Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) SUSI Civic Engagement and Environmental Issues Selection Process

The Public Diplomacy Sections of the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona (referred to collectively as “PD Spain”) announce an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out the process to select 5 rank-ordered candidates from Spain to participate in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders for Civic Engagement and Environmental Issues. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has established Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders as intensive short-term academic programs whose purpose is to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. Each Institute has 20 participants. The Institutes consist of a four-week academic residency with a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures. Site visits, leadership development, cultural activities, and community service complement the coursework and academic sessions. If conditions allow, the Institutes will include a one-week integrated regional study tour in the United States. Note that if the program must take place virtually, participants will engage in similar activities, but online from their home countries. The Study of the U.S. Institute on Civic Engagement, hosted by Michigan State University, will provide participants with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups. The academic program will define civic engagement; examine its development in the United States; and explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism. In order to enhance the academic experience, the Institute will focus on specific themes such as civil rights and protections; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); citizen journalism, social movements, education, governance, minority communities, leadership, and media. Academic sessions will be complemented with hands-on sessions or workshops designed to build skills in the topics mentioned above. The Institute will encourage participants to develop innovative and practical plans to become engaged citizens in their own communities. The Study of the U.S....

The following organizations registered in Spain are eligible to apply:       Registered public or private non-profit organizations, such as business associations, foundations, and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience.   Non-profit or governmental educational institutions; and   Governmental institutions     For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply.    U.S. or third-country organizations are not eligible for a grant under this program unless in partnership with a Spanish or Andorran entity.    Applicants must have organizational representation (i.e. an existing office) in Spain or Andorra.    Organizations with extensive experience working with students and/or program recruitment, and with an established network of contacts in Spain will have priority among applicants.