English Language Programs (SEAL/BEAR)

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The Public Affairs Section seeks to fund proposals for English language programs that form part of our larger English language program strategy, which is centered on the English Access Microscholarship Program (known as Access), which is funded separately. Programs under this funding opportunity: Basic English for Access Recruitment (BEAR) and the Service Learning, English Usage, Alumni Engagement, and Leadership (SEAL) programs. A proposal should include at least one of the below-named locations, but applicants can choose to apply for more than one location. A proposal should include BEAR and SEAL programs in the identified location(s): Guatemala City, Esquipulas, Cobán, Quetzaltenango, Sololá, Chichicastenango, Huehuetenango. BEAR is a six-month after-school program providing an introductory English language learning experience. Upon completing BEAR, the most promising graduates are recruited into the Access program. The foundational experience of BEAR increases the probability of success and retention rates in the two-year program of Access. SEAL Teaching focuses on developing English teaching skills to help graduates find job opportunities in educational institutions or start entrepreneurial ventures such as English academies and private tutoring. There are three main components: 1. Service learning projects: As a class, the students research and plan a project, including investigation, planning and preparation, action, reflection, and presentation of results. Students discuss real community problems, propose solutions, and create and implement action plans. Service learning helps students to combine classroom instruction with meaningful community service. 2. Teaching methodology workshops: Students learn to teach English as a second language, including how to prepare a class, select material, use different strategies to teach grammar, writing, speaking, listening, and reading. 3. Teaching internships: students engage in a six-month internship to practice teaching English in the BEAR program.

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