Masterclass on AI for Economic Growth and Innovation

The U.S. Mission to El Salvador, through its Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador, has released a discretionary cooperative agreement opportunity under the funding opportunity number OFOP0002200. The initiative is titled “Masterclass on AI for Economic Growth and Innovation.” This grant is designed to strengthen bilateral relations by promoting U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and innovation while equipping Salvadoran youth with practical digital competencies. The effort is framed within broader U.S. public diplomacy objectives that emphasize science, technology, and education as tools for shared economic growth and democratic values. The core purpose of this three-day masterclass is to train Salvadoran youth leaders, university students, and digital content creators, aged 16 to 25, on American AI tools and demonstrate their applications in areas such as tourism, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. The event will feature two American experts who specialize in AI technologies and strategic communication, alongside a Salvadoran government speaker who will provide an overview of El Salvador’s 2025 AI law. This multi-perspective approach aims to present both local relevance and global competitiveness through U.S.-origin technologies. Funding for this initiative will be awarded through one cooperative agreement, with an award ceiling of $29,150 and a minimum floor of $20,000. The opportunity falls under Assistance Listing 19.040, which relates to Public Diplomacy Programs. While the total program funding is not explicitly stated, the provision for a single award indicates a focused, possibly pilot-level effort. The funding is aimed at enabling eligible institutions to develop and execute this masterclass with fidelity to the objectives and deliverables outlined. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations such as think tanks and civil society groups, as well as both public and private educational institutions. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements for this funding opportunity, making it accessible to a broader range of institutions that may not have supplemental resources for co-financing. The funder has not specified any geographic limitations beyond its primary focus on El Salvador, implying that all qualified institutions with a demonstrated capacity for international program implementation may apply. Applications must be submitted by September 19, 2025, and the notice was posted on July 22, 2025. There are no pre-application deadlines or information sessions mentioned. Interested applicants should direct their inquiries or requests for full announcements to the official contact email at sansalvador-grants@state.gov. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, suggesting a hands-on role by the U.S. Embassy in shaping and guiding the program execution, in line with U.S. strategic goals in the region. Overall, this funding opportunity not only offers financial support for a discrete educational program but also seeks to bolster U.S. standing in AI innovation and digital diplomacy. It targets a key demographic—Salvadoran youth—and intends to foster stronger international partnerships rooted in technological advancement and mutual economic growth.