Funding-Limited Submission – U.S. Department of State - Global Connections and Exchange Programs: U.S.-Australia Virtual Environmental Partnership; May 7, 2012

The Youth Programs Division, Office of Citizen Exchanges, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announces an open competition for the new U.S.-Australia Virtual Environmental Partnership under the Global Connections and Exchange Program.  Eligible applicants may submit proposals for programs that will use connective technologies to create collaborative environmental science projects on the theme of environmental water resources between eight American and eight Australian high schools. Applicant organizations will identify their own partner organization in Australia. 

One cooperative agreement of $100,000 will be awarded.  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/synopsis.do;jsessionid=XTrkPXNbm2jpnhpQJnJVQvT4JHhlsxQjLFvvTxJxPVWt2JQhZTh6!-2135146600

Organizational Limit:  An organization may submit up only one (1) proposal in this competition.

Internal Competition:  Because the Department of State only allows an organization to submit one application in this competition, 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

· Project overview (1-2 pages) – a project description that includes the strategy for identifying Australian and U.S. schools, and a description of the program activities (online collaborative activities, community engagement, and virtual project presentations)

· 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).