PDS Sofia invites proposals for programs that bolster the people-to-people ties between the United States and Bulgaria through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation.

All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection

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with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U. S. policy and perspectives and promote shared values.

Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following priority themes:
· Promote leadership skills, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and innovation among secondary and university students.

· Deepen the social, cultural, and educational connections between the United States and Bulgaria, especially through the development of active, sustainable alumni networks.

· Boost public understanding of and support for Bulgaria’s role as a strong NATO Ally as it celebrates its 20th year in the Alliance.

· Develop youth skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), especially focused on assisting youth from underserved, vulnerable, or rural communities (outside major metropolitan areas).

· Strengthen the development of robust independent media and civil society organizations to bolster civic participation and improve societal trust in democratic institutions.

· Increase media and digital literacy and improve Bulgarian society’s resilience to disinformation.

· Advance the inclusion and integration of historically underserved and vulnerable communities, including women, Roma and other minority groups, LGBTQI+ individuals, Ukrainian refugees, other migrants, and disadvantaged youth.

· Increase interconnectivity between Bulgaria and other countries in the region, including joint projects that foster cooperation between the citizens of Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

· Promote dialogue and civic participation in programs that confront climate change and that advance environmental sustainability and energy diversification.