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The Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is designed to increase the availability of local foods in schools and help connect students to the sources of their food through education, taste tests, school gardens, field trips, and local food sourcing for school meals. Grants can launch new farm to school programs or expand existing efforts. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Farm to School Grant awards projects of 24 months in length for funding up to $500,000. Applicants are required to provide matching support of at least 25 percent of the total project budget in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. The RFA offers three tracks - Implementation, State Agency, and Turnkey - to support a variety of projects and implementation stages. Eligible applicants may include schools and other institutions that operate Child Nutrition Programs, Indian Tribal Organizations, agricultural producers or groups of agricultural producers, nonprofit entities, and State and local agencies.

USDA FNS will award $2 million in total grant funding to up to four (4) organizations led and staffed primarily by members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians, from different regions of the contiguous United States, Alaska, or Hawaii (regions may, but are not required to, correspond to USDA FNS regions). These entities will provide tailored training and technical assistance to School Food Authorities (SFA) that serve tribal communities and participate in the NSLP. Funds may be used to support the use of traditional Indigenous foods in the NSLP, SBP, SFSP, SSO, and/or CACFP At-Risk. Cooperators should draw from the experience and expertise of school nutrition professionals, school administrators, community partners, elders, and other community experts from the tribal communities being served and provide training and TA that are culturally relevant and appropriate. The cooperators, with FNS guidance and approval, will also develop culturally relevant nutrition education materials for students to accompany the traditional Indigenous foods that are served, and the cooperators will train school nutrition professionals and other school staff on providing nutrition education to students.Through this initiative, FNS intends to see the following outcomes:Increased understanding of the specific barriers faced by SFAs serving tribal communities in offering traditional Indigenous foods as part of the meals served through the CNP.Increased capacity of organizations led and staffed primarily by members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians to provide training and TA to increase the inclusion of traditional Indigenous foods into the meals served through the CNP.Engagement of school nutrition professionals from tribal communities in incorporating traditional Indigenous foods into the meals served through the CNP.New and updated resources, tools, and trainings tailored to school nutrition professionals and other school staff or community partners serving tribal communities on the importance of traditional Indigenous foods and how to increase inclusion of these foods into the meals served through the CNP.The establishment of new procurement relationships that can supply traditional Indigenous foods to SFAs serving tribal communities in quantities and at prices that are acceptable.The development, standardization, and testing of new recipes utilizing traditional Indigenous foods that are specific to the tribal communities being served.Increased inclusion of traditional Indigenous foods into the meals served through the CNP.Increased engagement of students, school nutrition professionals, other school staff, and tribe members in increasing traditional Indigenous foods in the meals served through the CNP through taste tests, student nutrition committees, Local School Wellness Committees, and/or other means.New and updated nutrition education resources tailored to students from tribal communities on the meaning and importance of the traditional Indigenous foods that are served, and training for school nutrition professionals on providing nutrition education to students.Identification and sharing of best practices and outcomes data that demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of tailored training and TA for school nutrition professionals in increasing the use of traditional Indigenous foods in the meals served through the CNP.Increased partnerships between non-profit organizations, SFAs, tribes, and/or other entities with experience and expertise in training, nutrition and nutrition education, traditional Indigenous foods, and/or school food service management.Increased partnerships between FNS and organizations led and staffed primarily by members of Federally Recognized Tribes and/or Native Hawaiians and tribal communities.

USDA/FAS will accept applications for projects in the following priority countries: Angola, Bangladesh, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau, Laos, Malawi, and Rwanda. Of these, Angola and El Salvador are countries that do not currently have active McGovern-Dole projects. Applicants are advised to refer to Appendix B: Country Specific Guidance for country-specific information on program emphasis and agency priorities. USDA/FAS will also accept applications for non-priority countries; however, it will prioritize funding applications for the identified priority countries. McGovern-Dole projects are implemented in low-income, food-deficit countries globally.

The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (the Act), Section 23 (42 U.S.C. 1793), as amended by Section 105 of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-296), authorizes funds to provide grants on a competitive basis to State agencies. Eight million dollars has been appropriated for State agencies to expand the School Breakfast Program (SBP). The purpose of the SBP expansion grants is to provide sub-grants, to local educational agencies (LEAs), not to exceed $10,000 per year for each school or group of qualifying schools, to establish, maintain, or expand the SBP. As defined in Section 4(d)(1) of the Act, the term “qualifying school” means a school in severe need. These include only schools (having an SBP or desiring to initiate a SBP) in which 40 percent or more of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) lunches served to students at the school were served free or at a reduced price.

