Building English Teaching Capacity for STEM in Brazil

The Building English Teaching Capacity for STEM in Brazil program is administered by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Mission to Brazil, specifically the Embassy’s Regional English Language Office. This initiative falls under the Educational and Cultural Exchange Programs appropriation and reflects the Department of State’s broader mission to strengthen international partnerships through education, cultural exchange, and capacity building. The program is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating active involvement from the funding agency in program implementation and oversight. The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to enhance the capacity of Brazilian educators who teach English within STEM disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The program aims to address the linguistic challenges associated with teaching technical subjects in English by equipping educators with advanced pedagogical strategies. It emphasizes Content-Based Instruction and bilingual education frameworks, ensuring that participants are prepared to integrate language instruction with complex subject matter in STEM fields. The funded project will support the development and implementation of a two-to-three-week in-person exchange program in the United States for up to 30 Brazilian English teachers. This immersive experience is designed to include classroom observations, co-teaching opportunities, school visits, and engagement with U.S. educators. Participants will also engage in cultural and social activities to deepen their understanding of American society and values. Following the in-person component, the program requires a two-week online course approximately two months after participants return to Brazil, reinforcing learning outcomes and supporting the continued development of action plans initiated during the exchange. Allowable activities under this grant include professional development programming, curriculum development, assessment innovation, and leadership training. The program must incorporate elements such as student-centered teaching, English as a Medium of Instruction, and Content and Language Integrated Learning methodologies. Additional required components include orientation sessions, logistical support for participants, and engagement with local educational institutions and community organizations. The grant does not require cost sharing or matching contributions, simplifying financial participation for applicants. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, as well as public and private educational institutions. Applicants are expected to design and manage all aspects of the exchange program, including participant selection support, curriculum delivery, and evaluation. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov, and applicants must adhere to all federal grant compliance requirements. While specific application components are not detailed in the synopsis, proposals are expected to demonstrate program design, implementation capacity, and alignment with stated objectives. The application deadline for this opportunity is July 1, 2026, and one award is anticipated with funding ranging from $200,000 to $500,000, totaling up to $500,000 in program funding. The program is expected to begin around October 1, 2026. Although this is a single-cycle opportunity, the notice indicates the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years based on performance and availability of funds. Questions regarding the application must be submitted via email to the Brazil Grants Committee, as telephone inquiries are not accepted.

Align proposal with STEM-focused English instruction methodologies; emphasize measurable outcomes and post-program impact; demonstrate capacity for international program management