Thursday, May 31, 2018

The Strategy Bridge Writing Competition

The Strategy Bridge writing competition is back for 2018!
The competition is open to students attending civilian universities and military war or staff colleges at every level, including distance learning, correspondence, and fellowship programs. The competition deadline is 30 June 2018. Winning articles will be announced in August 2018 and published on The Strategy Bridge thereafter.
Original submissions are highly encouraged, though revised and reformatted professional military education papers that meet the standards of a professional journal and our submission guidelines will be considered. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:
  • Theory of strategy
  • Strategy development (within the military or between civilian and military actors/organizations)
  • Strategic history
  • Factors influencing strategy (technology, politics, geography, etc.)
  • Educating strategists
  • Strategy and the public
  • The impact of information operations on strategy
  • The future of strategy

AWARDS

A panel of judges gathered by The Strategy Bridge will evaluate entries based on originality, substance of argument, style, and contribution to advancing the understanding and practice of strategy.
First Place – Award of $500, publication in a special series in The Strategy Bridge journal, and consideration for a chapter in an edited volume published by a university press.
Second Place – Award of $300, publication in a special series in The Strategy Bridge journal, and consideration for a chapter in an edited volume published by a university press.

Third Place – Award of $50, publication in a special series in The Strategy Bridge journal, and consideration for a chapter in an edited volume published by a university press.

HOW TO ENTER
  • The Strategy Bridge will entertain articles with a tie to strategy that are between 2,000 and 5,000 words in length. Articles should include a short narrative biography of the author or authors. Notes and author biography are not considered in the word count. Submissions in excess of 5000 words will not be considered.
  • Given our broad audience in the national security profession, we ask that submissions be free of jargon, acronyms, and idiosyncratic style; articles should be written for a general audience rather than a service- or national military-specific one. For more guidance, see our submission guidelines.
  • All graphs, charts, and tables should be submitted as separate files in the format they were created; please include appropriate attribution information.
  • Previously published articles are ineligible.
  • Articles pending consideration elsewhere for publication, or articles submitted to other competitions still pending announced decisions are eligible for this competition, but if the article is accepted elsewhere the author must inform The Strategy Bridge immediately.
A panel of judges gathered by The Strategy Bridge will evaluate entries based on originality, substance of argument, style, and contribution to advancing the understanding and practice of strategy.
First Place – Award of $500, publication in a special series in The Strategy Bridge journal, and consideration for a chapter in an edited volume published by a university press.
Second Place – Award of $300, publication in a special series in The Strategy Bridge journal, and consideration for a chapter in an edited volume published by a university press.
Third Place – Award of $50, publication in a special series in The Strategy Bridge journal, and consideration for a chapter in an edited volume published by a university press.
For more info, contact The Strategy Bridge at submissions@thestrategybridge.org. You can find more info about The Strategy Bridge at https://thestrategybridge.org.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Fulbright US Student Grant Info Sessions - May 31 and June 6

FULBRIGHT US STUDENT GRANTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY/RESEARCH/ENGLISH TEACHING

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers opportunities for research, study and English teaching  in over 140 countries to rising seniors, recent alumni, and graduate students. 

About 2000 Fulbright fully-funded grants are awarded annually. For detailed information please visit the Fulbright US Student Program website at: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html

The National Scholarships Office at the University of Maryland is offering two early summer info sessions on Fulbright study/research and English teaching opportunities – if you are interested but unable to attend let us know by writing to fulbright@umd.edu

FULBRIGHT GRANT INFO SESSIONS: RSVP to fulbright@umd.edu indicating which session you plan to attend:

Fulbright Info Session 1:
Thursday, May 31 from 4:05 pm to 5 pmPlant Sciences Building - Room 1130
RSVP to fulbright@umd.edu
Fulbright Info Session 2:
Wednesday, June 6 from 4:05 pm to 5 pmPlant Sciences Building - Room 1130
RSVP to fulbright@umd.edu 
Eligibility: US Citizens – Current Juniors and Seniors, Recent Alumni, Grad Students – All Fields of Study – Campus Deadline: Thursday, September 1, 2018

UMD Campus Deadline for 2019-20 Fulbright US Student Grants: September 1, 2018 – contact us at fulbright@umd.edu for details. 

NSF Graduate Fellowship Info Sessions - May 30 and June 7

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Are you planning or pursuing graduate studies toward a Ph.D. in life or physical sciences, math, engineering, or social/behavioral sciences? 

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) is the largest and one of the most prestigious awards available to support graduate studies toward Ph.D.’s in science, math, engineering, and social/behavioral fields. The NSF award provides 3 years of support, with an annual stipend of $34,000. You can learn more about the NSF award at www.nsfgrfp.org

The National Scholarships Office is offering two early summer NSF GRFP information sessions for students planning to apply this Fall 2018 or in subsequent years.  

Current undergraduates at all levels and recent alumni are welcome to attend, as are those who will be first or second year graduate students in Fall 2018.  

NSF Info Session 1:
Wednesday, May 30 from 4:05 pm to 5 pm
Plant Sciences Building - Room 1130
NSF GRFP Fall 2018 Deadlines:
October 22, 2018: Life Sciences – Geosciences
October 23, 2018: Engineering / Materials Research / Computer and Information Sciences and Engineering
October 25, 2018: Social Sciences – Psychology – STEM Education

October 26, 2018: Mathematical Sciences – Chemistry – Physics/Astronomy
RSVP to nsfgrfp@umd.edu

NSF Info Session 2:
Thursday, June 7 from 4:05 to 5 pm
Plant Sciences Building - Room 1130
RSVP to nsfgrfp@umd.edu

If you are interested but unable to attend either session please email us at: nsfgrfp@umd.edu 

Eligibility: You must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident to apply for the NSF Graduate research fellowship. You must be planning or pursuing graduate studies in an NSF supported field.  IMPORTANT: Students may apply TWICE for the NSF GRFP - once before starting graduate studies, and once during the first two years of graduate study. To enhance your chance of success is it essential to apply at each opportunity.

