Grants / Department of State / U.S. Mission to Poland

WAW-NOFO-FY25-02: Pathways to Success: Career Readiness through American Expertise

Closed Closed June 18, 2025 Opportunity WAW-NOFO-FY25-02 ☆ Save

This grant is closed. A newer notice from the same program is open now: Austrian-American Partnership Fund (AAPF) (OFOP0002825). Status: Closes January 1, 2099 (26353 days left). It is in our archive of U.S. Mission to Poland notices from 2025.

• Award ceiling$50,000
• Award floor$25,000
• Total funding$50,000
• Expected awards2
• Cost sharingNot required
• Funding typeGrant

Key dates

Who can apply

This opportunity was open to the applicants described in the notice.

• Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)

Eligible Applicants: The following organizations are eligible to apply: • Appropriately registered not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations with programming experience • Individuals to include alumni of U.S. government sponsored exchange programs; and • Non-profit or governmental educational institutions including public libraries, schools, and universities. For-profit or commercial entities are not eligible to apply. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant organization must be registered to operate in Poland, or if this is not the case, they are strongly encouraged to partner with a local Polish organization registered to operate in Poland.

Is this a realistic fit?

• Past Public Diplomacy Programs awards averaged $26,570; this notice allows up to $50,000 per award.
• No cost sharing or match is required.

What the grant funds

The Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) at the U.S. Mission in Poland invites proposals for programs that strengthen U.S.-Poland ties by promoting bilateral cooperation and building lasting connections with emerging Polish leaders. Proposals should utilize American leadership, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness best practices to equip high school students (ages 16 – 19) with essential soft skills—such as public speaking, critical thinking, self-management, an entrepreneurial mindset, risk-taking, presentation skills, and problem solving. Programs should also incorporate career guidance components to help youth confidently navigate the transition into adulthood, explore professional pathways, and make informed decisions about their futures. These initiatives should empower participants through practical tools and knowledge that reflect American models of education and career development, while fostering long-term engagement that supports shared democratic values and addresses the challenges of the modern workforce. Projects should empower participants to approach both personal and professional challenges with confidence, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. They should also foster lasting peer connections, mentorship networks, and sustained engagement beyond the program’s duration. Ultimately, all initiatives should focus on equipping youth with key soft skills essential for success in today’s job market, including public speaking, critical thinking, self-management, and problem solving. By strengthening these competencies, Polish high school students will grow into confident and resilient individuals who remain connected to U.S. values and approaches, supporting their continued personal growth and professional development—while advancing the long-term U.S.-Polish partnership. Awards will be made subject to the availability of appropriated funds and final selection. This NOFO is for projects beginning no earlier than September 30, 2025. The deadline for this NOFO is June 18, 2025. Please carefully follow all instructions below. A. Program Description 1. Goals and Objectives A successful proposal will include a comprehensive calendar of activities up to 18 months that includes a series of skills-building workshops and/or interactive trainings for high school students. All projects must address the development of youth leadership, critical thinking, project management skills, and resilience as well as career guidance activities.

Category: Other.

Applying now

This notice no longer takes applications. Apply under the newer notice, OFOP0002825, which is open now.

The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.