The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Islamabad of the U.S. Department of State (hereafter referred to as “RELO Pakistan”) is pleased to announce an open competition for assistance awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
This grant is for the countrywide management of the English Works! program, in collaboration with in-country educational service providers. The target demographic for this project is under-employed and unemployed young adults ages 17-25. Participants will be identified and/or selected by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates from across Pakistan. In-country educational service providers that conduct the classes are also selected by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates. (Note: Throughout this NOFO, schools, NGOs, and other partners will be referred to as “in-country educational service providers.”)
RELO Pakistan’s purpose in funding projects under this opportunity is to improve human capacity by creating a better educated and more skillful workforce. This program will increase participants’ English language proficiency and employability, enabling them to become more productive members of their community and society.
English Works! is an intensive six-month (240+ contact hours) English-language proficiency and skills enhancement program for youth, ages 17-25. The overall goal of English Works! is to enhance the English language proficiency and employability of underserved youth. The program aims to improve the participants’ English language proficiency by focusing on specific language skills and vocabulary needed for employment or entrepreneurship. In addition to improving English language proficiency, the program aims to improve the participants’ leadership and critical thinking skills for future study and work opportunities through industry-specific site visits, guest speakers, and tech camps.
Public Diplomacy Goals
Strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and Pakistan through shared information, experiences, exchanges, and/or expertise.
Strengthen civil society and local organizations to build long-term, self-sustaining relationships and institutional linkages between U.S. and Pakistani organizations, including capacity building for Pakistani organizations.
Promote community cohesion through positive messages and inclusive perspectives that increase social tolerance and counter extremist narratives.
Project Objectives
Participants increase their English language proficiency, critical thinking skills, employability, leadership, and other career-ready skills to become more productive members of their community and society.
Participants will share what they learned throughout the 6-month English Works! program with their schools and home communities, cascading skills and knowledge to those who were not able to attend the program.
Build on the 4,000-plus English Works! alumni network to reach audiences and areas in need of economic growth and development.
Funding Information
Length of performance period: Up to two (2) years
Number of awards anticipated: 1 award
Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $1,500,000 to a maximum of $2,000,000
Total available funding: $2,000,000
Participants
The target demographic for this project is under-employed and unemployed young adults ages 17-25. Participants will be identified and/or selected by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates from across Pakistan. Schools or other educational service providers that conduct the classes are also selected by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates. (Note: Throughout this NOFO, schools, NGOs, and other partners will be referred to as “in-country educational service providers.”)
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
Not-for-profit organizations
Civil society/non-governmental organizations
Public and private educational institutions (Not-for-profit departments)
Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, non-profit, nongovernmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal.
Cost-sharing or matching is welcomed but not required for this funding opportunity.
Pre-award costs are not an allowable expense for this funding opportunity.
