Federal Youth Grants

This program provides funding for colleges and universities to engage undergraduate students in hands-on research experiences across various scientific fields, with a focus on supporting those from underrepresented backgrounds and institutions with limited STEM opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that deliver comprehensive outpatient treatment and recovery services for youth and young adults facing substance use and mental health challenges, particularly those from underserved populations.

This grant provides funding to organizations working in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean to develop programs that help youth avoid gang involvement and related violence through community support, education, and rehabilitation initiatives.

Executive Summary:The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo is seeking proposals to establish and support a network of youth clubs across Sri Lanka aimed at enhancing skills in fact-checking, debating, discerning misinformation, and promoting media literacy. These clubs will provide young Sri Lankans with the opportunity to learn top-notch speaking and discerning skills thereby developing misinformation resiliency skills through classroom exercises, hands-on workshops, and competitions. The aim is to offer a structured yet flexible format for members to learn to identify, analyze, and discern false information using evidence-based methods, fostering critical thinking and informed citizenship. Proposals should outline how the grantee will establish and train a network of administrators, who will then manage youth-oriented clubs in multiple locations across Sri Lanka, utilizing skill building sessions, case studies, and various engagements. The goal of this program is to support the development of the next generation of Sri Lankan youth debaters, fact-checkers, critical thinkers, and public speakers.

Request for Information/Sources Sought Notice-Countering Violent Extremism in Northeast Syria Among the YouthThis Request for Information (RFI) seeks insights on effective strategies to combat violent extremism, particularly among youth, in non-regime areas of Syria with a particular focus on the northeast (NES). The questions included in Attachment 1 aim to gather information on factors contributing to youth vulnerability to violent extremism. Additionally, the RFI seeks to explore potential partnerships and strategies to engage local communities, public institutions, and the private sector in building youth resilience against extremist messaging and recruitment efforts.By understanding these dynamics, USAID/Syria aims to develop comprehensive, community-driven approaches to prevent youth radicalization and support sustainable peace in the region.

With this solicitation, OJJDP seeks applications to support a national network of 61 multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional task forces engaged in investigations, forensic examinations and prosecutions related to technology facilitated child sexual exploitation. Additionally, task forces provide forensic technical assistance to law enforcement and prosecutorial officials and provide community education information to parents, educators, prosecutors, law enforcement and others working to combat child exploitation. The successful applicant will provide program support to OJJDP; the ICAC task forces; ICAC National Training Program providers; and other federal, state, and local law enforcement officials partnering with the ICAC task force program specifically by maintaining, strengthening, and enhancing the ICAC Child Online Protection System (ICACCOPS) investigative tools.

A. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy Kinshasa announces an Open Competition for organizations interested in submitting applications for projects that promote accountable, transparent, and democratic governance and promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for all individuals. In this vein, selected projects will target youth and women interested in becoming political leaders in their communities and country. Projects will focus on education and empowerment, and will develop curricula, that cover civic engagement, peaceful participation in political processes, ethics in politics, community leadership and advocacy. Goals Projects should demonstrate systemic change and be designed to achieve the following objectives: Objective 1: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 2: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 3: Inspire youth and womens desire to participate in democratic processes by enlisting experienced youth and women in politics to develop a mentorship program. Objective 4: Develop entrepreneurial capacities of youth and women that contribute towards access to educational programs, creating sustainable income-generating activities, and paying for involvement in electoral processes. Objective 5: Establish centers of learning and capacity-building for open dialogue among youth and women, civil society, governments, and the communities they serve. Objective 6: Empower key reformers and actors to promote access to justice, strengthen checks on executive power, and incorporate citizen-responsive governance to reduce corruption and improve the delivery of public services. Objective 7: Provide technical support and integrate program with or leverage existing programs, local resources, and/or the activities of other donors.

The Bureau of lnternational Labor Affairs (ILAB), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL, or the Department), announces the availability of approximately $4,000,000 total costs (subject to the availability of Federal funds) for one cooperative agreement to fund a technical assistance project in the United Republic of Tanzania to improve implementation of laws, policies, and action plans to combat child labor (CL) and promote Acceptable Conditions of Work (ACW) in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). In order to achieve the project goal, applicants must propose strategies to achieve the following outcomes:Outcome(s)(1) Increased capacity of key stakeholders to collect and disseminate data on CL and ACW in ASGM;(2) Increased monitoring, identification, and reporting of instances of CL and ACW in ASGM; and(3) Increased capacity of key stakeholders to address CL and promote ACW in ASGM at the local level.Questions regarding this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Forecast may be emailed to [email protected].

The U.S. Mission to Ecuador announces an open competition to submit project applications to the 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Democracy Projects. We cordially invite individuals, organizations, and alumni to submit proposals aimed at fostering democratic values among the youth. The U.S. Mission in Ecuador seeks innovative projects that actively engage youth across Ecuadors diverse regionsthe coast, highlands, and Amazon. Proposals should creatively promote democratic principles, including civic education and strengthening civic awareness through communication strategies.

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to develop, organize, and oversee the 2025 Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Summit, pending the availability of funds. The four-day Summit (exclusive of arrival and departure dates) in 2025 will gather over 150 YSEALI exchange program alumni from across ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste. The award recipient is expected to design a youth-focused, high-energy, and dynamic Summit that will provide the next generation of Southeast Asian leaders the opportunity to build networks, discuss ideas, and develop solutions to contemporary challenges. The YSEALI Summit in Malaysia will be conducted in English. The content of the program should touch on each of the four pillars of YSEALI and include leadership, mentorship, and teamwork training. The Summit will enable participants to see how YSEALI members have become leaders in Southeast Asian communities through community service, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and education. The Summit should feature panels and presentations by prior YSEALI participants from each country who have become changemakers in their fields. The Summit should feature sessions giving participants the opportunity to work together to develop possible solutions to current environmental, social, political, and economic challenges in the region. Participants should learn innovative approaches to promote relations among ASEAN countries and with the United States through presentation, case studies and simulations. The Summit will also provide leadership and other soft skills training on topics such as advocacy, negotiation, and personal branding, which are core soft skills YSEALI alumni need to become successful leaders. Participants will also have a chance to join cultural activities, and other site visits that support the Summits theme. The Summit will include a mix of informational sessions, discussions and challenges, and break-out sessions on different topics and group presentations, as well as site and cultural visits.

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) offers this grant to fund a national membership and accreditation organization supporting Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs). These centers coordinate responses to child abuse victims by providing training, technical assistance, and promoting national standards. This initiative is in line with the Department of Justice’s efforts to enhance community safety and protect civil rights, focusing on building trust between law enforcement and communities. The program targets to uphold law, ensure national safety, and protect civil rights by fostering environments that support victims of child abuse through multidisciplinary collaborations.

This grant provides funding for new researchers to develop and conduct studies aimed at preventing various forms of violence affecting children and youth, with a focus on practical solutions and addressing health disparities.

With this solicitation, OJJDP seeks applications for funding to support cross-system collaboration to improve responses and outcomes for youth under the age of 18 or youth under the jurisdiction of the juvenile justice system with mental health disorders (MHD) or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (MHSUDs) who come in contact with the juvenile justice system. This program supports public safety efforts through partnerships with youth justice, mental health, and substance use agencies to enhance responses to justice-involved youth with MHD and MHSUDs.

This award is to support community development and resilience with geospatial data and digital technology by engaging university-aged youth. The activities anticipated as part of this award will add valuable, free and openly accessible data to digital ecosystems of lower and middle income countries, which in turn can be used by USAID programs and humanitarian assistance activities. The award will specifically focus on youth training, geospatial data collection, and analysis to help communities address local development challenges. Activities will also engage marginalized populations to ensure representation of the diversity of partner country populations. USAID anticipates awarding one to three grants and/or cooperative agreements under this Addendum. Issuance of this Addendum does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the U.S. Government to make an award, nor does it commit the U.S. Government to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a Concept Note or Application(s). The actual number of assistance awards is subject to the availability of funds, as well as the viability of eventual full Applications received.

