The grant could provide up to $1,000,000.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Section (PD) to develop and implement the English Access Micro-Scholarship Program. Public Diplomacy Section (PD) seeks to provide Iraqi youth with educational opportunities through English-language instruction in accordance with Mission Iraq goals. The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) provides a foundation of English-language skills to talented, bright, economically disadvantaged students, primarily between the ages of 13 to 18, through after-school classes and intensive summer sessions. As part of their course work, Access students gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate in their countries' socioeconomic development and better prepare themselves to compete for future U.S. exchange and study programs. Through the program, the students are encouraged to develop respect for and interest in other cultures, customs, and beliefs. Implementers are encouraged to thoughtfully design activities include the following topics: global citizenship, STEM subjects, critical thinking, environmental awareness, human rights, U.S. democracy and government, U.S. civil society, diversity and tolerance, U.S. History, U.S. education system, U.S. family and relationship values, and U.S. and global health. The program also provides U.S.-based professional development and English-language workshops for selected teachers and students. Since its inception in 2004, approximately 150,000 students in more than 80 countries have participated in the Access Program.