Read Liberia M&E for Teacher Training Internship

Internship Description

RTI International has a Read Liberia M&E for Teacher Training Internship opening for the upcoming Summer 2018 within the International Education unit in the International Development Group. This internship will provide the successful prospect a mentored learning experience, and the opportunity to expand his/her classroom knowledge and skills within a professional setting.

Read Liberia is a five-year activity funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It seeks to improve early grade reading (EGR) skills of Liberian students in grades one and two (G1 and G2), and to pilot test emergent literacy skills of Liberian students in public kindergarten (KG) schools in six targeted counties: Lofa, Bong, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Margibi, and Montserrado. Read Liberia has four Intermediate Results (IRs): 
  • IR 1: Government commitment to and support of evidence-based reading instruction increased
  • IR 2: Early grade reading classroom instruction improved
  • IR 3: Service delivery systems in early grade reading improved
  • IR 4: Parent, community, and private support for early grade reading increased.
  • The project is focused on building government capacity to implement classroom behavior change to improve EGR in target schools. Driving behavior change and providing continual support requires ongoing monitoring and supervision from within the existing system.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  1. Data entry and data verification for teacher training participant lists
  2. Support the development of project tracking database (offline data entry required, dual offline and online data entry capacity preferred
  3. Develop and process registration and tracking sheets and databases for teacher training and coaching workshops including data verification
  4. Support the development/review of teacher training monitoring instruments (pre- and post-tests)
  5. Work with the M&E team to analyze data
  6. Work with the M&E team during teacher training particularly in the support of participation documentation and training teachers in best practices for documentation
  7. Data tracking and verification for book distribution

Qualifications
  • Excellent written and spoken English
  • Experience with monitoring & evaluation
  • Experience with database design, use, and management (MS Access, SQL)
  • Experience with tool/instrument development
  • Understanding/interest in electronic data platforms (Tangerine, Kobo, PowerBI)
  • Knowledge of and experience in using qualitative and quantitative research methods in developing countries
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to travel to field locations
  • Eligible to receive academic credit or fulfill an academic program requirement.

Please contact Dr. Kate Izsak if you would like a reference for this position. 

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program

  The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program is accepting applications NOW for unpaid spring 2019 internships.  The Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations (CSO) invites students to consider a 10-week internship in our bureau in Washington DC.  Students who are studying conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and related foreign policy issues could be tomorrow’s diplomats - future diplomats whom the Department wants to hire. 

We accept numerous students each semester to work side by side with our staff on projects to address atrocity prevention, countering violent extremism, promoting defections from armed groups, defeating ISIS, preventing election violence, and supporting peace processes.  Interning in CSO provides an opportunity for hands on government work experience, enhancing research and analytic skills, and valuable networking.  Applications for the spring 2019 semester close on Friday, June 1, 2018.

Please see the link below to learn more about the State Department and CSO: https://www.state.gov/j/cso/index.htm

Friday, May 18, 2018

FEMA Corps

An Innovative Partnership
FEMA Corps is a partnership between FEMA and the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) program. FEMA Corps is a unique, team-based service program that gives 18‐24‐year‐old participants the opportunity to serve communities impacted by disaster while gaining professional development experience.
FEMA Corps members live, work, and travel in dedicated teams and serve for 10 months with an option to extend for a second term. They gain training and experience while providing important support to disaster survivors and communities. They also earn a modest living stipend during their service and receive an education award upon completion of the program.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Fulbright International English Teaching Opportunities

Are you interested in pursuing prestigious English teaching opportunities after graduation?
Attend an info session to learn about the Fulbright US Student Grant Program, the nation’s largest and most prestigious global fellowship program!

Fulbright awards are designed to give recent B.S./B.A. graduates (who are also US citizens) opportunities for international experience, personal enrichment and an open exchange of ideas with citizens of other nations. About 1100 English Teaching Assistantships are available to over 70 nations. For detailed information please visit the Fulbright US Student Program website at: http://us.fulbrightonline.org/about/types-of-awards/english-teaching-assistant-awards

The National Scholarships Office at the University of Maryland is hosting information several workshops on Fulbright English teaching opportunities – please RSVP using the links below if you plan to attend (and let us know if are interested but unable to attend by writing to fulbright@umd.edu).

FULBRIGHT GRANT INFO SESSIONS: Please RSVP to fulbright@umd.edu and specify which day/time you plan to attend in your response:Monday May 14 at 12 noon – at 2403 Marie Mount HallMonday May 14 at 4 pm – at 2403 Marie Mount Hall Tuesday May 15 at 12 noon  – at 2403 Marie Mount Hall Tuesday May 15 at 4 pm – at 2403 Marie Mount Hall 

Can't attend - let us know at fulbright@umd.edu and we'll reach out to you individually.Who Can Apply: US Citizens – Current Juniors and Seniors, Recent Grads, Grad Students – All Majors – GPA of 3.2 or higher recommended – Campus Deadline: Thursday, September 1, 2018

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

The Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations would like to invite you to attend a Conference on Anticipating, Preventing, and Responding to Conflict on May 8, 2018 in Washington, DC.  The event will feature panels on atrocity prevention, countering violent extremism, defections and disengaged fighters, elections violence, monitoring and evaluation, peace processes, and the Stabilization Assistance Review.  Panelist will include State Department officials, and experts from academia, NGOs, and think tanks.

Please feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues.

Space is limited, to confirm your attendance and facilitate building access, please email CSORSVP@state.gov.