The U.S. Embassy Baghdad Public Diplomacy Section (PD Section), on behalf of U.S. Mission Iraq, is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. Applications for programs are accepted on a rolling basis until the deadline of September 1, 2024. A grant review committee will review outstanding applications on a rolling basis. This Notice of Funding Opportunity covers the whole of Iraq, to include the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). Please carefully follow all instructions attached. Purpose of Small Grants: The Embassy PD Section invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural ties between the United States and Iraq through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Examples of Projects include, but are not limited to: Academic and professional lectures, seminars, and speaker programs. Youth leadership programs. Professional and academic exchanges and non-research projects. Entrepreneurship and innovation in technological or other fields. Priority Programming Areas: Strengthening Governance, Democracy, and the Rule of Law Strengthening Civil Society and Promoting Civic Engagement Enhancing Professionalism in the Media Combatting Disinformation Countering Violent Extremism Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship Empowering Women, Youth, or Religious and Ethnic Minorities Fostering U.S.-Iraqi Cultural Ties Protecting and Preserving Iraqi Cultural Heritage

Executive Summary The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, Turkmenistan announces an open competition to implement a program to operate three (3) American Corners in Turkmenistan in Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. Other American Corners may be developed at the direction of the Public Diplomacy Section. American Spaces in Turkmenistan is a network of PD-funded cultural centers, which are a global network of over 600 State Department-sponsored cultural centers. The American Spaces in Turkmenistan conduct youth-oriented cultural and experiential learning programs to improve skills in English, STEM, entrepreneurship, and climate change awareness. The primary audience for these programs will be Turkmen youth, including girls and women, school and university students, teachers, young professionals, especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and USG alumni. The award recipient will be responsible for overseeing administrative aspects of the American Spaces program, to include staffing of selected corners, training logistics, and equipment and facility maintenance. The recipient will also assist in implementing American Spaces programming with significant Public Diplomacy Section input and assistance to ensure the programming meets Mission goals and objectives. Potential implementor will also be responsible for planning, executing, closing, and monitoring and evaluation of all the activities and programs conducted at the American Corners. The expected date range for implementation of this project is May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026. Please follow the instructions below for the application. Background American Spaces are the premier public diplomacy platform of the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat in Turkmenistan that has been strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the people of Turkmenistan and the United States of America for almost 20 years. American Spaces are located in Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat and offer English resources and development opportunities to meet interests of diverse audiences, while also serving as gateways for the Turkmen citizens to learn about American society, culture and education. The American Spaces are well known in the community for their regular English-language activities, such as conversation groups with native speakers, workshops with visiting specialists, and regular presentations by Americans on U.S. life and culture. American Spaces also partner with international and local organizations (e.g., the Smithsonian Institution) to conduct highly impactful programs, such as the Academy for Women Entrepreneurship in partnership with Arizona State Universitys School of Global Management, a variety of STEM programs to introduce local youth to web design and app development, as well as book festivals and eco festivals. Project Audiences The primary audiences for American Spaces in Turkmenistan are: a. School and university students b. School and university teachers c. Young professionals, such as current/aspiring entrepreneurs d. Girls and women e. Civil society representatives f. USG programs alumni Project Goal To deepen mutual understanding, foster collaboration and cultivate partnerships between the people of the United States and Turkmenistan through free-of-charge cultural and experiential learning programs conducted at American Corners in all the regions of Turkmenistan: Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat. Project Objectives Objective 1. Oversee and administer American Corners operations within the allocated budget over a 12-month period, demonstrated by implementation of innovative solutions to technical and logistical challenges, maintenance of staffs high professional standards, and cost-efficient maintenance of spaces, while maintaining the modern aesthetic and accessibility standards of American Spaces. The implementer will maintain the American Corners physical space in safe, accessible, and welcoming and inspiring environment that is designed in accordance with modern American Spaces branding recommendations; provide logistical support with procurement, shipping and technical and Internet service to meet the Corners programming