The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for one or more assistance awards to administer the FY2013 Community College Initiative Program, which will support study by international undergraduate students at accredited U.S. community colleges. The Program provides quality educational programs, leadership and professional skills development, practical professional experience, community engagement, and programming that builds mutual understanding and knowledge about American society and culture to underserved, non-elite international students, particularly women, who already have some work experience. The Bureau anticipates supporting students from developing countries in this program including (subject to change) such countries as Brazil, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and South Africa, as well as other countries. Proposals should indicate flexibility and willingness to host international students from any country. Public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) that represent consortia of accredited U.S. community colleges, or that represent other combinations of multiple accredited community college campuses may submit proposals to cooperate with the Bureau in the administration and implementation of the FY 2013 Community College Initiative Program. For planning purposes, the Bureau invites proposals from eligible organizations for a program at a total funding level of approximately $11,635,000 pending availability of FY2013 resources. Applicants may apply to administer the entire program or a portion thereof. Applicant organizations should indicate the number of participants that can be accommodated at the requested funding level based on detailed calculations of program and administrative costs. In order to maximize the number of participants under this program, it is the Bureau‟s expectation that significant institutional and private sector funding and cost sharing will be made available by cooperating institutions. We anticipate that approximately 275 students will participate in the FY2013 program. It is the BureauÂ’s intent to award one to six cooperative agreements (one base year plus two option years) for an estimated total amount of $11,635,000 in the base year and $8,400,000 in the following two option years, pending availability of funds. Please see section II.) Award Information, below for additional details.