Organizations delivering high-impact English language education now have a new funding window to expand access for talented secondary school students. The English Access Scholarship Program, a flagship global initiative of the U.S. Department of State, is inviting proposals for its 2027–2028 implementation cycle.
Since its launch in 2004, the program has reached approximately 200,000 students across more than 85 countries, combining English proficiency training with leadership development, civic engagement, and intercultural learning. The newly released call offers up to USD $80,000 in total funding to qualified education providers capable of delivering a structured, long-term English program for high-potential youth.
This opportunity is open to experienced nonprofit institutions ready to implement a rigorous, multi-component English Access model that blends academic instruction with experiential learning and teacher development.
What Makes This Program Different?
The English Access Scholarship Program is not a short-term language course. It is a structured 21-month engagement running from March 2027 through December 10, 2028.
Selected providers must deliver:
- A minimum of 360 instructional hours of interactive, student-centered English classes
- Classes held at least twice per week (ideally up to four times weekly)
- Project- and task-based learning approaches
- Off-site immersion sessions lasting 2–5 days
- Community outreach initiatives
- Freedom 250–linked activities connecting language learning with U.S. history and civic engagement
- Structured teacher professional development (up to two hours per month) supported by English Language Fellows, OPEN courses, and Communities of Practice
Programs exceeding the 360-hour minimum will be considered more competitive.
Funding Framework: Financial Structure Explained
The funding model is structured to ensure quality delivery while maintaining cost efficiency per student.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Funding Available | USD $80,000 |
| Number of Awards | 2 |
| Award Ceiling per Provider | USD $40,000 |
| Maximum Students per Provider | Up to 32 students |
| Program Structure per Provider | Two classes, two lead instructors, and two assistant instructors |
| Maximum Proposal Budget (Per Provider) | USD $40,000 |
| Administrative Cost Cap | Maximum 10% of total approved budget |
| Maximum Cost Per Student | USD $1,250 |
| Student-Related Expenses | Must be fully covered within the approved budget |
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements
This call is designed for experienced education-focused organizations with demonstrated implementation capacity.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be a registered nonprofit institution or NGO
- Have at least three years of experience administering educational and/or English language programs
- Demonstrate capacity to manage multi-month instructional programs
- Recruit students aged 15–16 through a merit-based selection process in consultation with the U.S. Embassy
- Recruit qualified instructors subject to Embassy approval
Instructor Requirements
- Lead instructors must have at least three years of full-time teaching experience
- English proficiency of CEFR C1 or higher is required
- Assistant instructors must meet comparable language and pedagogical standards
- All instructors require prior Embassy approval
Apply: https://ar.usembassy.gov/request-for-proposals-english-access-scholarship-program-implementation/
The last date to submit proposals for the English Access Scholarship Program 2027–2028 implementation cycle is March 19, 2026.