EnglishxSTEM

The EnglishxSTEM initiative advances U.S. economic and technological interests by partnering with Dominican public and private sector stakeholders to deliver high-impact English for Specific Purposes (ESP) training in strategically relevant productive sectors. Implemented through collaboration with universities, INFOTEP, AIRD, CONEP, the National English Working Group, and other institutions, the initiative will strengthen workforce readiness and support U.S.-Dominican collaboration in STEM, semiconductors, cybersecurity, biotechnology, energy, artificial intelligence, and research and innovation. Over a three-year period, the proposed $100, 000 program will design and implement at least five ESP programs reaching approximately 500–800 Dominican students, faculty, and professionals nationwide. Participants will develop technical English skills aligned with U.S. industry standards, including professional communication, compliance and safety terminology, project coordination, and participation in innovation ecosystems. The initiative should also include some aspect of U.S.-based professional exchanges and faculty training opportunities, while leveraging burden-sharing contributions from Dominican partners to ensure sustainability, institutional collaboration, and long-term impact. The selected implementing partner will coordinate logistics, partnerships, curriculum development, and monitoring activities aligned with U.S. Public Diplomacy priorities.

A.  ELIGIBILITY 1.  Eligible ApplicantsThe following organizations are eligible to apply: include all that apply, and indicate US, foreign, or both. For example: 

●      Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations

●      Public and private educational institutions (schools, universities, etc.)

2.  Cost Sharing or MatchingCost sharing or matching is encouraged, but not required for this funding opportunity. 

3.  Other Eligibility RequirementsAll organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued via SAM.gov as well as a valid registration in SAM.gov. Please see Section E.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.

Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding under this funding opportunity.

4.     This opportunity will not support:

●      Projects relating to partisan political activity;

●      Charitable or development activities; including direct social services such as medical, psychological, and/or humanitarian support

●      Construction projects;

●      Projects that support specific religious activities;

●      Fund-raising campaigns;

●      Lobbying for specific legislation or programs

●      Scientific research or surveys;

●      Commercial projects;

●      Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;

●      Projects that duplicate existing projects;

●      Illegal activities

B.   PROGRAM DESCRIPTION 

1.  Project Background, Goals, and Objectives 

The Dominican Republic continues to expand its participation in strategic productive sectors linked to U.S. investment, mining, and advanced manufacturing. However, limited English-language proficiency among technical professionals and faculty remains a significant barrier to deeper collaboration with U.S. companies, universities, and research institutions. EnglishxSTEM addresses this challenge by supporting the development and implementation of high-impact English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs tailored to priority industries and aligned with U.S. technical terminology, workplace standards, safety protocols, and communication practices. The initiative builds on previous Embassy-supported English language and workforce development programming, as well as ongoing partnerships with Dominican institutions such as INFOTEP, ITLA, universities, AIRD, CONEP, and the National English Working Group. The program will leverage U.S. expertise in English language teaching and technical education to strengthen institutional partnerships and expand professional opportunities for Dominican participants.

EnglishxSTEM builds on the Embassy-supported Open Learning Program (2022–2024), which successfully expanded access to practical English instruction across the Dominican Republic through specialized courses, webinars, hybrid learning, and workforce-focused programming. Previous initiatives demonstrated strong demand for sector-specific English training, particularly in tourism, healthcare, and professional development, while also highlighting the importance of interactive learning, oral communication, and flexible virtual delivery models. EnglishxSTEM expands these efforts by introducing advanced English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programming tailored to strategically important sectors such as semiconductors, AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology, energy, and research, directly supporting U.S.-Dominican economic collaboration, workforce development, and nearshoring priorities.

Through this NOFO, the Public Diplomacy Section seeks to expand high-quality English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programming that strengthens Dominican collaboration with U.S. companies, universities, and research institutions in strategic sectors. Building on lessons learned from the Embassy-supported Open Learning Program, EnglishxSTEM incorporates proven practices such as hybrid delivery, interactive instruction, and industry-specific curricula aligned with workforce needs. The initiative responds to demand for more practical, communication-focused English training in sectors including semiconductors, AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and energy. Success will include improved English proficiency, stronger U.S.-Dominican institutional partnerships, expanded professional opportunities, and sustainable nationwide ESP programming. Program participants will be selected through open call and final decisions will be made based on agreed-upon criteria in consultation with the U.S. Embassy.

Project Audience(s):

●      Dominican university students and technical institute students in STEM fields

●      Faculty and instructors from universities and technical institutions

●      In-service professionals working in sectors linked to U.S. investment and collaboration

●      Geographic focus: nationwide, with emphasis on areas with strong industrial, academic, and innovation growth

●      Age groups: 18–45

●      Professions: mining, engineering, technology, AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and research sectors

Project Goal: Strengthen English-language capacity and professional collaboration between Dominican and U.S. institutions in strategically relevant productive sectors to support workforce development, innovation, and economic engagement.

Project Objectives:

●      Objective 1: Design and implement at least five English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs aligned with U.S. technical and industry standards for STEM and productive sectors.

●      Objective 2: Improve technical English proficiency and professional communication skills for at least 500-800 Dominican students, faculty, and professionals over three years.

2.  Substantial Involvement ●      U.S. Embassy Roles and Responsibilities

○      Coordinate with Dominican stakeholders and U.S. partners

○      Participate in participant selection and review processes

○      Provide oversight for program implementation and monitoring

○      Facilitate connections with U.S. institutions, specialists, and companies

●      Recipient Roles and Responsibilities:

○      Manage all programmatic and logistical implementation

○      Coordinate institutional and private-sector partnerships

○      Oversee curriculum development and participant recruitment

○      Implement monitoring and evaluation activities

○      Ensure compliance with all federal assistance regulations and reporting requirements.

SUBMITTED PROJECT’S APPROVAL WILL BE BASED ON THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.