Investing in the Liberated University of Anbar

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad invites eligible organizations to submit proposals to restore and revitalize the University of Anbar. Iraq’s communities at the areas seized by ISIS were victims of extreme violence and displacement due to the military operations, and there is a critical need to restore basic operations at the above-mentioned university. Under the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) between the Governments of Iraq and the United States of America, education, exchanges, and research collaboration are key pillars of mutual cooperation. The U.S. Mission in Iraq, including the Embassy in Baghdad and its Consulate General in Erbil, supports the SFA through academic initiatives that promote human and technical capacity building inside Iraq, bolster long-term stability, develop the next generation of leaders, and support Iraq’s integration into the global academic community. The U.S. Embassy is soliciting grant proposals of up to $500,000 to develop and execute an 18 months project to build the capacity of the University of Anbar to provide educational and economic opportunities to affected populations. Proposals should include a plan to work with the university to develop a needs assessment, in addition to capacity building programs, linkages with American universities, curricula that focus on preparing students to meet the needs of the Iraqi economy, and the purchase of related equipment and educational materials. Proposals should also include faculty exchange programs to foster collaboration and information sharing with American partner universities, as well as the development of English language education. Applicants should have a track record of success in partnering with Iraqi and American higher education institutions and the demonstrated ability to implement complex projects in post-conflict areas. Priority consideration will be given to proposals that clearly demonstrate how American academic expertise will be introduced to the target university and that focus on preparing Iraqi students to enter the marketplace through internships and practical skills development. Proposals that include efforts to foster national reconciliation and minority inclusion will also receive more favorable consideration.