University development linkages

and developing country universities which strengthen the institutions, their international programs, and their mutual efforts. This project represents an evolution from five earlier projects: Strengthening Grants (9311282), Single MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) (9365061), Joint MOU Agriculture (9365058), Joint MOU Health (9365057), and Matching Support Grant (9365060). The Center for University Cooperation in Development will be responsible for coordinating project activities. The collaborative linkages fostered by the project can be expected to produce: (1) solutions to specific research problems of interest to host and U.S. institutions; (2) improved curricula, organizational structures, research and teaching methodologies, linkages to wider academic communities, and faculty revitalization; (3) collaborative development of training courses (with extension purposes), surveys, and pilot programs for education and information delivery; and (4) increased interest and experience of U.S. faculty in development issues that relate to USAID interest and to the development cooperation objectives of their universities. To these ends, the project will make small grants to U.S. universities to finance technical assistance, training, and a very small amount of commodity procurement. It is expected that most funds will be used for linking activities such as faculty travel, faculty per diems, communications, and publications. Recipients will provide matching resources, and faculty salaries and consultants" fees will be borne by each institution. The project anticipates participation from bilateral USAID projects and will accept buy-ins.