English Access Microscholarship Program 2023-24 | DOS KAZ AST AEECA 23 005

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS KAZ AST AEECA 23 005

The English Access Microscholarship Program 2023-24 is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity run through the U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan and managed locally by the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty. The Access program has been operating in Kazakhstan since 2007 and has already reached more than 1,600 students across over 15 regions. This particular competition is designed to keep expanding structured English language training for secondary school youth, especially as interest continues to grow in rural and suburban communities in southern Kazakhstan. The core idea is to fund local educational organizations that can design and deliver a two-year, in-person English learning program that combines after-school instruction with intensive sessions, while also introducing students to U.S. culture and values and strengthening skills that help them contribute to their communities and compete for future educational and exchange opportunities.

The target participants are boys and girls ages 13 to 15, selected in equal gender balance (50/50 per group), from standard secondary schools in Talgar, Taraz, and Sayram. The program is specifically meant for bright students from socially and economically underprivileged backgrounds who begin with a basic level of English and can commit to attending the full two-year program. Students who complete the program graduate with a certificate issued by the U.S. Consulate General in Kazakhstan, which underscores that the program is not only about language instruction but also about sustained engagement and completion.

The overall goal is framed in development terms: supporting the socio-economic development of Kazakhstan by building English proficiency and critical thinking among disadvantaged youth in rural and suburban schools. The stated objectives break this down into several skill areas. First, the program aims to move roughly 90 to 110 students from beginner to intermediate English over two years using interactive methods and real-world, contextual practice. Second, it seeks to improve students understanding of key issues affecting their own communities and encourage constructive ways for them to participate in addressing local challenges. Third, it emphasizes deeper understanding of U.S. culture and values alongside critical thinking. Fourth, it includes practical digital competencies, aiming to strengthen media literacy and basic computer skills, including effective use of search engines and social media.

Organizations that receive funding are expected to handle the full delivery cycle of the program at the community level. That includes advertising and promoting the opportunity locally, selecting both students and staff, organizing and delivering the English instruction (after-school plus intensive components), and coordinating closely with the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty throughout implementation. Because the award instrument is a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant, the Consulate is expected to be actively involved during implementation. The notice anticipates substantial engagement from Consulate staff in areas such as teacher and student recruitment, planning and running program activities, arranging visits by U.S. government alumni or other representatives, and organizing ceremonies.

In funding terms, the opportunity offers a total of $100,000 available, with an expected 1 to 3 awards. Individual awards are listed as ranging from $31,000 to $33,000 minimum/typical amounts, with an overall award ceiling of $100,000. The performance period is 20 to 24 months (covering two academic years), with programs expected to start around September 2023 and be completed by September 2025 or earlier. The assistance is provided under U.S. foreign assistance authorities for Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia. Cost sharing is not required, and pre-award costs are not allowed, meaning applicants should not expect to be reimbursed for expenses incurred before an award is formally made.

Eligibility is limited to Kazakhstan-based organizations. The announcement allows a wide range of entity types, including not-for-profits, civil society/NGOs, think tanks, public international organizations, governmental institutions, and public educational institutions, especially those with relevant English-teaching experience. However, applicants are expected to be established organizations with at least three years of experience administering educational programs and/or teaching English, ideally to the same age group. Applicants must also have access to a dependable pool of English instructors who can commit to the project, and organizations with demonstrated ability to work with educational institutions at a national level are likely to be favored.

The application package must follow strict formatting and submission rules. Proposals must clearly address the program goals, audience, and objectives; all documents must be in English; budgets must be in U.S. dollars; pages must be numbered; and materials must be formatted to 8.5 x 11 paper. Microsoft Word documents are required to be single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins, and all required signatures must be included on the appropriate forms. Application forms are available through the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan website and Grants.gov materials referenced in the notice.

Applications were due by August 1, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Astana time, with the warning that the deadline is firm and not rolling, and late submissions are deemed ineligible. Review may take up to 60 days. Submission is by email to sgp-kazakhstan@state.gov using the subject line "Access 2023 proposal." Applicants also must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration to receive an award. Since SAM registration can take 4 to 8 weeks, the notice stresses starting that process early. For program design expectations and operational guidance, applicants are pointed to official references, including the Access Program page (exchanges.state.gov) and the Access Provider Handbook (handbook.access-program.org).

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "English Access Microscholarship Program 2023-24" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 29, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 01, 2023. (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 $100,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for DOS KAZ AST AEECA 23 005

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: