U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy English Language Program

The U.S. Department of State's Embassy in Bishkek, through its Public Diplomacy Section, has announced an open competition for its English Language Program. This initiative seeks to enhance English language proficiency throughout the Kyrgyz Republic in order to promote deeper economic ties and collaboration between the United States and Kyrgyzstan. This effort is premised on the recognition that the current shortage of highly proficient English teachers (B2 level and above) in the Kyrgyz education system is a major barrier to students achieving functional English literacy. The program aims to address this issue through a multi-pronged strategy that includes teacher training, student engagement, and alumni mobilization, thus laying a foundation for long-term growth in English proficiency and American cultural understanding. The overarching goal of the program is to strengthen the quality of English language instruction at both the secondary and university levels. Four specific objectives are outlined: (1) increasing instructional capacity of English teachers through professional development and training that yields measurable language proficiency gains; (2) boosting confidence and use of English among teachers and students in academic and professional contexts; (3) enhancing understanding of American culture through direct engagement with U.S. educators and authentic content; and (4) recruiting advanced English-speaking alumni and students to teach English in public schools for at least one academic year. Each objective includes quantifiable targets for outcomes, such as increasing English proficiency by one CEFR level and improving frequency of English use in real-world contexts. The program will be funded through FY26 Smith Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, with up to two cooperative agreements awarded, each ranging from $100,000 to $200,000. Projects must be completed within 24 months and are anticipated to begin between September and October 2026. Continuation funding may be considered on a non-competitive basis depending on performance and fund availability. The cooperative agreement format allows for substantial involvement from the Embassy in areas such as curriculum approval, site selection, trainer recruitment, and public engagement. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, civil society organizations, and public or private educational institutions registered in the Kyrgyz Republic. U.S.-based NGOs and educational institutions may apply if they partner with Kyrgyz-registered entities. For-profit organizations are ineligible. Subcontracts are permitted with clearly defined roles, but only one non-profit entity may be the primary recipient. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. All applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be registered in SAM.gov. Only one application per organization is allowed. Applicants must submit a complete application package including standard federal assistance forms (SF-424, SF-424A, and SF-424B), a proposal of no more than 10 pages, a budget justification, résumés for key personnel, letters of support from partners, and documentation of nonprofit status and registration. The proposal must address the goals of the program, describe the problem and proposed solution, include a theory of change, and present a robust monitoring and evaluation plan. The application must be submitted by May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Bishkek time, either via Grants.gov or by email to [email protected]. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as quality of the proposal, organizational capacity, planning and implementation strategy, cost-effectiveness, monitoring and evaluation design, sustainability, and integration of American leadership. Award decisions will be announced within approximately 120 days of the application deadline. Projects selected for funding will receive detailed award documents from the Department of State, and grant recipients will be expected to submit regular programmatic and financial reports. The program aligns with the U.S. Embassy's strategic goal of fostering a generation of Kyrgyzstani students and educators who are proficient in English and engaged with American culture and commerce.

Demonstrate measurable English proficiency gains and cultural impact; align with U.S. diplomatic goals; include thorough evaluation plan and realistic, detailed budget.