Student run Media Lab Development Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Student-run Media Lab Development Program?

The Student-run Media Lab Development Program is a discretionary grant competition offered by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia. It is intended to strengthen journalism education at a Georgian university by creating or upgrading a student-run media lab.

Who is offering this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia.

What is the main goal of the program?

The program aims to improve journalism instruction at a Georgian university so it aligns more closely with current international standards for modern media production. The focus is on hands-on, practice-oriented training that reflects changing professional journalism tools and workflows.

What types of institutions are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to Georgian academic institutions with journalism programs. Specifically, Georgian University Journalism Programs are the intended applicants.

Who are the direct beneficiaries of the grant?

The direct beneficiaries are the selected university journalism department, its faculty, and its students. The expectation is that improved facilities and instruction will lead to stronger practical skills, improved teaching capacity, and a more practice-oriented curriculum.

What is the expected project length?

The program is designed as a one- to two-year project.

How much funding is available under this opportunity?

Total funding is listed as USD 150,000. The award floor is USD 150,000 and the award ceiling is also USD 150,000.

How many awards does the program expect to make?

The opportunity anticipates making a single award.

Is this funding a contract or a grant?

This opportunity uses a standard grant mechanism (not a contract).

Is cost-sharing or matching required?

Yes. There is a cost-sharing or matching requirement, meaning applicants are expected to contribute their own resources or secure additional support to complement the Embassy funding.

What kinds of activities or costs are this program looking to support?

Projects are expected to focus on practical, capacity-building components that make a media lab functional and sustainable. Suggested approaches include developing or outfitting a media lab or studio space, purchasing equipment, and creating or updating curricula and instructional materials that integrate practical production work into academic coursework.

Does the program require curriculum or instructional updates, or can it be only equipment purchases?

The opportunity emphasizes more than a one-time equipment purchase. Applicants are expected to support an institutional shift toward skills-based journalism education, including creating or updating curricula and instructional materials that integrate practical production work into coursework.

What does the grant mean by a "student-run media lab"?

Based on the program description, the media lab is intended to be a modern training and learning facility where undergraduate and graduate students can gain hands-on experience producing journalism across multiple media platforms.

What is meant by “modern media production” and “multiple media platforms” in this context?

The program is oriented toward current professional journalism tools and workflows and recognizes that these change quickly. The lab is intended to support journalism production across multiple media platforms, consistent with modern media production standards.

What is expected regarding sustainability after the grant period ends?

Applicants must address sustainability in a concrete way, including how the lab will be maintained, supported, and kept operational after the grant period ends. The Embassy is looking for a durable training environment rather than a short-term purchase or upgrade.

What is the broader intent behind funding a media lab?

The broader intent is to raise the quality of journalism instruction so it better matches international standards and responds to rapidly changing professional tools and workflows, leading to stronger skills development and improved instructional capacity.

When was this funding opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on May 30, 2012.

What is the application closing date?

The closing date listed for this opportunity is July 13, 2012.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is DOSGEO 12 GR 002 GEO 053012.

Who should applicants contact for questions or access issues related to the full announcement?

Questions and access issues related to the full announcement were directed to the Grants Program Coordinator, Sofia Gegechkori, at the U.S. Mission to Georgia.

What university programs within an institution does this opportunity target?

The opportunity targets university-level journalism programs (a Georgian University Journalism Program), with benefits intended for the journalism department, its faculty, and its undergraduate and graduate students.

What kind of training outcomes is the program aiming for students?

The program is intended to create a setting where students gain hands-on experience producing journalism, improving practical skills through a more practice-oriented curriculum supported by updated facilities and instruction.