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The Office of English Language Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA/A/L) announces an open competition to administer the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access), which provides a foundation of English language skills to bright, economically disadvantaged students in their home countries. Access programs introduce students, primarily aged 13 to 20, to U.S. culture and democratic values, improve the students' potential to fully contribute to the socio-economic development of their countries, and increase their ability to compete for and participate in U.S. exchange and study programs.

For 2019, at least three grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to schools, school districts, and nonprofit organizations in support of initiatives and programs designed to advance the academic development of underserved students. To be eligible, applicants must be either a public school or not-for-profit organization in the U.S. serving students from pre-K through 12th grade. Applications will be evaluated on the extent to which the award will benefit students who face systemic barriers to academic opportunities, including students who identify as black or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Asian/Pacific Islander; students learning English and speaking a language other than English fluently; and students experiencing economic disadvantage. Programs also will be evaluated based on evidence base, equity focus, cultural relevance, and academic focus. Use of NWEA products and services is not required for eligibility and will not be considered when selecting grant recipients.

The Office of Citizen Exchanges, Sports Diplomacy Division, of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the FY 2018 International Sports Programming Initiative (ISPI). U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to manage sports exchange projects designed to reach underserved youth and/or their coaches/sports administrators who manage youth sports programs. These exchanges between the United States and select countries will be reciprocal exchanges that employ sports to address the Sport and Social Change theme outlined below. The International Sports Programming Initiative uses sports to help underserved youth around the world develop important leadership skills, achieve academic success, promote tolerance and respect for diversity, and positively contribute to their home and host communities. Sports Diplomacy programs are an important tool for advancing U.S. foreign policy goals through interaction with hard-to-reach groups such as at-risk youth, women, minorities, people with disabilities, and non-English speakers. The focus of all programs must be on both male and female youth and/or their coaches/sports administrators. Programs designed to train elite athletes or coaches are ineligible under C.3 of this announcement. Other Eligibility Requirements are available within the full announcement.