U.S. Embassy San Jose Public Diplomacy Section Annual Program Statement

The U.S. Embassy San Jose Public Diplomacy (PD) Section of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to implement cultural or educational programs that strengthen ties between the United States and Costa Rica. A SOI should include cultural, exchange, and outreach activities that promote shared values and people-to-people ties between the United States and Costa Rica. The thematic areas for the projects must be aligned with Public Diplomacy priorities and the strategic goals of U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica detailed below. The submission of the Statement of Interest (SOI) is the first of a two-step process for successful proposals. Applicants must submit a concise one to two-page Statement of Interest that clearly communicates program ideas, objectives, target audiences, and a general budget overview. Applicants should not submit a detailed, full proposal at this stage. The purpose of the SOI process is to allow applicants to submit program ideas for evaluation prior to requiring the submission of a full proposal application. Upon a merit review of eligible SOIs, selected applicants will be invited to expand on their program idea(s) by submitting a full proposal application. Full proposals will go through a second merit review before a final funding decision is made. Priority Program Areas: Programs that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility including but not limited to: skills building programming, awareness-building, cultural programming, sports, countering gender-based violence, or educational opportunities. Programs that promote shared Unites States and Costa Rican values through English language learning, the arts, music, sports, entrepreneurship, STEAM education, and university preparation skills. Activities that foster long-term student and academic collaboration between U.S. and Costa Rican universities, technical schools, and community colleges, particularly in the fields of STEAM, semi-conductor workforce development, and English language teaching. Activities that increase media literacy and/or combat the spread of disinformation.