FY 2021 BridgeUSA Leadership Development Program

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The Private Sector Exchange Directorate (ECA/EC) of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the administration of the FY 2021 BridgeUSA Leadership Development Program. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct a leadership enrichment program for active SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) status BridgeUSA (J1) exchange program participants with six months or more remaining at the time of selection. The award recipient will organize and implement approximately ten leadership development seminars in Washington, DC, for a total of 150-200 BridgeUSA exchange visitors (EV). Seminars will include three days of facilitated training on a theme of leadership that includes U.S. Department of State officials and one day of participant proposed leadership action plan presentations. On the final day exchange visitors will present their action plans to address problems they identify in their home communities. Their action plans will be based upon knowledge gained during the 3-day facilitated training portion of the seminar. Following the conclusion of the U.S.-based portion of the program, EVs may compete for small grants to assist them in implementing their action plans in their local communities. All seminars should start with a one-day cultural immersion tour of national monuments and U.S. historical sites in Washington, DC, that reflect on American historical democratic institutions, leadership themes and values. A leadership curriculum will be an integral part of the program and directly complement the U.S.-based exchange, reinforce collaborative activities, and support peer learning. The BridgeUSA Leadership Program will also include a “BridgeUSA Leadership Network” and robust follow-on alumni activities. Please see the full announcement for additional information.

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