Funding-Limited Submission – U.S. Department of State - Global Connections and Exchange Programs: Global Connections 2.0 and Global Connections Afghanistan; May 7, 2012

The Youth Programs Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for two discrete projects under the Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) Program.

1. The new Global Connections 2.0 program will engage students and educators in the Middle East and North Africa and their counterparts in the United States. The program will include the selection and training of participants and the provision of a curriculum that facilitates collaboration around global themes. The Bureau expects to award one cooperative agreement of up to $750,000 under this program for a project lasting 24- 36 months beginning on or about September 1, 2012.

2. The Global Connections Afghanistan program will link students and teachers in the United States and Afghanistan online in order to promote dialogue and discovery among youth in these two societies. Applicant organizations will select, train, and match the secondary school participants and provide a structured online forum for facilitated discussion and joint projects. Applicants must have their own partner organization or branch office in Afghanistan. The Bureau expects to award one cooperative agreement of $150,000 under this program for a project lasting 12- 18 months beginning on or about September 1, 2012.

There is no minimum or maximum cost share percentage required for this competition, however, applicants are encouraged to provide maximum levels of cost sharing and funding.

Further information can be found at:  http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=166554

Organizational Limit:  An organization may submit up to two proposals in this competition, one for each project.

Internal Competition:  Because the Department of State only allows an organization to submit two proposals in this competition, one for each project, the University of Kentucky has established an internal selection process. Individuals interested in submitting to this program are to submit the following materials electronically to the Office of the Vice President for Research at vpr@email.uky.edu and a copy to their Associate Dean for Research by Monday, May 7, 2012:

· Names and departments of UK Project Director and key personnel

· Specify the program to which the proposal is responding (i.e., Global Connections 2.0 or Global Connects Afghanistan)

· Project overview (1-2 pages) – a project description that includes the strategy for identifying international partners and U.S. schools, curriculum theme(s), and a plan for holding online discussions

· If cost sharing is offered, a budget with match and potential sources of funding for that match. Note:  Because of ongoing commitments, the Office of the Vice President for Research is unable to provide matching funds.

A committee will be appointed to review the information and make a recommendation. The Department of State deadline is June 4, 2012. Questions about the submission process may be sent to Ms. Annette Evans in the Office of the Vice President for Research (alevan4@email.uky.edu or 257-1663).