Increasing Pathways to Learning (IPL) | 72068524RFA00009

Opportunity Information: Apply for 72068524RFA00009

Increasing Pathways to Learning (IPL) is a USAID-funded education activity designed to expand safe, fair, and practical non-formal learning options for out-of-school youth in Niger, with a deliberate focus on meeting the needs of girls. The central aim is to help young people build either foundational skills (such as literacy and numeracy) or job-relevant vocational skills so they can realistically move into formal schooling or gainful employment. The program is intended for youth ages 9 to 18 and will concentrate its work in the regions of Maradi, Tillaberi, Zinder, and Dosso, where many children and adolescents face barriers that keep them out of classrooms and away from skills training.

The opportunity is based on the recognition that out-of-school adolescents, especially girls and young people impacted by conflict and crisis, often lack access to learning environments that are safe, equitable, and relevant to their daily realities. USAID/Niger frames the problem not simply as a shortage of schools, but as a broader set of constraints that include insecurity, social and gender norms, limited vocational pathways, and weak access to supportive services that would allow youth to keep learning. The description highlights that resilience is a major theme: learning opportunities are seen as a way for youth to strengthen their ability to cope with shocks and stresses while also contributing positively to their communities.

A key design element is the emphasis on accelerated non-formal education and vocational training as tools that can do more than deliver instruction. According to the education sector analysis referenced in the announcement, these approaches can also help shift harmful gender norms and support girls education when they engage not only learners, but also the wider community. That means the activity is expected to work with adolescents alongside traditional leaders and community members, reflecting an understanding that girls participation in learning is often shaped by family and community decision-making, not just individual motivation.

IPL targets four main groups within the non-formal education ecosystem. First are the out-of-school youth themselves, including those who never enrolled and those who dropped out, with special attention to girls at risk of early marriage, girls who are already married, young mothers, and other marginalized youth. Second are educators in non-formal settings, including teachers, instructors, and facilitators who need the capacity and tools to deliver effective, context-appropriate instruction. Third are parents, caregivers, and community leaders whose support can determine whether youth, especially girls, are allowed and encouraged to participate. Fourth are local institutions and civil society organizations that can sustain programming, coordinate services, and strengthen local ownership over time.

The solicitation calls for a flexible, adaptable implementation approach. This is important in areas affected by instability, displacement, or evolving community needs, where programs may have to adjust delivery models, safeguarding measures, or community engagement strategies quickly. The intent is to maintain continuity of learning and protect youth wellbeing even as local conditions shift, rather than relying on a rigid program model that could break down during crises.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, IPL is a discretionary funding opportunity issued by USAID (listed under USAID-Dakar/Senegal in the source data) for an education activity (CFDA 98.001). The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which typically means USAID expects substantial involvement during implementation compared to a standard grant. Eligibility is unrestricted, the anticipated number of awards is one, and the award ceiling is listed at $30,000,000. The funding opportunity number is 72068524RFA00009, the opportunity title is Increasing Pathways to Learning (IPL), the posting date is January 16, 2024, and the original closing date is March 1, 2024.

• The Senegal USAID-Dakar in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Increasing Pathways to Learning (IPL)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 98.001.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-01-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-03-01. (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 $30,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.

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