The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (the Act), Section 23 (42 U.S.C. 1793), as amended by Section 105 of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-296), authorizes funds to provide grants on a competitive basis to State agencies and U.S. Territories. Three million dollars has been appropriated for the U.S. Territories (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) to expand the School Breakfast Program (SBP) or any other school breakfast provided to students by the school or U.S. Territory. The purpose of the SBP expansion grants is to provide grants, not to exceed $10,000 per school year, to qualifying schools to establish, maintain, or expand the SBP or other school breakfast program provided by the school or U.S. Territory. As defined in Section 4(d)(1) of the Act, the term “qualifying school” means a school in severe need. These include only schools (having a breakfast program or desiring to initiate a breakfast program) in which 40 percent or more of the lunches served to students at the school were served free or at a reduced-price during school year 2019-2020.

The Tribal Colleges Education Equity Grants (TCEG) program is designed to help build Tribal education capacity in the food and agricultural sciences for Native Alaskan/American Indian students. This request for applications (RFA) will begin a new four-year continuation funding cycle. The six legislatively mandated priorities are: · Culturally relevant curricula design and materials development · Culturally responsive faculty development and teacher preparation · Student experiential learning · Equipment and instrumentation for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math · Student recruitment and retention · Instruction delivery systems and strategic partnerships The TCEG program focuses on development of culturally responsive students and faculty who use students’ backgrounds and identities to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Preparing students for roles in Tribal leadership, traditional knowledge, and other qualities of one’s culture that are necessary to prepare students for agricultural and related careers in the private sector, for work with Tribal and non-Tribal government, and in academia. TCEG teaching applications must demonstrably incorporate a Tribal leadership development component to equip students with technical and leadership abilities upon graduation.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), USDA announces the Children, Youth, and Families at Risk (CYFAR) funding program to improve the quality and quantity of comprehensive community-based programs for at-risk children, youth, and families supported by the Cooperative Extension System. The CYFAR program mission is to marshal resources of the Land-Grant and Cooperative Extension Systems to develop and deliver educational programs that equip limited resource families and youth who are at-risk for not meeting basic human needs with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, contributing lives.

The Secondary Education, Two-Year Postsecondary Education, and Agriculture in the K-12 Classroom Challenge Grants (SPECA) program seeks to: (a) promote and strengthen secondary education and two-year postsecondary education in the food and agriculture sciences in order to help ensure the existence of a workforce in the United States that's qualified to serve the food and agriculture sciences system; and (b) promote complementary and synergistic linkages among secondary, two-year postsecondary, and higher education programs in the food and agriculture sciences in order to advance excellence in education and encourage more young Americans to pursue and complete a baccalaureate or higher degree in the food and agriculture sciences.

The purpose of this program is strengthen the capacity of Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas to carry out resident instruction, curriculum, and teaching programs in the food and agricultural sciences through distance education technology. The Distance Education Grants Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas (DEG) is a NIFA-administered competitive grants program focused on improving formal, postsecondary agricultural sciences education.

The purpose of these programs is to promote and strengthen the ability of eligible institutions in the Insular Areas to carry out education within the food, agricultural and natural resource sciences. RIIA projects strengthen institutional educational capacities, including libraries, curriculum, faculty, scientific instrumentation, instruction delivery systems, and student recruitment and retention, in order to respond to education needs in the food and agricultural sciences. AGFEI projects support activities to acquire or renovate facilities and relevant equipment necessary for conducting agricultural research to support tropical and subtropical agricultural research, including pest and disease research. These programs are intended to broaden the undergraduate student experience by integrating opportunities to participate in research, education, and extension and to enhance collaborations with community colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Alaska Native-Serving and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions, 1890 and 1994 land-grant institutions, and non-land grant college and universities of agriculture.

The principal objectives of the McGovern-Dole Program are to carry out: 1) preschool and school food for education programs in foreign countries to improve food security, reduce the incidence of hunger, and improve literacy and primary education, particularly with respect to girls; and, 2) maternal, infant, and child nutrition programs for pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and children who are five years of age or younger.McGovern-Dole feeds school children and improves literacy (especially for girls) in low-income, food-deficit countries around the world. The program provides for the procurement of U.S. agricultural commodities, local and regional agricultural commodities, as well as financial and technical assistance, to support McGovern-Dole objectives. Section 3107 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, the program authorizing legislation requires that the agreement include provisions to achieve graduation from the program or to provide other long-term benefits to targeted populations of the country (7 U.S.C. 1736o-1(j)).By providing school meals, teacher training, government capacity-building, and related education and nutrition support, McGovern-Dole helps boost school enrollment, increase attendance, and improve reading outcomes and literacy results. McGovern-Dole also provides support to Maternal and Child Nutrition (MCN). To improve health, nutrition, and dietary practices, McGovern-Dole encourages the inclusion of health- and nutrition-sensitive activities such as the use of micronutrient-fortified products, take-home rations, treatments for deworming, and diarrhea, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), school gardens, and curriculum-based nutrition education.The donation of U.S. commodities is an integral part of McGovern-Dole and Applicants are strongly encouraged to use U.S. donated commodities to maximize program reach of targeted beneficiaries in the most cost-effective manner. In addition, Applicants are strongly encouraged to allocate approximately ten percent of the total proposed federal award amount for local and regional procurement component. FAS prioritizes sustainability in efforts to reduce poverty and food insecurity in vulnerable economies on their path to becoming self-sufficient. FAS is focusing on helping communities develop sustainable sources of food supplies while building resilience in their food sourcing practices.FAS will consider proposals from all eligible organizations, including current recipients and new organizations. FAS may also review submissions from eligible Applicants for non–prioritized countries, however FAS will give priority consideration to fund proposals for the identified 10 priority countries. For additional information on the priority countries for this funding opportunity, applicants should refer toApp endix B – Country Guidance.FAS expects that proposals will build upon McGovern-Dole activities and what has been accomplished to date.1 Expansion beyond current target regions will be considered and should be sufficiently justified. If this is a new McGovern-Dole country, FAS expects that the proposal will lay the foundation for a strong McGovern-Dole program, complementing school feeding efforts already in place. Applications must focus on transition of McGovern-Dole activities to the host governments and/or communities and set the path to sustainability. Applicants must work with countries that have a national government that is committed to or is working towards, through a national action plan, the goals of the World Declaration on Education for All. Furthermore, applications must align with the McGovern Dole Program Project-Level Results Framework (See Part D Section 3 c v Monitoring and Evaluation.).

OVERVIEWThe International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP), in liaison to 4H and FFA, will provide opportunities to eligible U.S. citizens to assist developing countries in establishing school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, PL 115-334, Sec. 3307, 7 USC § 3295. Eligible U.S. citizens must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, and ideally will have agricultural experience, including teaching agricultural skills, and curriculum and/or program development. FAS will consider program proposals from all eligible organizations, including current recipients and new organizations.The IAEFP’s purpose is to connect American agricultural professionals to the demand for experiential, school-based agricultural education in developing countries. The IAEFP was first implemented in Ghana and Uganda during calendar year 2021-2022. The IAEFP, affords United States agriculturalists to develop a global mindset, collaboratively meet the food and fiber needs of the domestic population of eligible countries, and strengthen and enhance trade linkages between eligible countries and the United States agricultural industry.OBJECTIVESIAEFP emphasizes agricultural skill transfer to youth in priority country secondary schools and encourages community-based extension and teacher training, as well as development of 4H clubs for strong sustainability of the program. Proposal submission should include, but is not limited to, classroom instruction, field demonstrations, entrepreneurship projects, and leadership development. The proposal should address priority country’s receptiveness of the IAEFP and what, if any, country policies and procedures will be necessary to incorporate into the project work plan for strong program implementation and sustainability. Host country’s government, agriculture community, and local authorities should demonstrate support and commitment to collaborate on