needs; and constantly seek opportunities to reduce the cost of rent; hire and retain top talent to work at American Corners, provide professional development to staff; and ensure publicity of Corner offerings and programs via social/print media. The American Spaces standards mandate that all American Corners maintain collections of books, magazines, computer workstations, and an area for programs. All materials at the American Cornersto include internet accessmust be free and open to the public. American Corners may vary in size, but have the following minimum characteristics: Secure location with public access; Minimum size of approximately 100 square meters; Library containing a minimum of 500 English books selected and provided by the U.S. Mission; Program venue to accommodate 20 people; Open and accessible to women and girls; Accessible to people with disabilities; Furniture, such as: o 1520 chairs o 23 reading tables o 58 computer desks o 2 office desks with chair Equipment, such as: o 1 printer o 1 copier o 1 scanner o 1 digital camera o 12 gas heaters as required o 1 air conditioner as required o 510 computer workstations o 58 uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units o 1 laptop o 5-10 iPads o 1 projector screen o 1 sound system (speakers + mic for public programs) o 3D Printer o MakerSpace robotic and technology materials The three existing American Corners in Dashoguz, Mary and Turkmenabat already have the equipment and furniture mentioned above, which will be made available for the new implementing partner. Objective 2. Design and execute a range of diverse programming activities across six core areas of American Spaces (explained below) in alignment with Mission goals, demonstrated by sustained participation and increases in participant turnout. American Spaces operate based on the global standards of the American Spaces program. These standards mandate that every American Corner offer programming in six core areas free of charge for all the participants: 1. English language teaching and learning: Increase English language proficiency and instructional skills of English language learners and English language teachers, particularly for underserved audiences by facilitating a wide range of programs that build the skills of English language teachers and promote English language learning. American Corners provide access to English language speakers and professional development/teacher training resources provided by the State Department. 2. Information about the United States: Increase awareness and understanding of our primary audiences about American history, culture, and society through people-people diplomacy. American Corners also offer collections of English books, videos, newspapers, magazines, photo galleries, and Internet access and ensure these collections remain accurate, up to date, and audience appropriate. 3. Educational advising: Increase the knowledge and skills of high-school students on higher education opportunities in the United States by providing accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date guidance on applying to U.S. colleges and universities. 4. Alumni engagement: Support continuing engagement with alumni of U.S. exchange programs and cultural enrichment programs, connecting them to local audiences by sharing their U.S. experience and expertise to benefit the local communities. 5. Skills Building: Develop skills and increase capacity of the Turkmen population to meet global challenges, mitigate crises, increase trade, support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and opportunity and strengthen resilience to economic, technological, environmental and other global challenges. American Corners continue offering programs to meet interests of diverse audiences in the regions especially by organizing projects that promote English language, innovation, entrepreneurship, environmental protection, and gender equality in STEM, as well as teach skills such as critical thinking and media literacy, resume writing and job promotion, how to launch entrepreneurial or social development projects, how to use makerspace equipment to conduct projects. 6. Strategic Cultural Programs: Foster people-to-people connections, increase understanding and build respect towards the United States with Turkmenistan audiences through cultural programs, that can include visual and performing arts, film, literature, health, food culture/cuisine, sports, science and technology, volunteerism, makerspace activities, environment, civil society, and entrepreneurship introducing Turkmen audiences to virtually any aspect of culture, from an American perspective. American Corners are encouraged to take advantage of the full scope of cultural programming resources offered by the State Department, including arts, sports, and science envoys; speaker programs; films; the GLOBE program (Global Learning and Observation to Benefit the Environment); Model UN programs; and print and digital offerings developed by the State Department and the Smithsonian Institution. Objective 3. Establish sustained partnerships with local organizations to curate and implement cultural and experiential learning initiatives for local communities, demonstrated by increased number of joint outreach efforts. Examples of those public engagement initiatives can include joint Book Festivals, Cultural Concerts, Eco Festivals, film screenings, and regional and national competitions. Objective 4. Increase participation of primary audiences from the regions in U.S. Embassy programs by facilitating access to exchange programs, training opportunities, and study tours, demonstrated by the increase in qualified applicants from the regions.

