The U.S. Mission to Kazakhstan announces an open competition for U.S. and Kazakh organizations to submit applications for the 2024-2025 University Partnership Program (UPP). UPP will support partnerships between U.S. and Kazakh higher education institutions (HEIs) that promote economic diversification projects aligned with private sector workforce development needs. HEI partnerships should facilitate public-private partnerships, design curricula that provide skills (STEM, agriculture, digital media, and related) needed for high-growth economic sectors and connect research centers with industries to commercialize research as a source of greater financial sustainability. The projects could include mentoring programs, short-term faculty exchanges, advising on designing incubators or innovative platforms to support economic growth, joint research, or other projects.
This NOFO looks to support innovative project mechanisms that advance U.S.-Kazakh institutional partnerships in the form of sub-awards or activities organized directly by the implementer. This can include incubation hubs, basic research capability, or professional development centers. The program should focus on building greater institutional and research capacity in fields that support diversified economic growth through joint U.S.-Kazakh research collaboration including through commercialization opportunities in research, partnerships with private sector, and workforce development programs. Partnerships that focus on curriculum development should be directed toward developing existing curricula rather than creating new curricula.
Deadline: July 15, 2024
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- U.S. or Kazakhstan-based organizations
- Civil society/non-governmental organizations
- Think tanks
- Public and private educational institutions