the implementation and execution of the IAEFP.PRIORITIESThe recipient should provide a suggested curriculum to all Fellows that is tailored to the needs of the priority country. Fellow’s training topics should align with USDA and the priority country’s agricultural policy, development, and extension goals. FAS expects that proposals will build upon past IAEFP activities and what has been accomplished to date. The recipient may also draw on additional resources and best practices from similar programs for robust program development. Topics should also promote bilateral agricultural trade between the priority country and the United States and should address priorities on Climate Smart Agricultural practices. For additional recipient requirements, please see the Performance Expectations in Section F. Applicants must submit a draft evaluation plan as an attachment. Each evaluation plan shouldinclude a comprehensive approach to monitoring and evaluating the project’s performance and impact. This includes specific performance goals, an activity-level results framework, performance indicators with targets for each program activity, and plans for baseline and program-related data collection.USDA anticipates issuing one award. The award is expected to support up to nine (9) fellows. The fellowship is expected to last 8-9 months in concurrence with the priority country’s academic year. United States fellows participating under IAEFP must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field and understand U.S. school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs. After selection, recipients will be expected to identify fellows through an organized recruitment process including a request for applications, and accompanying candidate selection process. In addition, the National FFA Organization (FFA) and the National 4-H Council (4-H) must be consulted on U.S. fellow selections. Applicants are expected to identify their respective 4-H and FFA selection SME panel representatives within thirty days following negotiations. All final fellow selections must be submitted to the USDA for final concurrence.Although each fellow should be assigned to a specific site within the proposed country, they are expected to participate as a cohesive cohort. All proposal submissions must demonstrate that security considerations have been assessed and address all measures that would be implemented to ensure the safety and security of participating U.S. fellows. Additionally, fellows should be provided with adequate and safe living accommodations. Examples of safe living accommodations include but are not limited to schools’ dorms with a security guard, host family accommodations, private transportation arrangements, etc. Living arrangements ought to be considered in liaison with the priority country’s U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer recommendations. Applicants should also include in their orientation a safety and security self-defense training. Award recipients will be required to work with USDA/FAS IAEFP Team, and, if necessary, relevant FAS overseas offices and/or appropriate U.S. Embassy personnel on all programmatic issues, including but not limited to target country partnerships, fellow placements, and security measures. Additionally, a strong social media presence displaying the ongoing activities of the IAEFP is encouraged. Finally, regular updates on program implementation should also be provided to USDA/FAS Washington, D.C. and FAS overseas office representatives.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE For this solicitation, IAEFP will focus on the Northern Triangle region of Central America, particularly the countries of Guatemala and El Salvador. Applicants may submit multiple applications for different countries within the Northern Triangle; and all will be considered. Applicants may submit applications for countries outside of the Northern Triangle although applications for the Northern Triangle region will be prioritized. All proposals must address the safety and security situation in proposed country(ies) and the regions within the country(ies) where Fellows will be placed. All proposals must address where the IAEFP can work in conjunction with the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program, the Cochran Fellowship Program, the Food for Progress Program, the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, the Local and Regional Procurement Program, Peace Corps, and/or USAID or other USG programming. All proposals should recognize and demonstrate incorporation of any priority country government requirements to allow for smooth implementation of this program. Program implementation must be focused on program sustainability and collaboration with the host government to help build/enhance the country’s agricultural education curriculum.Issuance of this funding opportunity does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the United States Government (USG) to make awards, nor does it commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a concept note or full application.Each proposal must be country-specific and tailored to the context of that country. Depending on ever-changing on the ground security situations, the USDA selecting official may elect not to award or fund proposals for a country(ies). In addition, USDA may elect to make amendments to agreements. The USDA selecting official may also select applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, such as geographical distribution, incorporation of minority-serving institutions, congressional directive, or other documented considerations. These determinations are final and cannot be appealed.

