Educational Exchange, American Studies Institute
To provide student participants an introduction to American society and values,
American Studies Institute on National Security at UC/San Diego; American Studies Institute on U.S.
Politics and Political Thought at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst; American Studies Institute on the Civilization of the U.S.
at New York University.
The Department of State strives to create a more secure, democratic and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.
Program Accomplishments
Not available at this time.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Through an integrated series of lectures, readings, interactive discussions, research and independent study opportunities, and site visits, the 6-week American Studies Institutes provide participants with a multi-dimensional view of the U. S. Host institutions are responsible for institute design and implementation, and all logistical aspects of the program, including: lodging and subsistence; books and materials; allowances; and transportation.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Accredited colleges, universities, consortia of colleges and universities, and other not-for-profit academic organizations that have an established reputation in American studies and related disciplines, and that can demonstrate expertise in conducting post-graduate level programs for foreign educators, or undergraduate level programs for foreign students are eligible to apply.
Applicant institutions must have a minimum of four years' experience in conducting international exchange programs.
Proposals from consortia may be submitted by a member institution with documented authority to represent all members.
The project director or one of the key program staff responsible for the academic program must have an advanced degree in American studies or a related discipline.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Participants should be highly-motivated and experienced foreign university faculty, including: teachers; teacher trainers; administrators; department chairs; and, curriculum developers and textbook writers and other professionals with government or NGOs in a position to have an impact. They will have demonstrated an ability and desire to include aspects of American civilization in their teaching and professional work in their home countries. Participants must be nominated by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or by a Fulbright Commission.
Credentials/Documentation
See eligibility requirements above.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Not applicable.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Initial proposals are generally solicited through open competition, and only occasionally through sole-source or limited solicitations.
Award Procedures
Proposals are analyzed by the Study of the U.S. Branch, and are reviewed by an impartial panel of senior Department of State officers. Final funding decisions are at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State. Final technical authority rests with the Grants Division of the Office of the Executive Director.
Deadlines
Deadline dates are specified in the requests for proposals (RFP's) or in the letter of solicitation.
Authorization
Public Law 87-256, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2451.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Grant decisions are usually complete within three months of the due date of the proposals.
Appeals
Not applicable.
Renewals
Based on host institution performance and demand for the program among the overseas audience, applicants may be asked to submit renewal proposals for up to two years following the initial award.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Cost-sharing is strongly encouraged, although there is no minimum requirement.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Cooperative agreements are usually for periods of 6 to 8 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Interim and final program and budget reports are required.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Not applicable.
Financial Information
Account Identification
19-0201-0-1-154.
Obigations
FY 07 $3,200,000; FY 08 est not available; FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$260,000 to $385,000. Average: $322,500.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Calls for proposals, including guidelines, are published in the Federal Register, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and posted on the internet.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
Department of State, ECA/A/E/USS - Study of the U.S. Branch, Attention: (until July 31, 2006) Robert C. Schmidt, Room 314 - State Annex 44, 301 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC, 20547. Telephone: (202) 453-8538. FAX: 202-453-8533. E-mail: schmidtrc@state.gov; (after July 31, 2006) Sheila Casey, Telephone: (202) 453-8536. Fax: (202) 453-8533. E-mail: CaseySD@state.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Overall quality; program planning; institutional capacity; diversity; experience with foreign educators; evaluation and follow-up; administration and management; and, cost effectiveness.
Social Entrepreneurship
Spotlight
Prisons and Social Enterprise
Getting Out and Staying Out, co-founded by Tony Smith of the VSA Consulting Group, works to reduce recidivism rate among men at Rikers Island, New York City. The recidivism rate significantly dropped from 60-plus percent to under 20 percent, with more than a thousand men over a span of eight years.
