Promoting Gender Equality in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Exchange Program | DOS GEO 18 CA 002 062218

Opportunity Information: Apply for DOS GEO 18 CA 002 062218

The Promoting Gender Equality in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Exchange Program is a U.S. Department of State grant opportunity offered through the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. The program is designed as a year-long, practical exchange and capacity-building effort focused on improving gender equality outcomes within Georgian TVET institutions. Its core purpose is to help TVET leaders and staff better understand why women and girls may be underrepresented in TVET programs, and to equip institutions with realistic, implementable approaches to recruit, support, and retain female students in ways that translate into stronger employment and economic empowerment.

The opportunity is structured around three main objectives. First, it aims to build a clear, evidence-based understanding of the barriers that limit female participation in TVET, and to connect those barriers to downstream effects such as occupational segregation, reduced job access, and weaker economic mobility for women. Second, it seeks to provide concrete tools and guidance for mainstreaming gender across TVET institutional structures and day-to-day operations. This can include how policies are written, how programs are designed, how student services are delivered, how learning environments are managed, and how partnerships with employers are formed. Third, it focuses on strengthening the capacity of TVET providers to directly address gender disparities in recruitment and retention, meaning institutions should leave the program better prepared to attract women into nontraditional fields, keep them engaged through completion, and support their transition into employment.

PAS plans to fund one implementing partner through a cooperative agreement, with an estimated total award amount up to $225,000. As a cooperative agreement, this funding instrument typically implies substantial involvement by the U.S. government in the project implementation, such as collaboration on planning, coordination, or oversight, rather than a fully hands-off grant. The budget is intended to cover the major project components: an initial needs assessment trip to Georgia, a three-week intensive professional study tour in the United States for up to 12 participants, and a follow-up visit to Georgia for evaluation and additional consultations. The U.S. study tour is expected to be robust and hands-on, including time at U.S. training centers and site visits with relevant TVET institutions, partners, and policymakers, so Georgian participants can observe models, policies, and institutional practices that have been used to reduce gender gaps in technical education and workforce pipelines.

Eligible applicants are U.S. organizations and institutions capable of managing an international exchange and professional development program. This includes U.S. public and private institutions of higher education, U.S.-based nonprofit organizations (including those with and without IRS 501(c)(3) status), and other eligible entities as clarified in the funding notice. The sponsoring agency is the Department of State, U.S. Mission to Georgia, and the funding activity category is Education under CFDA number 19.900. The competition was posted on June 22, 2018, with an original application deadline of July 23, 2018, and it anticipates making one award.

In practical terms, proposals for this opportunity would be expected to lay out a clear work plan for diagnosing gender-related barriers in Georgian TVET settings, designing a U.S.-based study tour that directly responds to those needs, and ensuring the exchange leads to lasting institutional change after participants return to Georgia. Strong applications would typically emphasize how learning from U.S. counterparts will be translated into actionable reforms inside TVET institutions, particularly reforms that improve female student outreach, create more supportive learning environments, reduce drop-off, and strengthen links to employment in higher-growth technical fields. Funding Opportunity Number: DOS GEO 18 CA 002 062218. Award ceiling: $225,000. Expected awards: 1.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Georgia in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Promoting Gender Equality in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Exchange Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.900.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 22, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 23, 2018. (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 $225,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

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