English Access Microscholarship Program  | DOS NBO PDS FY22 001

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS NBO PDS FY22 001

The English Access Microscholarship Program grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: DOS NBO PDS FY22 001) is a U.S. Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kenya cooperative agreement administered through the Public Diplomacy Section at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. It invites implementing partners to propose and run the 2022-2023 English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) for economically disadvantaged Kenyan youth. Because COVID-19 conditions could disrupt timelines and in-person activities, proposals are expected to include an innovative approach that can keep students engaged both face-to-face and virtually, including practical plans for remote content delivery, online promotion, and virtual follow-up with participants and audiences.

Access is a long-running global initiative (launched in 2004) that combines English language learning with leadership development, civic engagement, and cross-cultural exchange focused on American culture and democratic values. The program serves motivated students ages 13 to 20 from underprivileged backgrounds, typically secondary school students with beginner-level English, ideally in Form 2 at the start of the cycle (January 2022). Over two years, participants receive at least 180 hours of instruction per year (360 hours total) and, upon successful completion, earn certificates issued by the U.S. Embassy Nairobi. The broader aim is to build English proficiency while strengthening global citizenship skills such as critical and creative thinking, leadership, IT skills, civic outreach, media literacy, and a deeper Kenyan-U.S. cross-cultural understanding. The opportunity also highlights the program track record in Kenya, noting a strong alumni base and positive educational outcomes.

Geographically, applicants are expected to operate in Mombasa and/or Isiolo Counties, and proposals should align with the Embassy strategic goal of supporting conditions that help sustain the Kenyan economy and advance rapid economic growth. The Embassy encourages the inclusion of U.S. exchange program alumni in implementation, and suggests that strong applicants may include educational institutions and nonprofits with demonstrated capacity and creative methods for reaching disadvantaged youth in the target region. The Embassy also notes it may split the overall effort among multiple providers and may ask finalists to revise work plans and budgets.

Program design must cover three core instructional components within the 360-hour requirement. First is the after-school/weekend English instruction, typically meeting at least twice per week in sessions of about 1.5 to 3 hours, scheduled so that Access classes do not conflict with students regular school responsibilities. Proposals are expected to move beyond rote or traditional English teaching methods and instead emphasize learner-centered, interactive instruction using project-based, task-based, and experiential learning approaches. A consistent expectation is the integration of computer instruction and digital learning elements, such as multimedia activities and appropriate use of social media, either during regular sessions or during intensives.

Second are the enhancement activities, which are counted toward the 360 total hours and are intended to deepen cross-cultural learning and develop broader civic and leadership competencies. The NOFO recommends at least one enhancement activity per month, with activities typically running 1.5 to 4 hours and continuing throughout the full two-year period. Suggested themes include U.S. history, popular culture, education, gender issues, environmental topics, ethnic tolerance, democracy, and civil society. Examples range from interactive discussions, games, museum or workplace visits, theater outings, and celebrations of U.S. holidays (such as Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July), to student-led performances like skits on major historical events or talent shows featuring U.S. music. The Embassy strongly encourages direct interaction with Embassy personnel and American peers when feasible, including online engagement options.

Third are off-site intensive sessions held during school holidays to create a more immersive English environment and stronger cohort bonding. The guidance describes intensive sessions as two-week long formats that should not exceed 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, while also noting that in Kenya these sessions often occur as 4-5 day residential experiences with overnight stays and meals. Regardless of exact configuration, the intent is sustained English-medium immersion combined with cultural and skills-building activities such as drama, art, music, computers, team-building, peace-building, problem-solving, and other confidence-building exercises. Proposals are encouraged to involve guest speakers, including U.S. exchange alumni and Embassy personnel, as well as other English-speaking partners.

In addition to the three instructional components, the program expects meaningful community service and community outreach. Community service is meant to connect students to local needs and reinforce civic participation, with examples like volunteering at senior homes, tutoring younger pupils in English, or organizing park and forest clean-ups. Community outreach positions the Access site as a model classroom and asks providers to share practices with others, including parents, school administrators, and other English teachers, particularly from schools that supply Access students. Suggested outreach includes parent workshops on supporting language learning at home, professional development sessions for current or future teachers, and briefings for administrators on strengthening language programs. The overall expectation is that Access benefits extend beyond the selected cohort and help influence the surrounding education community.

Funding levels are flexible based on the provider capability, infrastructure, and geographic reach, with budgets ranging from a minimum of USD 50,000 to a maximum of USD 175,000 per award (award ceiling USD 175,000). The Embassy anticipated up to three awards. Applicants are expected to budget comprehensively for all program costs, including instruction, books and materials, transportation, enhancement activities, administration, and food and (when applicable) accommodation for intensive sessions. The opportunity was posted November 4, 2021, with an original closing date of December 8, 2021, under CFDA 19.022, and eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Kenya in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "English Access Microscholarship Program " and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 04, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 08, 2021. (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 $175,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for DOS NBO PDS FY22 001

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