Education Resources and Student Engagement | SCAKAB 23 GR 005 SCA 04282023

Education Resources and Student Engagement Grant (SCAKAB 23 GR 005 SCA 04282023) - FAQs

1) What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is called the Education Resources and Student Engagement grant opportunity.

2) What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is SCAKAB 23 GR 005 SCA 04282023.

3) Which U.S. government entity is offering this grant?

This is a discretionary U.S. Department of State program issued by the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan.

4) What type of funding instrument is being used?

The opportunity is structured as a grant.

5) What is the funding activity category and CFDA number?

The funding activity category is Education, and the CFDA number listed is 19.501.

6) When was this funding opportunity released?

The opportunity was released on April 28, 2023.

7) What was the original application deadline?

The original application deadline was June 1, 2023.

8) How many awards does the program anticipate making?

The program anticipates making one award.

9) What is the maximum funding level (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $500,000.

10) Does this opportunity support one large project or multiple smaller projects?

Because it anticipates making one award with a $500,000 ceiling, it signals a single sizable project rather than multiple small awards.

11) What is the overall purpose of the program?

The program funds education-focused activities aimed at Afghan learners and professionals, with the goal of strengthening educational access and learning continuity.

12) Who is the primary target population?

The program is designed for Afghans from secondary school through university age, and it also includes programming for Afghan professionals such as scholars, artists, and journalists.

13) Is there a priority focus on women and girls?

Yes. The opportunity places a clear emphasis on expanding support for women and girls, positioning them as the central priority group.

14) What kinds of student-focused activities are emphasized?

The description emphasizes direct educational support intended to help students remain engaged with formal education pathways and sustain progress despite disruptions and limited local opportunities.

15) What does "learning continuity" mean in this program context?

Based on the description, learning continuity refers to helping Afghan learners keep progressing along formal education pathways (from secondary through university age) even when there are disruptions or limited opportunities locally.

16) Does the opportunity only support students, or can it also serve professionals?

It can also serve professionals. The opportunity allows programming that supports Afghan scholars, artists, journalists, and other professionals who need ways to continue learning and stay current in fast-changing fields.

17) What types of professional development are allowed?

The opportunity includes upskilling and professional development options ranging from short-term trainings to longer courses and certification programs.

18) Does the opportunity encourage training tied to specific career fields?

Yes. The description explicitly encourages training tied to specific career fields when employers recommend it, highlighting a workforce relevance angle.

19) What makes a proposal more likely to be competitive, based on the description?

The description suggests competitive proposals would connect educational offerings to real job-market needs, emphasize credible credentials, focus on applicable skills, and use learning formats that can realistically be accessed by Afghans under current constraints.

20) What does the title "Education Resources and Student Engagement" imply about the activities?

The title highlights both resources and engagement, while the description points to direct educational support as the main priority, particularly for those facing disproportionate barriers.

21) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," and applicants are instructed to consult the opportunity's additional eligibility information for details.

22) Is this a discretionary program?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary U.S. Department of State program.

23) What geographic or population focus is indicated?

The opportunity is aimed at Afghan learners and professionals, and it is issued by the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan.

24) What is the main takeaway about the program's intent?

It is best understood as a targeted education and capacity-building grant meant to keep Afghan students and professionals learning, credentialing, and connected to meaningful academic and career pathways, with women and girls as the central priority group.