The U.S. Embassy Kingston Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Grants Program. This Annual Program Statement outlines our funding priorities, strategic themes, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. The deadline is necessary to provide sufficient time to process and award programs in advance of the end of our fiscal year on September 30, 2024. Project proposals should aim to strengthen ties between the United States and Jamaica by highlighting shared values and promoting bilateral cooperation. Proposals must convey an American element, which supports a priority program area (see below) or includes a connection with American expert(s), organization(s) or institution(s) in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority program areas include: • Climate, Environment, and Energy o For example, addressing the climate crisis, responding to natural disasters, conserving nature, water security, sustainable agriculture, reducing harmful pollutants, energy resilience, and renewable energy. • Combating Financial Scamming and Other Criminal Activity o For example, addressing corruption and money laundering, improving police-public relations, appreciation of the law, teaching digital literacy, detecting financial scamming, and promoting behaviors that increase community safety. • Programs for At-Risk Youth o For example, diversion programs to prevent youth violence, educational programs for critical life skills, and parent/family interventions. • Economic Prosperity o For example, business development, closing skills gaps in local communities, human resources, infrastructure, cybersecurity, resource development, and trade. • Global Health o For example, managing contagious and infectious diseases, public health workforce development, and public health policy and management. • Gender Issues o For example, women’s empowerment, improving outcomes for marginalized male youth, addressing gender-based violence, and LGBTQIA+ issues. • Human Rights and Democracy o For example, addressing fundamental human rights, human trafficking, immigration, refugees, governance, the role of civil society, and freedom of the press/media. Additional details on these policy priorities are available at https://www.state.gov/policy-issues/ Target participants/audiences: • Women and/or youth in underserved communities • Business leaders and entrepreneurs • Community leaders and influencers • Academic and/or cultural institutions • Journalists and/or media organizations The following types of projects are not eligible for funding: • Projects relating to partisan political activity • For-profit activities • Charitable or development activities • Construction projects • Projects that support specific religious activities • Fundraising campaigns • Lobbying for specific legislation or projects • Scientific research • Projects that duplicate existing projects Authorizing legislation, type, and year of funding: Funding authorities applicable are the Smith-Mundt Act and Foreign Assistance Act for FY2024 Public Diplomacy funds.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Youth Programs Division of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an FY 2024 open competition for three distinct regional Youth Ambassadors programs (previously called Youth Leadership Programs) with select countries in East Asia and Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR), and the Middle East and North Africa (NEA). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to provide participants with four-week exchanges in the United States focused on the primary themes of civic education, leadership development, respect for diversity, and community engagement and to support the implementation of service projects in their home communities. The EAP and NEA programs also will engage approximately 3-5 adult mentors in programming alongside youth participants. Competitively selected U.S. secondary students will join participants in U.S.-based activities on the NEA exchanges. Only one proposal per region will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission per region from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review for the region from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Global Leaders Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, administer, and implement the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program. The YSEALI Professional Fellows Program will bring a minimum of 320 emerging leaders, ages 25-35, from Southeast Asia to the United States to participate in leadership and professional development activities under the themes of Civic Engagement; Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Empowerment; Society and Governance; and Sustainability and the Environment. The U.S.-based exchange component will be five to six weeks in duration and consist of: 1) Professional Fellowship Institutes (Institute) related to each of the program themes which feature individually tailored fellowship placements at relevant U.S. non-profit, public, or private sector organizations; and 2) a program closing conference called the YSEALI Fellows Forum in Washington, DC. Upon the conclusion of the U.S.-based exchange program, a minimum of 80 American participants will travel overseas for minimum one-week reciprocal exchanges to assist the Southeast Asian Fellows in implementing action plans in their local communities. The YSEALI Professional Fellows Program will also include follow-on alumni engagement activities. The award recipient will be responsible for program planning and implementation, including the oversight and coordination of the eight Institutes under the YSEALI themes. One Institute under each of the four themes (a total of four) will take place in the Spring of 2025, with the remaining four Institutes occurring in the Fall of 2025. The recipient must also be committed to collaborating with ECA to support the Fellow;apos;s participation in broader YSEALI activities/events during the program lifecycle, including joint activities with ECAs YSEALI Academic Fellows Program (which is advertised under a separate NOFO). Applicants can administer the program fully or may propose to directly implement a minimum of two Institutes under a single theme (one in the Spring, one in the Fall) and administer sub-awards for the remaining six Institutes. No sub-recipient will be allowed to directly implement more than two Institutes (one in the Spring/one in the Fall). ECA welcomes applications from U.S. public and private non-profit organizations, consortium of organizations, and accredited post-secondary U.S. educational institutions meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3). Applicants may submit only one proposal under this competition. If multiple proposals are received from the same applicant, all submissions will be declared ineligible and receive no further consideration in the review process. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

The Global Leaders Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) invites proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, administer, and implement the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI) Program. The JCSVEI will strengthen engagement between young people in the Middle East and North Africa (NEA) region and in the United States as a lasting tribute to the legacy of Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens. The JCSVEI will use various virtual exchange formats, technology, and online tools to facilitate exchange programs that address the themes of: Civic Engagement; Empowering Women and Girls; Climate Change and Sustainability; Language Learning and Practice; and Digital Literacy Skill Development. By using a wide range of virtual exchange formats, the program should reach approximately 10,000 participants each year. The JCSVEI will also include an Alumni Leadership Academy, and other follow-on alumni engagement activities. Organizations applying for this federal award are required to identify up to 12 subawards to implement virtual exchange programs as part of the JCSVEI. The award recipient must demonstrate capacity to manage up to 12 subawards and will be responsible for all subaward oversight. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please see the full announcement for additional information.