US allocates $12 million to Georgia’s professional development

The United States government has allocated $12 million USD (26,938,853 GEL) to the professional development of Georgia.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) announced it was ready to give out the funding to those who will create new vocational education programs and develop already existing projects for the Industry-led Skills and Workforce Development Project (ISWD).

A grant competition has already been announced, which is open to all public or private Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers and companies, educational establishments such as universities and public or private schools, professional organisations and non-governmental organisations.

Potential benefactors will compete for a share of $12 million USD in grants, with grant sizes ranging from $300,000 USD to $3 million USD.

"In their program proposals, grantees must demonstrate how their grants will address industry needs, including elements of public-private partnership, e.g. through co-funding. The projects must meet international standards in environmental and social protection, occupational health and safety, and social and gender integration,” a statement released by Millenium Challenge Corporation read.

The ISWD project was funded under the second $140 million Compact between the MCC and the Government of Georgia and was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia.