Young Innovators STEM Lab: Empowering Future Partners to the USA | OFOP0002102

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the "Young Innovators STEM Lab: Empowering Future Partners to the USA" grant opportunity?

It is a U.S. Department of State funding opportunity announced by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. The goal is to support an implementing partner to create and run a hands-on, technology-driven STEM Lab learning program for Indian youth, modeled on experiential U.S.-style educational practices.

2) Who is offering this funding?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India.

3) What is the main purpose of the program?

The intent is to expose Indian students to practical, experiential STEM learning approaches (learning-by-doing rather than lecture-based instruction). The program aims to help participants build real-world STEM skills that support future STEM study pathways, career readiness, and longer-term collaboration with U.S. institutions and companies.

4) Who is the program designed for (participant age group)?

The STEM Lab experience is designed for students ages 13 to 21.

5) What education levels are included?

The opportunity includes secondary school students and undergraduate participants.

6) Are there language requirements for student participants?

Yes. Participants are expected to have at least basic English skills.

7) What kinds of STEM activities or teaching approach are expected?

The notice emphasizes a hands-on, technology-enabled STEM learning program that prioritizes applied activities and experiential learning. It specifically points toward learning-by-doing approaches rather than lecture-based instruction. The notice does not list a fixed curriculum.

8) Is there a required curriculum?

No fixed curriculum is listed in the information provided. However, the program is clearly expected to be technology-driven and focused on applied STEM experiences that can sustain interest in advanced study and innovation.

9) What outcomes is the Embassy looking for?

Key expected outcomes include motivating participants to consider further education in the United States and/or to pursue professional connections and projects with U.S. businesses. The program is also intended to build practical STEM skills that translate into career readiness and longer-term U.S.-India collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.

10) How does this program relate to broader U.S.-India priorities?

The initiative is framed as supporting the U.S.-India COMPACT for the 21st Century by advancing shared priorities in science, technology, and innovation and strengthening the pipeline of future partners who can contribute to bilateral cooperation.

11) What type of award is this?

This opportunity is a discretionary cooperative agreement.

12) What does a "discretionary cooperative agreement" mean for the project?

It means the U.S. government anticipates an active role during implementation, such as shaping or overseeing aspects of the project, rather than simply providing funds with minimal involvement.

13) How many awards does the program expect to make?

The program anticipates making a single award.

14) What is the maximum funding amount available?

The award ceiling is $125,000.

15) Is this intended to be a large, multi-site program?

Based on the information provided (a single anticipated award and a $125,000 ceiling), it appears designed as a focused pilot or targeted program rather than a large multi-site rollout.

16) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes nonprofit organizations (such as think tanks, civil society groups, and NGOs), public and private educational institutions, individuals, public international organizations, and governmental institutions.

17) Can educational institutions apply?

Yes. Both public and private educational institutions are included as eligible applicants.

18) Can nonprofits or NGOs apply?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations, including think tanks, civil society groups, and NGOs, are eligible.

19) Can individuals apply?

Yes. Individuals are listed among eligible applicants.

20) Are governmental institutions eligible?

Yes. Governmental institutions are listed as eligible applicants.

21) What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is OFOP0002102.

22) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.040.

23) What activity category does this opportunity fall under?

The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

24) When was the opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on June 25, 2025.

25) What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is August 9, 2025.

26) What is the program trying to encourage regarding U.S. connections?

The program is intended to motivate participants to consider study pathways in the United States and to pursue professional connections and projects with U.S. institutions and companies, supporting longer-term collaboration.

27) Is this opportunity focused on youth engagement?

Yes. It is explicitly aimed at Indian youth, with participant ages defined as 13 to 21, and it centers on youth STEM skill-building and engagement.

28) What kind of organization is the grant seeking as an "implementing partner"?

The opportunity seeks an implementing partner capable of designing and delivering a hands-on, technology-enabled STEM Lab experience for youth, including program design, recruitment approach, and an implementation plan aligned with the Embassy's objectives.