. foreign policy priorities in Central Asia and allow them to engage with their peers on topics relevant across the region: (1) economics, with a focus on improving regional trade flows and prospects for U.S. trade and investment; (2) shared regional environmental challenges; (3) human rights; and (4) security, with a focus on terrorist threats. 
Program Goal: Develop a regional network of civically engaged and English-speaking youth leaders across Central Asia who work to advance C5+1 priorities 

Program Objectives: 

1. Increase understanding and knowledge of participants on U.S. foreign policy and C5+1 priorities in the region (see agenda below) 
2. Increase connectivity between English-speaking Central Asian and Afghan students attending Central Asian universities 
3. Foster youth leadership by developing critical thinking and project management skills of program participants 
4. Develop and execute community-based projects led by program participants and C5+1 program alumni 
5. Increase collaboration between C5+1 YC alumni and English-speaking high school and university participants through mentorship opportunities 

C5+1 YC programming of activities and events should align with the C5+1 agenda: 

1. Peace and security: Enhancing regional security cooperation, including by promoting best practices for regional approaches to countering violent extremism (CVE), and addressing media literacy, radicalization, and counter-messaging. 
2. Economic Growth: Increasing awareness and expertise in the areas of regional connectivity and trade, improving the business operating environment, bolstering private sector competitiveness, and supporting entrepreneurship and women’s economic empowerment. 
3. Energy and Environment: Increasing awareness about environmental issues in Central Asia and Afghanistan and promoting transition to, adoption, and scale-up of low emission and advanced energy solutions. Implementing environmental projects and initiatives. 
4. People-to-People Connections: Enhancing U.S.-Central Asian ties while upholding human rights and freedoms and promoting inclusive, sustainable development.

Participants and Audiences: 

Key Audiences: 

1. English speaking university students from Central Asian countries and Afghanistan 
2. English speaking high school students from Central Asian countries and Afghanistan 
3. C5+1 YC alumni working and studying in Central Asian countries and Afghanistan 

Secondary Audiences: 

1. Media institutions, journalists, bloggers and other content creators in Central Asian countries 
2. Experts in four sectors of common interest – security, economics, environmental challenges, and human rights. 
3. Young representatives from government agencies of Central Asian countries 
4. Civil society partners in Central Asian countries 
5. Private companies in Central Asian countries 
6. Central Asian governmental and non-governmental regional organizations and initiatives including Go Viral (a regional program focused on the creative economy), C5+ONE (a regional English program for professionals), and others.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization.

• Length of performance period: 12 months 
• Number of awards anticipated: 1 award 
• Anticipated program start date: October 2023 
• Funding Instrument Type: Cooperative agreement.