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 proposals (statements of interest) for a well-conceived program that promotes increased understanding of the United States’ values, culture, foreign

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policy priorities, and/or people among the Costa Rican public through building the academic, soft skill, and leadership capacity of high-school aged girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) fields.

The goal of this project is to empower young women in Costa Rica to pursue STEAM careers, to bridge academic and professional gender gaps in STEAM fields, and to develop, cultivate, and hone science and technology skills.

Applicants should submit a Statement of Interest (SOI) to implement a program that includes but is not limited to the following elements:
· A one-week (or longer) “tech camp” that may include skills building, hands-on innovation and competition, and exposure and practice with activities centered on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

· Promotion of the participation of women in STEAM fields of study and careers.

· Build leadership skills and confidence among young women to empower them to pursue career and academic pathways in STEAM fields.

Competitive proposals will incorporate a connection with an American expert(s), organization(s), institution(s), higher education institutions, private businesses, or another element that promotes increased understanding of U. S. policy, perspectives, and/or people.

Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that include virtual or in-person participation of U. S. experts, speakers, teachers, and/or volunteers where possible.

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.

Full NOFO document is in grants.gov as an attachment to this Funding Opportunity, and you can also find it in the link below in the San Jose U. S. Embassy Web page - Please read the full document for all instructions.