Funding for English Language, STEAM & Entrepreneurship Programs | 4112 FY19 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for 4112 FY19 01

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, through the Department of State, offered a grant competition to support education-focused projects that strengthen English learning, expand STEAM opportunities, and encourage entrepreneurship for young people in Costa Rica. The Public Affairs Section (PAS) framed this funding as a way to complement existing Embassy efforts that promote mutual understanding between Costa Ricans and Americans while also widening access to educational and professional development opportunities. In practice, the Embassy was looking for practical, community-connected programs that improve skills and open pathways to future study and employment, especially for populations that have historically had fewer opportunities.

The opportunity centered on three main program tracks. First, English language proposals were expected to raise the quality of English instruction at the secondary and higher education levels and to empower learners by connecting English study to real educational and career possibilities. While classroom instruction could be included, the Embassy signaled a clear preference for proposals that go beyond regular lessons, such as enrichment clubs, mentorship, conversation practice with new partners, career exploration activities, or other real-world applications. Proposals were also viewed more favorably when they coordinated with existing initiatives led by Costa Rican government entities or local NGOs, which suggests the Embassy wanted projects that fit into and strengthen efforts already underway rather than operating in isolation.

Second, STEAM education proposals were aimed at improving both the quality of and access to science, technology, engineering, arts and design, and mathematics learning for girls, particularly at the elementary and secondary levels. The intent was not only to teach STEAM content but also to encourage more girls to see themselves in STEAM fields and consider related academic and career pathways. Here again, projects that extend learning beyond the classroom received priority, especially those developed in coordination with private sector partners. That emphasis points to activities like hands-on workshops, labs, design challenges, speaker series, site visits, internships, or company-supported learning experiences that make STEAM feel tangible and achievable.

Third, entrepreneurship proposals focused on building interest in entrepreneurship among youth, especially by developing soft skills and providing exposure to core business fundamentals. The Embassy highlighted foundational topics such as shaping an idea, understanding basic business planning, and learning how to translate a concept into a viable plan. The target group for entrepreneurship projects included students at the secondary and higher education levels, with an overall goal of expanding awareness of entrepreneurship as a realistic option, particularly for youth who may not have strong access to networks, capital, or formal business training.

Across all three tracks, a consistent priority was inclusion of under-represented and underserved communities. The Embassy specifically pointed to migrants, women, Afro-descendent communities, and indigenous communities as key groups for intentional outreach and program design. The participant age range was broad, generally spanning ages 7 to 30 depending on the type of project, and the focus was on youth from economically disadvantaged communities. This signals that proposals were expected to demonstrate not just educational value, but also clear community benefit and equitable access for those most likely to face barriers.

From an administrative standpoint, the funding instrument was a grant under CFDA 19.040, managed by the Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Costa Rica. The opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 4112 FY19 01) listed an award ceiling of $25,000 and projected up to 50 awards, indicating the Embassy intended to fund multiple small-to-mid-sized projects rather than a single large national program. The original posting date was April 2, 2019, with an original closing date of May 1, 2019. Eligible applicants were described broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement, which typically implies a range of organizations may apply, depending on the specific eligibility language in the official notice.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Costa Rica in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Funding for English Language, STEAM & Entrepreneurship Programs" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Apr 02, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by May 01, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $25,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for 4112 FY19 01

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