English Access Scholarship Program (Access)

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1.  Project Background, Goals, and Objectives The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan launched the English Access Scholarship Program in 2007. Since its inception, over 2,500 students across more than 15 regions of Kazakhstan have participated in the program. The Access Program aims to enhance students' ability to contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities and improve their prospects for engaging in educational and exchange opportunities in the United States. In response to growing interest in the program from rural areas and secondary school students in Kazakhstan, the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty is committed to continuing its support for local communities. This will be achieved through implementing partners located in Taldykorgan and Kyzylorda. This funding opportunity invites implementing organizations in these regions to design and deliver the Access Program through after-school classes and intensive sessions, benefiting a total of 60 talented 13-15-year-olds from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The program requires 360 hours of English language instruction over a two-year period, which may include both classroom lessons and off-site activities that are clearly aligned with the curriculum. Additionally, the Access Program offers participants opportunities to engage with U.S. culture, global citizenship, and democratic values. It also provides professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators, as well as long-term benefits for alumni. Project Audience(s): The target audience for this program consists of bright and motivated students, aged 13 to 15, from secondary schools in Taldykorgan and Kyzylorda. The group should include an equal gender representation (50/50 ratio), with students coming from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants must demonstrate a strong interest in learning about U.S. culture and values. The program will be an intensive, in-person, two-year commitment, and students must be fully committed to attending and completing the program over its duration. Project Goal: The goal of the Access Program is to provide academically talented and motivated youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to enhance their English language skills, deepen their understanding of U.S. culture and democratic values, and develop leadership abilities. Through an intensive two-year curriculum, the program aims to empower participants to become active, informed global citizens, better equipped to pursue higher education, engage in cross-cultural exchanges, and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities. Project Objectives: Objective 1: Provide at least 60 youth from low-income communities in Taldykorgan and Kyzylorda with enhanced English language skills through a two-year intensive program. Objective 2: Strengthen the teaching and leadership capabilities of Access English language instructors, fostering their professional growth and pedagogical effectiveness. Objective 3: Foster re-engagement with alumni of the Access Program in Taldykorgan and Kyzylorda, encouraging ongoing participation and support within the program’s community.