Opportunity Funds – Bulgaria competition

It is designed to support talented international students who need financial help to take their first steps toward study in the United States at an accredited institution of higher learning.
The program promotes the Department’s objectives of expanding engagement with youth, fostering mutual understanding, and supporting outreach to all communities.

The Opportunity Funds Program also strengthens American communities and classrooms by assisting highly qualified international students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities but lack the financial resources to cover the up-front costs to apply, such as testing, application fees, or airfare.

The model supports economic prosperity by ensuring that the United States can attract top talent to U.S. higher education institutions. The program also attracts highly resourced students to U.S. colleges and universities, building more prosperous communities. International education is a billion-dollar industry that establishes global relations in critical sectors such as business, diplomacy, and security for years to come.

In addition to academic abilities, Opportunity Funds students strengthen the global competitiveness of Americans whose knowledge and understanding of the world grows through engagement with international students on U.S. campuses.

A maximum of $5,000 in Opportunity Funds may be spent on each student to cover costs associated with any of the following:

• Test preparation modules and testing fees for the SAT and TOEFL;
• Application fees to accredited colleges/universities in the United States;
• Visa and SEVIS fees;
• Round-trip transportation to a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a visa or attend a pre-departure orientation at the EducationUSA advising center (including overnight accommodation and meals if needed);
• Round-trip international airfare to the U.S. institution where the student will study;
• One-time settling-in allowance (e.g. for laptop purchase or other personal expenses).

• Bulgarian citizenship or officially recognized refugee status
• English language proficiency
• Excellent high school grades, awards, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities and potential to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges and universities
• Demonstrated financial need to cover the up-front costs of obtaining admission such as testing, application fees, or airfare. A baseline indicator of average family member gross income of 2000 BGN is suggested and supporting documentation is required.
• Regular participation in EducationUSA’s ongoing virtual cohort advising program is a plus.