English Programs Fund

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The U.S. Embassy Yerevan, of the U.S. Department of State, announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program that will enhance the knowledge of English among the target audiences. The initiative will advance the U.S. Government goal of promoting English language learning and enhancing the understanding of U.S. culture and values. The initiative will also advance youth empowerment through skills-development activities for them to become competitive in academic and professional pursuits, and to become active citizens of their country. The initiative will specifically focus on the displaced Armenian youth of Nagorno-Karabakh (NK), aiming to provide them with English language skills and capacity-building activities to facilitate integration and preparation for the workforce. Priority Region: Yerevan and its suburbs (including neighboring communities). Applicants are strongly encouraged to involve beneficiaries from under-privileged/under-served communities. Executive Summary The U.S. Embassy in Armenia advances U.S. interests by helping Armenia succeed as a secure, prosperous, and democratic country, at peace with its neighbors, and more closely integrated with the Euro-Atlantic community. One of U.S. Embassy Yerevan Public Diplomacy Sections objectives is to promote English language learning and to enhance the understanding of U.S. culture and values. The initiative aims to enhance English language proficiency among youth and young adults as well as provide capacity-building activities. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh in acquiring the skills necessary to access educational and employment opportunities, this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is designed to address these challenges by supporting individual capacity-building in English education. Background The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan has invested in projects and activities that have promoted English language learning and offered professional development opportunities to the English teaching community. These initiatives aim to equip educators with modern teaching methodologies, fostering a student-centered learning environment, and facilitating growth through mentorship and expert guidance in the field. The U.S. Embassy has broadened its programming to cater to a more diverse audience, offering support for English language skill development and professional development that enhance employability and foster a global perspective. Beneficiaries of the U.S. missions English programs have expanded to include representatives of media outlets, government communications team members, and young adults from diverse backgrounds. English language proficiency enables beneficiaries to access diverse sources of information, attain better employment opportunities, compete in academic arenas, actively engage in community life, and communicate effectively on an international level in an increasingly globalized world. This initiative will address the emergent needs of young displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. By equipping them with English language proficiency and essential skills, this project will enhance their prospects for professional development and employment, and contribute to their integration into wider educational and employment networks, fostering resilience and empowerment within this community. This project not only serves the broader objectives of promoting English language learning and fostering cultural understanding, but also addresses the specific needs of displaced Armenians, thereby contributing to their long-term inclusion. Project Goals and Objectives The goal of this program is to expand the community of English language learners among Armenian youth and young adults, and to promote understanding of U.S. culture and democratic values through tailored content. The current project also addresses the need for skills development among youth and young adults from Nagorno Karabakh to contribute to resilience and integration for displaced Armenians resulting from Azerbaijans military offensive in Nagorno Karabakh in September 2023. The project aims to support Armenians from NK to diversify their skills to be able to aspire to more opportunities in education and employment. More details can be found in the attached NOFO