EducationUSA AI/STEM and Sports Diplomacy Grant

This funding opportunity supports the America First agenda by strengthening U.S. competitiveness, expanding American universities' international recruitment pipelines and building lasting ties between Georgian talent and U.S. institutions through two complementary initiatives: the EducationUSA Sports Pathways Initiative and the EducationUSA AI and Innovation Hubs. Both proposals under this funding opportunity have been approved for a combined total of $50,000, pending the availability of funds. EducationUSA AI/STEM and Innovation Hubs. The proposed "AI/STEM and Innovation Hubs" initiative will engage high school and university students, young entrepreneurs, computer programmers, startup founders, and emerging tech leaders in five Georgian cities — Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi through a coordinated series of AI and STEM-focused advising workshops, innovation talks, and university outreach activities led by advisers. All sessions will be hosted at local American Spaces, leveraging these trusted venues to attract new audiences, expand community engagement, and reinforce America's commitment to accessible, high-quality educational opportunities. EducationUSA Sports Pathways Initiative. The proposed "Sports Pathways Initiative" will connect Georgia's top athletic talent with U.S. higher education opportunities through specialized advising on sports scholarships and athletic programs at American schools, colleges, and universities. Led by experienced advisers, the program will conduct targeted outreach to local sports schools and athletic academies in five Georgian cities – Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Akhaltsikhe, and Telavi, focusing on sports where Georgia produces world-class talent: soccer, basketball, rugby, martial arts/MMA, judo, wrestling, and tennis.

The following organizations are eligible to apply: • EducationUSA advising centers operating in Georgia. • Non-profit and non-governmental organizations. • Organizations without an established EducationUSA affiliation. For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, nonprofit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.