English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) | MMR FY19 NOFO 01

Opportunity Information: Apply for MMR FY19 NOFO 01

The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) is a U.S. Department of State education initiative designed to give academically promising but economically disadvantaged teenagers the chance to study English in a supportive, modern learning environment. Beyond language instruction, the program intentionally builds civic engagement, leadership abilities, critical thinking, and cross-cultural awareness by exposing students to aspects of American culture and values in an educational context. Launched in 2004, Access has grown into a large global program, serving more than 180,000 students across roughly 90 countries, which signals that it is a well-established model rather than a one-off pilot.

In this specific opportunity, the U.S. Mission to Myanmar is seeking partners to implement Access programming through a cooperative agreement, meaning the government agency is likely to remain involved during implementation rather than simply issuing a grant and stepping back. The program itself must deliver at least 360 instructional hours over a two-year period. The structure is typically "American-style" after-school instruction combined with summer-intensive sessions, along with enrichment activities that reinforce language learning and broader personal development. A key requirement is that students participate through scholarships and pay nothing out of pocket, keeping the focus on reaching youth who would not otherwise have access to quality English instruction.

The intended participants are bright, highly motivated teens who face economic barriers, generally within the 16 to 18 age range (with some flexibility noted as 17 to 19). The educational approach is meant to move away from traditional, lecture-heavy grammar instruction and toward learner-centered, communicative methods. In practice, that implies interactive classroom activities, discussion-based learning, practical use of language, and a teaching style that prioritizes real communication and student participation. Programs are also expected to serve as positive educational models within their communities, demonstrating effective instructional practices that others can learn from or replicate.

A notable feature is the expectation of civic outreach and community-linked activities. These are meant to connect classroom learning to real-world engagement, strengthen students sense of responsibility and leadership, and build ties between the Access cohort and the broader community. The idea is that English learning is not treated as an isolated academic subject but as a tool that supports participation, collaboration, and broader opportunity.

On the funding side, the opportunity is categorized as a discretionary award in the education area (CFDA 19.022) and lists an award ceiling of $40,000 with an expectation of around three awards. The program budget framework also references a cost of up to $1,300 per student for delivering the two-year set of classes and activities, which helps define a rough scale for how many students a proposed program can reasonably serve within a given budget. Eligibility is labeled broadly as "Others," with additional eligibility details presumably provided in the full notice or an attached document referenced in the description.

Administrative details from the notice indicate it was created June 14, 2019, with an original closing date of July 26, 2019, under the funding opportunity number MMR FY19 NOFO 01. Overall, the grant opportunity is aimed at organizations capable of running a sustained, high-quality English and enrichment program over two years, recruiting the right student population, delivering interactive instruction, and integrating community and civic components while keeping participation free for the selected students.

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Myanmar in the education sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "English Access Microscholarship Program (Access)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.022.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jun 14, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 26, 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 $40,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for MMR FY19 NOFO 01

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