OVERVIEWThe International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP), in liaison to 4H and FFA, will provide opportunities to eligible U.S. citizens to assist developing countries in establishing school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, PL 115-334, Sec. 3307, 7 USC § 3295. Eligible U.S. citizens must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, and ideally will have agricultural experience, including teaching agricultural skills, and curriculum and/or program development. FAS will consider program proposals from all eligible organizations, including current recipients and new organizations.The IAEFP’s purpose is to connect American agricultural professionals to the demand for experiential, school-based agricultural education in developing countries. The IAEFP was first implemented in Ghana and Uganda during calendar year 2021-2022. The IAEFP, affords United States agriculturalists to develop a global mindset, collaboratively meet the food and fiber needs of the domestic population of eligible countries, and strengthen and enhance trade linkages between eligible countries and the United States agricultural industry.OBJECTIVESIAEFP emphasizes agricultural skill transfer to youth in priority country secondary schools and encourages community-based extension and teacher training, as well as development of 4H clubs for strong sustainability of the program. Proposal submission should include, but is not limited to, classroom instruction, field demonstrations, entrepreneurship projects, and leadership development. The proposal should address priority country’s receptiveness of the IAEFP and what, if any, country policies and procedures will be necessary to incorporate into the project work plan for strong program implementation and sustainability. Host country’s government, agriculture community, and local authorities should demonstrate support and commitment to collaborate on the implementation and execution of the IAEFP.PRIORITIESThe recipient should provide a suggested curriculum to all Fellows that is tailored to the needs of the priority country. Fellow’s training topics should align with USDA and the priority country’s agricultural policy, development, and extension goals. FAS expects that proposals will build upon past IAEFP activities and what has been accomplished to date. The recipient may also draw on additional resources and best practices from similar programs for robust program development. Topics should also promote bilateral agricultural trade between the priority country and the United States and should address priorities on Climate Smart Agricultural practices. For additional recipient requirements, please see the Performance Expectations in Section F. Applicants must submit a draft evaluation plan as an attachment. Each evaluation plan shouldinclude a comprehensive approach to monitoring and evaluating the project’s performance and impact. This includes specific performance goals, an activity-level results framework, performance indicators with targets for each program activity, and plans for baseline and program-related data collection.USDA anticipates issuing one award. The award is expected to support up to nine (9) fellows. The fellowship is expected to last 8-9 months in concurrence with the priority country’s academic year. United States fellows participating under IAEFP must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field and understand U.S. school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs. After selection, recipients will be expected to identify fellows through an organized recruitment process including a request for applications, and accompanying candidate selection process. In addition, the National FFA Organization (FFA) and the National 4-H Council (4-H) must be consulted on U.S. fellow selections. Applicants are expected to identify their respective 4-H and FFA selection SME panel representatives within thirty days following negotiations. All final fellow selections must be submitted to the USDA for final concurrence.Although each fellow should be assigned to a specific site within the proposed country, they are expected to participate as a cohesive cohort. All proposal submissions must demonstrate that security considerations have been assessed and address all measures that would be implemented to ensure the safety and security of participating U.S. fellows. Additionally, fellows should be provided with adequate and safe living accommodations. Examples of safe living accommodations include but are not limited to schools’ dorms with a security guard, host family accommodations, private transportation arrangements, etc. Living arrangements ought to be considered in liaison with the priority country’s U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer recommendations. Applicants should also include in their orientation a safety and security self-defense training. Award recipients will be required to work with USDA/FAS IAEFP Team, and, if necessary, relevant FAS overseas offices and/or appropriate U.S. Embassy personnel on all programmatic issues, including but not limited to target country partnerships, fellow placements, and security measures. Additionally, a strong social media presence displaying the ongoing activities of the IAEFP is encouraged. Finally, regular updates on program implementation should also be provided to USDA/FAS Washington, D.C. and FAS overseas office representatives.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE For this solicitation, IAEFP will focus on the Northern Triangle region of Central America, particularly the countries of Guatemala and El Salvador. Applicants may submit multiple applications for different countries within the Northern Triangle; and all will be considered. Applicants may submit applications for countries outside of the Northern Triangle although applications for the Northern Triangle region will be prioritized. All proposals must address the safety and security situation in proposed country(ies) and the regions within the country(ies) where Fellows will be placed. All proposals must address where the IAEFP can work in conjunction with the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program, the Cochran Fellowship Program, the Food for Progress Program, the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, the Local and Regional Procurement Program, Peace Corps, and/or USAID or other USG programming. All proposals should recognize anddemonstrate incorporation of any priority country government requirements to allow for smooth implementation of this program. Program implementation must be focused on program sustainability and collaboration with the host government to help build/enhance the country’s agricultural education curriculum.Issuance of this funding opportunity does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the United States Government (USG) to make awards, nor does it commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a concept note or full application.Each proposal must be country-specific and tailored to the context of that country. Depending on ever-changing on the ground security situations, the USDA selecting official may elect not to award or fund proposals for a country(ies). In addition, USDA may elect to make amendments to agreements. The USDA selecting official may also select applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, such as geographical distribution, incorporation of minority-serving institutions, congressional directive, or other documented considerations. These determinations are final and cannot be appealed.

The Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (the Act), Section 23 (42 U.S.C. 1793), as amended by Section 105 of the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (Public Law 111-296), authorizes funds to provide grants on a competitive basis to State agencies and U.S. Territories. An amount of $2.8 million is available for award to the U.S. Territories (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa) to expand the School Breakfast Program (SBP) or any other school breakfast provided to students by the school or U.S. Territory.The purpose of the SBP expansion grants is to provide grants, not to exceed $10,000 per school year, to qualifying schools to establish, maintain, or expand the SBP or other school breakfast program provided by the school or U.S. Territory. All schools located within U.S. Territories are considered “qualifying schools” for the purposes of this grant opportunity.The SBP is a federally assisted meal program that was established in 1966. It provides categorical grants to assist public and nonprofit private schools and residential childcare institutions that serve breakfasts to “nutritionally needy” children. The SBP operates in the same manner as the National School Lunch Program. U.S. Territories that provide an alternate school breakfast to students are also eligible to apply to this grant. This is a new RFA and a FY 2022 opportunity

OVERVIEWThe International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP), in coordination with4H and FFA, will provide opportunities to eligible U.S. citizens to assist developing countries in establishing school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, PL 115-334, Sec. 3307, 7 USC § 3295. Eligible U.S. citizens must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, and ideally will have agricultural experience, including teaching agricultural skills, and curriculum and/or program development. FAS will consider program proposals from all eligible organizations, including current recipients and new organizations.The IAEFP’s purpose is to connect American agricultural professionals to the demand for experiential, school-based agricultural education in developing countries. The IAEFP was first implemented in Ghana and Uganda during calendar year 2021-2022. The IAEFP, affords United States agriculturalists to develop a global mindset, collaboratively meet the food and fiber needs of the domestic population of eligible countries, and strengthen and enhance trade linkages between eligible countries and the United States agricultural industry.OBJECTIVESIAEFP emphasizes agricultural skill transfer to youth in priority country secondary schools and encourages community-based extension and teacher training, as well as development of 4H clubs for strong sustainability of the program. Proposal submission should include, but is not limited to, classroom instruction, field demonstrations, entrepreneurship projects, and leadership development. The proposal should address priority country’s receptiveness of the IAEFP and what, if any, country policies and procedures will be necessary to incorporate into the project work plan for strong program implementation and sustainability. Host country’s government, agriculture community, and local authorities should demonstrate support and commitment to collaborate on the implementation and execution of the IAEFP.PRIORITIESFor this announcement, IAEFP will focus on any low to middle income country as defined by The World Bank. The recipient should provide a suggested curriculum to all Fellows that is tailored to the needs of the priority country. Fellow’s training topics should align with USDA and the priority country’s agricultural policy, development, and extension goals. Topics should also promote bilateral agricultural trade between the priority country and the United States and should address priorities on Climate Smart Agricultural practices. For additional recipient requirements, please see the Performance Expectations in Section F. Applicants must submit a draft evaluation plan as an attachment. Each evaluation plan should include a comprehensive approach to monitoring and evaluating the project’s performance and impact. This includes specific performance goals, an activity-level results framework, performance indicators with targets for each program activity, and plans for baseline and program-related data collection.USDA anticipates issuing up to 2 awards in this program cycle. Each award is expected to support up to nine (9) Fellows. The Fellowship is expected to last 8-9 months in concurrence with the priority country’s academic year. United States Fellows participating under IAEFP must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field and understand U.S. school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs. After selection, recipients will be expected to identify Fellows through an organized recruitment process including a request for applications and accompanying candidate selection process. In addition, the National FFA Organization (FFA) and the National 4-H Council (4-H) must be consulted on U.S. Fellow selections. Applicants are expected to identify their respective 4-H and FFA selection SME panel representatives within thirty days following negotiations. All final Fellow selections must be submitted to the USDA for final concurrence.Although each Fellow should be assigned to a specific site within the proposed country, they are expected to participate as a cohesive cohort. All proposal submissions must demonstrate that security considerations have been assessed and address all measures that would be implemented to ensure the safety and security of participating U.S. Fellows. Additionally, Fellows should be provided with adequate and safe living accommodations. Examples of safe living accommodations include but are not limited to: schools’ dorms with a security guard, host family accommodations, private transportation arrangements, etc. Living arrangements ought to be considered in coordination with the priority country’s U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer recommendations. Applicants should also include in their orientation a safety and security self-defense training. Award recipients will be required to work with USDA/FAS IAEFP Team, and, if necessary, relevant FAS overseas offices and/or appropriate U.S. Embassy personnel on all programmatic issues, including but not limited to target country partnerships, Fellow placements, and security measures. Additionally, a strong social media presence displaying the ongoing activities of the IAEFP is encouraged. Finally, regular updates on program implementation should also be provided to USDA/FAS Washington, D.C. and FAS overseas office representatives.PLACE OF PERFORMANCEIAEFP will focus on any low to middle income country as defined by The World Bank. Applicants may submit multiple applications for different countries; and all will be considered. All proposals must address the safety and security situation in proposed country(ies) and the regions within the country(ies) where Fellows will be placed. All proposals must address where the IAEFP can work in conjunction with the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program, the Cochran Fellowship Program, the Food for Progress Program, the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, the Local and Regional Procurement Program, Peace Corps, and/or USAID or other USG programming. All proposals should recognize and demonstrate incorporation of any priority country government requirements to allow for smooth implementation of this program. Program implementation must be focused on program sustainability and collaboration with the host government to help build/enhance the country’s agricultural education curriculum.Issuance of this funding opportunity does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the United States Government (USG) to make awards, nor does it commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a concept note or full application.Each proposal must be country-specific and tailored to the context of that country. Depending on ever-changing on the ground security situations, the USDA selecting official may elect not to award or fund proposals for a country(ies). In addition, USDA may elect to make amendments to agreements. The USDA selecting official may also select applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, such as geographical distribution, incorporation of minority-serving institutions, congressional directive, or other documented considerations. These determinations are final and cannot be appealed.

