Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) in Arabic for High School Students | DOS BAGHDAD PD 2016 001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is this grant opportunity about?

This opportunity is a U.S. government grant to support the design and implementation of the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) as a pilot delivered in Arabic for Iraqi high school students. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is seeking proposals to run the 2017 cycle with Arabic content and activities rather than English.

2) What is IYLEP?

IYLEP is an exchange program launched in 2007 that aims to help develop a new generation of Iraqi youth leaders. It introduces high school students to U.S. society and culture and builds practical skills related to leadership, civic education, community responsibility, understanding diversity and tolerance, civic participation, and volunteer work.

3) What makes this version different from previous IYLEP cycles?

Since 2007, IYLEP has been implemented annually in English. This grant opportunity is specifically for a pilot version delivered in Arabic to test whether the program can be offered effectively to Iraqi youth with very limited English skills or no English skills at all.

4) Why is the pilot offered in Arabic?

The core idea is to expand access to a wider group of talented students, especially those who are less fortunate or marginalized, who may meet IYLEP eligibility requirements but cannot meet an English-language requirement due to economic circumstances or limited access to quality English instruction. The Arabic track is meant to reduce a barrier that previously prevented participation.

5) Who is the target participant group for the Arabic pilot?

The intended participants are outstanding Iraqi high school students with the potential to become future youth leaders, including students from underserved or marginalized backgrounds, particularly those whose environments do not provide strong opportunities to learn English.

6) Is this opportunity for students to apply directly?

No. This announcement is not for individual high school students to apply directly. It is a call for an institution or organization to submit a proposal to operate the exchange and educational/cultural program in Arabic for Iraqi youth.

7) What is the main purpose of the program?

The program aims to develop youth leadership and strengthen understanding of citizenship, civic engagement, diversity, and tolerance, while also building genuine relationships and communication between Iraqi and American youth through a structured exchange experience.

8) Does the program need to include activities in the United States?

Yes. Proposals are expected to include a U.S.-based exchange component and explain clearly how the activities will strengthen mutual understanding between Iraqi and American youth.

9) What does it mean that the exchange should be "mutual"?

The call emphasizes that the experience should be two-way in learning and cultural connection. It should not be designed as one-sided training delivered by one party to the other, but as an exchange that supports mutual understanding and interaction between youth in both countries.

10) How does this grant align with broader U.S.-Iraq goals?

The opportunity is described as consistent with the 2008 U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, which emphasizes long-term relationships based on friendship and mutual understanding through educational, cultural, and exchange programs. In that sense, the grant is meant to support a structured educational and exchange pathway that strengthens long-term ties between communities, not just a trip or camp.

11) What type of award is expected?

The Embassy expects to make one Cooperative Agreement (subject to the availability of funds). A cooperative agreement indicates that the recipient will coordinate and collaborate closely with the funding agency during planning, implementation, and follow-up.

12) What is the maximum funding amount?

The maximum expected funding level is up to USD 500,000, depending on available funds.

13) How many awards are expected?

One award is expected.

14) Who is issuing this funding opportunity?

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is the issuing entity inviting eligible applicants to submit proposals.

15) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is DOS BAGHDAD PD 2016 001.

16) What is the CFDA number for this program?

The CFDA (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) number listed is 19.021.

17) What is the activity area or sector for this opportunity?

The activity area is Education.

18) What does it mean that the opportunity is "Discretionary"?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary, meaning the awarding agency has discretion in selecting proposals for funding based on the criteria and priorities described in the call.

19) When was the opportunity created and when was the original deadline?

The opportunity creation date is 2016-04-01, and the original closing date for applications was 2016-05-16.

20) Which organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include U.S. nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, international nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and other institutions whose primary purpose is not generating profit.

21) What experience is expected from applicants?

Applicants are expected to have demonstrated experience managing youth-focused exchange programs.

22) Do applicants need to be able to operate in Iraq?

Yes. The applicant should have the capacity to work in Iraq, or have established partnerships (or partnerships that can be developed) with organizations operating in Iraq to support implementation, participant selection, and logistical coordination in an effective and safe way.

23) What should proposals emphasize about language?

Proposals should focus on delivering program content and activities in Arabic rather than English as part of the pilot design.

24) What kinds of outcomes is the program trying to achieve for youth?

Based on the program description, intended outcomes include improved leadership skills, stronger civic knowledge and community responsibility, greater appreciation of diversity and tolerance, increased civic participation and volunteerism, and deeper understanding between Iraqi and American youth through cultural exchange and direct interaction.

25) Is the goal mainly travel, or something broader?

The stated goal is broader than travel. The grant is meant to support an educational and exchange pathway designed to build long-term community ties and mutual understanding, rather than funding a stand-alone trip or camp experience.