SRP Higher Education Access NOFO

Purpose:  NEA/PPD and SRP PD invite proposals for programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and prospective refugee classified Syrian international students interested in pursuing their higher education studies at an American college or university. In this context an award under this NOFO is designed to support the preparation, dissemination, and use of information about access to U.S. higher education opportunities for Syrian refugees overseas to advance U.S. policy goals and objectives for Syria. Specifically, proposed programs should support increased access to scholarships and related opportunities for financial support for refugee-classified Syrian students to pursue a degree at accredited U.S. institutions of higher education. This could include: programs that increase access to existing scholarship resources and/or supplementary funding that can cover gaps not met by existing scholarships. Additional program elements may include: providing guidance and/or support on the application process at all stages, e.g. documentation of academic credentials, mandatory standardized testing, visa procurement, etc.; liaising with higher education institutions regarding the unique circumstances of refugee classified students; connecting students beginning their studies with transition support; and other support as appropriate. Proposed programs could also include support for access to virtual/online degree programs.