Space-Themed Summer Camp | PAS MOROCCO FY23 07

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAS MOROCCO FY23 07

The "Space-Themed Summer Camp" grant opportunity is a U.S. Department of State (U.S. Mission to Morocco) funding competition to support one Moroccan organization in designing and delivering a hands-on, space-focused summer camp for Moroccan youth ages 15 to 18. The program is intended for 30 participants and centers on practical, engaging STEM learning that introduces teenagers to space science and technology while building their confidence and interest in future study and careers in related fields. The camp is expected to include a strong American focus, meaning the design should clearly incorporate U.S. approaches, models, examples, and perspectives, and it should feature trainers or speakers who have a connection to the United States (for example, U.S.-linked experts, U.S. exchange alumni, or methodologies commonly used in U.S. STEM education settings).

The camp itself is envisioned as an intensive six-day experience combining interactive instruction with real-world exposure. Suggested core activities include building and launching model rockets, stargazing and astronomy sessions, lessons on planets and the solar system, and educational visits to observatories or science centers. In addition, applicants are expected to organize lectures and workshops led by scientists, engineers, or other space-related professionals so participants not only do activities, but also understand the underlying scientific concepts behind space exploration and technology. A key element is the peer experience: the camp should create opportunities for participants to socialize with other space-interested students, practice teamwork, and develop leadership and communication skills through group projects and problem-solving tasks.

Program objectives go beyond technical content and are spelled out in four main goals. First, the camp should inspire sustained interest in space science and technology and encourage longer-term STEM pathways. Second, it should intentionally build teamwork and leadership by structuring activities that require collaboration, planning, and shared responsibility. Third, it should support personal growth by creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where youth can gain new skills, build confidence, and expand their networks. Fourth, the program should encourage environmental awareness by connecting space and Earth observation themes to real environmental challenges and helping students think critically about protecting natural resources and developing solutions.

The implementing organization is responsible for end-to-end delivery and must be capable of managing both program content and logistics. This includes defining project scope and expected outputs in consultation with the U.S. Embassy, selecting and managing venues and dates, coordinating facilitators and volunteers, and ensuring all equipment and supplies are available. The implementer must also run an open call for applications and conduct a competitive recruitment process to select the 30 participants, using outreach methods like social media and existing youth networks. On the content side, the implementer must develop a clear curriculum and camp plan that balances hands-on activities with classroom-style instruction, aligns each session to the stated objectives, and embeds safety and inclusion throughout.

Monitoring and evaluation is a required component. The recipient must create an M and E plan that uses pre-camp and post-camp surveys to measure changes in knowledge, interest, and other targeted outcomes, in consultation with the Public Affairs Section (PAS). Sustainability is also expected: proposals should describe how the organization will maintain contact with alumni after the camp, provide mentorship, and integrate participants into future STEM opportunities or events so the impact continues beyond the six-day program.

Funding is provided through FY23 Smith-Mundt Public Diplomacy Funds, with one anticipated award. The award amount is expected to range from $25,000 to $30,000, with $30,000 total available. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which means the U.S. Embassy will be actively involved in oversight and approvals, not just providing funds. Embassy staff will provide branding guidance, review and approve marketing and promotional materials (including use of U.S. Mission platforms), approve the camp venue, and review and approve participant selection plans and trainer recruitment plans. The Embassy may also help identify potential speakers, such as U.S. exchange alumni, U.S. company representatives, or mission personnel, and will review proposed rosters and activity formats.

The performance period is expected to be 3 to 6 months, and projects must be completed in six months or less. The anticipated start date listed is June 2023, and proposals should not plan a start date earlier than May 2023. The notice also notes that continuation funding beyond the initial period may be considered non-competitively depending on funding availability, performance, and U.S. government interest.

Eligibility is limited to Moroccan associations and organized civil-society organizations that have experience running youth STEM programs and have full registration in SAM.gov. U.S. organizations and NGOs are explicitly not eligible for this opportunity. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration to receive an award. Cost sharing is allowed but not required; there is no minimum or maximum match percentage.

Applications must be submitted in English as PDFs by email to Rabatgrants@state.gov no later than April 30, 2023 at midnight, and questions are directed to the same address. The required application package includes standard federal forms (SF-424, SF-424A, SF-424B), a project narrative, organizational information, a detailed proposed program including a syllabus that ties sessions to objectives, a budget proposal in USD (with guidance to use an exchange rate of 1 USD = 10 MAD), CVs for the director and key personnel, and the organization’s final registration papers. Applicants are also expected to be able to comply with applicable U.S. federal assistance requirements and Department of State standard terms and conditions (including relevant 2 CFR provisions).

• The Department of State, U.S. Mission to Morocco in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Space-Themed Summer Camp" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 17, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 30, 2023 Only Moroccan associations and committed and organized civil-society organizations with full SAM registration and experience executing youth STEM programs will be eligible to receive funding.- U.S. organizations and NGOs are not eligible. To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number issued via www.SAM.gov as well as a valid registration on www.SAM.gov. Please see Section D.3 for more information. Individuals are not required to have a UEI or be registered in SAM.gov.. (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 $30,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.

Apply for PAS MOROCCO FY23 07

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