OVERVIEWThe International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program (IAEFP), in coordination with4H and FFA, will provide opportunities to eligible U.S. citizens to assist developing countries in establishing school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, PL 115-334, Sec. 3307, 7 USC § 3295. Eligible U.S. citizens must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, and ideally will have agricultural experience, including teaching agricultural skills, and curriculum and/or program development. FAS will consider program proposals from all eligible organizations, including current recipients and new organizations.The IAEFP’s purpose is to connect American agricultural professionals to the demand for experiential, school-based agricultural education in developing countries. The IAEFP was first implemented in Ghana and Uganda during calendar year 2021-2022. The IAEFP, affords United States agriculturalists to develop a global mindset, collaboratively meet the food and fiber needs of the domestic population of eligible countries, and strengthen and enhance trade linkages between eligible countries and the United States agricultural industry.OBJECTIVESIAEFP emphasizes agricultural skill transfer to youth in priority country secondary schools and encourages community-based extension and teacher training, as well as development of 4H clubs for strong sustainability of the program. Proposal submission should include, but is not limited to, classroom instruction, field demonstrations, entrepreneurship projects, and leadership development. The proposal should address priority country’s receptiveness of the IAEFP and what, if any, country policies and procedures will be necessary to incorporate into the project work plan for strong program implementation and sustainability. Host country’s government, agriculture community, and local authorities should demonstrate support and commitment to collaborate on the implementation and execution of the IAEFP.PRIORITIESFor this opportunity, IAEFP will focus on any low to middle income country as defined by The World Bank. The recipient should provide a suggested curriculum to all Fellows that is tailored to the needs of the priority country. Fellow’s training topics should align with USDA and the priority country’s agricultural policy, development, and extension goals. Topics should also promote bilateral agricultural trade between the priority country and the United States and should address priorities on Climate Smart Agricultural practices. For additional recipient requirements, please see the Performance Expectations in Section F. Applicants must submit a draft evaluation plan as an attachment. Each evaluation plan should include a comprehensive approach to monitoring and evaluating the project’s performance and impact. This includes specific performance goals, an activity-level results framework, performance indicators with targets for each program activity, and plans for baseline and program-related data collection.USDA anticipates issuing up to 2 awards in this program cycle. Each award is expected to support up to nine (9) Fellows. The Fellowship is expected to last 8-9 months in concurrence with the priority country’s academic year. United States Fellows participating under IAEFP must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an agriculture-related field and understand U.S. school-based agricultural education and youth extension programs. After selection, recipients will be expected to identify Fellows through an organized recruitment process including a request for applications and accompanying candidate selection process. In addition, the National FFA Organization (FFA) and the National 4-H Council (4-H) must be consulted on U.S. Fellow selections. Applicants are expected to identify their respective 4-H and FFA selection SME panel representatives within thirty days following negotiations. All final Fellow selections must be submitted to the USDA for final concurrence.Although each Fellow should be assigned to a specific site within the proposed country, they are expected to participate as a cohesive cohort. All proposal submissions must demonstrate that security considerations have been assessed and address all measures that would be implemented to ensure the safety and security of participating U.S. Fellows. Additionally, Fellows should be provided with adequate and safe living accommodations. Examples of safe living accommodations include but are not limited to: schools’ dorms with a security guard, host family accommodations, private transportation arrangements, etc. Living arrangements ought to be considered in coordination with the priority country’s U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer recommendations. Applicants should also include in their orientation a safety and security self-defense training. Award recipients will be required to work with USDA/FAS IAEFP Team, and, if necessary, relevant FAS overseas offices and/or appropriate U.S. Embassy personnel on all programmatic issues, including but not limited to target country partnerships, Fellow placements, and security measures. Additionally, a strong social media presence displaying the ongoing activities of the IAEFP is encouraged. Finally, regular updates on program implementation should also be provided to USDA/FAS Washington, D.C. and FAS overseas office representatives.PLACE OF PERFORMANCEFor this opportunity, IAEFP will focus on any low to middle income country as defined by The World Bank. Applicants may submit multiple applications for different countries; and all will be considered. All proposals must address the safety and security situation in proposed country(ies) and the regions within the country(ies) where Fellows will be placed. All proposals must address where the IAEFP can work in conjunction with the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellowship Program, the Cochran Fellowship Program, the Food for Progress Program, the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, the Local and Regional Procurement Program, Peace Corps, and/or USAID or other USG programming. All proposals should recognize and demonstrate incorporation of any priority country government requirements to allow for smooth implementation of this program. Program implementation must be focused on program sustainability and collaboration with the host government to help build/enhance the country’s agricultural education curriculum.Issuance of this funding opportunity does not constitute an award or commitment on the part of the United States Government (USG) to make awards, nor does it commit the USG to pay for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a concept note or full application.Each proposal must be country-specific and tailored to the context of that country. Depending on ever-changing on the ground security situations, the USDA selecting official may elect not to award or fund proposals for a country(ies). In addition, USDA may elect to make amendments to agreements. The USDA selecting official may also select applications out of rank order in consideration of strategic program priorities, such as geographical distribution, incorporation of minority-serving institutions, congressional directive, or other documented considerations. These determinations are final and cannot be appealed.

