English Access Microscholarship Program for Sheikhan, Duhok Governorate

The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil (Consulate) announces an open competition for eligible organizations to submit proposals to develop and implement the English Access Microscholarship Program for the community of Sheikhan, in Duhok Governorate, in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. The Consulate's Public Affairs Section (PAS) seeks to provide youth in and around Sheikhan, including but not limited to those residing in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), with educational opportunities through English-language instruction in accordance with U.S. Mission Iraq goals.

Priority Region: Sheikhan and its surrounds.

Program Objectives:

The English Access Microscholarship Program for Sheikhan will provide a foundation of English language skills to priority students through after-school or weekend classes and intensive summer activities over a two-year period. Access Program students also gain an appreciation for American culture and democratic values, increase their ability to participate successfully in the socio-economic development of their countries, and gain the ability to compete for and participate in future U.S. Government-sponsored educational programs.

Participants and Audiences:

The target audience for this program is economically disadvantaged, demographically diverse, 13 to 16 year-old students residing in or within 12km of the town of Sheikhan. Participants must also include students residing in three nearby Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps in Sheikhan, Esiyan, and Mamrashan.

Primary Goals:

• English language acquisition

• Learning about U.S. culture and values, including diversity and tolerance

• Personal Development, including the development of critical thinking skills

• Community Service, within a diverse cohort of youth

Secondary Goals:

• Providing participants with English skills that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects

• Enhancing participants' abilities to compete for and participate in future exchanges and study in the United States