U.S. Embassy San Jose Public Diplomacy Section Girls in STEAM Project | PD 001 FY2024

Opportunity Information: Apply for PD 001 FY2024

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose, through its Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Department of State, is offering a grant opportunity to support a "Girls in STEAM" program in Costa Rica. The core purpose is public diplomacy: the project should help Costa Ricans better understand U.S. values, culture, people, and foreign policy priorities, while also building the academic skills, soft skills, and leadership capacity of high-school aged girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). In practical terms, the Embassy is looking for a program that strengthens girls' confidence and ability to pursue STEAM education and careers, and that helps reduce the gender gap that often shows up in STEAM fields both academically and professionally.

The program concept is expected to include, at minimum, a one-week (or longer) tech camp. This camp can be designed in a variety of formats, but it should feature real skills-building and hands-on learning, ideally with innovation activities such as project development, design challenges, or competitions. The camp should give participants meaningful exposure to STEAM topics and practice using STEAM skills, rather than being limited to lectures. Beyond technical learning, proposals should also intentionally promote women's participation in STEAM fields of study and career paths, and should incorporate leadership development so that participants leave with stronger communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and self-advocacy skills that support long-term success.

A key factor that makes proposals more competitive is a clear U.S. connection. The Embassy encourages applicants to integrate American experts, organizations, institutions, universities, private-sector businesses, or other elements that build understanding of U.S. perspectives and people. This could include virtual guest speakers from the U.S., mentorship sessions with U.S.-based professionals, collaboration with American companies operating in Costa Rica, or participation by U.S. educators, researchers, or volunteers. The point is not just technical training, but also a thoughtful exchange component that advances the Embassy's public diplomacy goals while supporting girls' STEAM growth.

The application process is structured as a two-step competition. First, applicants submit a short Statement of Interest (SOI) that is only one to two pages long. At this stage, the Embassy does not want a full proposal. The SOI should clearly describe the program idea, objectives, intended participants and target audience, and provide a general budget overview at a high level. The Embassy will review SOIs for merit and eligibility, and only selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. Those full proposals will then go through a second merit review before the Embassy makes a final award decision. The full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), including complete instructions and requirements, is available on Grants.gov as an attachment and is also posted via the U.S. Embassy San Jose website link referenced in the opportunity.

In terms of eligibility, the Embassy will consider applications from both the United States and Costa Rica. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofit organizations (such as think tanks and civil society or nongovernmental organizations) with relevant programming experience, individuals, and nonprofit or educational institutions. The funding instrument is a grant, the opportunity is labeled as mandatory under the listing, and it falls under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category (CFDA number 19.040). The opportunity number is PD 001 FY2024. The anticipated award ceiling is $50,000, with one award expected. The original closing date listed for submissions is March 15, 2024, and the opportunity was created on January 8, 2024.

• The U.S. Mission to Costa Rica in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "U.S. Embassy San Jose Public Diplomacy Section Girls in STEAM Project" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-01-08.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-03-15. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $50,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for PD 001 FY2024

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