The purpose of the CYFAR 4-H Military Partnership Professional Development and Technical Assistance Program is to support the implementation and capacity of the 4-H Military Partnership and Outreach Support Program. Professional development and technical assistance are provided to the land-grant institutions and Cooperative Extension System, so that, in collaboration with other organizations, they are able to develop and deliver educational programs for military-connected youth.

CYFAR marshals the resources of the Land-Grant and the Cooperative Extension Systems so that, in collaboration with other organizations, they can develop and deliver educational programs to youth who are at risk for not meeting basic human needs. These programs provide youth with the skills they need to lead positive, productive, and contributing lives; participating youth make a difference socially. CYFAR-PDTA partnering universities will build connections, competency, and capacity to help communities develop and sustain holistic programs for at-risk children, youth, and families who are under-served and under-represented. CYFAR-PDTA will provide professional development and technical assistance to Sustainable Community Projects (SCP) to ensure continued development and implementation of the CYFAR Sustainable Community program. CYFAR-PDTA, collaboratively through the Extension system, will provide the components of programming, evaluation, technology, and technical assistance.

This Request for Applications (RFA) announces the availability of funds for a cooperative agreement. Funding will be provided to the selected Grantee for fiscal year (FY) 2023 through FY 2026 to a public or private academic or research institution. The USDA anticipates awarding up to $2,000,000 in funding. The majority of these funds shall be awarded by the Grantee as sub-grants through a competitive process to public or private academic, not-for-profit, or State or Local government organizations for the purpose of conducting research activities that support identification of barriers to equitable access in CN programs as well as strategies to help overcome these barriers.

USDA FNS has established the Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative to improve the nutritional quality of school meals through food systems transformation, SFA recognition and technical assistance, the generation and sharing of innovative ideas and tested practices, and grants. This Initiative consists of four key activities:The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards for SFAs will recognize and share best practices from SFAs that have made significant improvements to the nutritional quality of their school meals.The Healthy Meals Incentives Grants for Small and/or Rural SFAs will offer competitive grants of up to $150,000 per grant for small and/or rural SFAs experiencing challenges in the improvement of the nutritional quality of their school meals due to limited staffing, difficulty in accessing training, increased food costs due to limited purchasing power, lack of physical space, and outdated kitchen equipment. The grants are intended to help small and/or rural SFAs overcome these challenges, improve the nutritional quality of school meals, and meet Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award criteria.Healthy Meals Summits will convene Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award recipients and School Food Systems Transformation grantees to be recognized, share best practices, and discuss strategies for sustaining their achievements into the future.School Food Systems Transformation Grants will stimulate innovation in strengthening the availability of nutritious food products in the kindergarten–12th (K–12) grade school food marketplace. The Healthy Meals Incentives activities noted above are expected to increase utilization, and thereby demand, for nutritious agricultural commodities, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruits as well as food products that reflect various cultures. These efforts are also positioned to strengthen small and rural SFA’s access to nutritious agricultural commodities through food systems transformation and grants to small and rural SFA’s. The collection and sharing of best practices regarding SFA’s use of nutritious agricultural commodities in school meals, as well as the incentivization of practices such as nutrition education (including farm to school nutrition education), use of local agricultural products in scratch cooking, and the development of culturally diverse school meal menu items is also expected to indirectly benefit producers that supply food products to schools.This Development and Implementation of Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards and Sub-Grants for School Food Authorities RFA specifies USDA FNS’ intent to enter into a cooperative agreement with a non-governmental entity to assist with the recognition awards, grants for SFAs, and the planning and implementation of the Healthy Meals Summits. School Food Systems Transformation Grants are not an activity included in this RFA announcement but are a part of the overall Healthy Meals Incentives Initiative. These grants will be released under a separate RFA.