U.S. Embassy Sofia PDS Annual Program Statement

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PDS Sofia invites proposals for programs that bolster the people-to-people ties between the United States and Bulgaria through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation . All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives and promote shared values. Competitive proposals should focus on one or more of the following priority themes: ·        Promote leadership skills, civic engagement, entrepreneurship, and innovation among secondary and university students. ·        Deepen the social, cultural, and educational connections between the United States and Bulgaria, especially through the development of active, sustainable alumni networks. ·        Boost public understanding of and support for Bulgaria’s role as a strong NATO Ally as it celebrates its 20 th year in the Alliance. ·        Develop youth skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), especially focused on assisting youth from underserved, vulnerable, or rural communities (outside major metropolitan areas). ·        Strengthen the development of robust independent media and civil society organizations to bolster civic participation and improve societal trust in democratic institutions. ·        Increase media and digital literacy and improve Bulgarian society’s resilience to disinformation. ·        Advance the inclusion and integration of historically underserved and vulnerable communities, including women, Roma and other minority groups, LGBTQI+ individuals, Ukrainian refugees, other migrants, and disadvantaged youth. ·        Increase interconnectivity between Bulgaria and other countries in the region, including joint projects that foster cooperation between the citizens of Bulgaria and North Macedonia. ·        Promote dialogue and civic participation in programs that confront climate change and that advance environmental sustainability and energy diversification.

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